Weekly Update

UPDATES

The Nevada Day Parade was a huge success!  Parents who volunteered were so supportive!  Everything ran extremely smooth, the students were amazing, and the band received many, many compliments.  The best compliment came from a family that I overheard as we marched by. One of them said, "No, they're actually a middle school."  "Really?"  Thanks again for your contribution towards putting out a high quality product that has given us great publicity. Please send any pictures or videos from the parade to me.

This week, we have the fall concert for beginning and concert bands. I hope you all attend.  These students in concert band and beginning band have a lot to show you!

There will be no after school marching rehearsals until Wednesday, December 4.  I will be holding open practice times in my room on various days during lunch and after school for students to work on and get help with honor band music.  Recordings will take place in 3 weeks.  We are also working on memorizing Battle Hymn of the Republic for the Veterans Day Parade, and all groups will be sight reading new music as we begin preparations for the winter concert.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SIERRA BAND CRUSADE  
To everyone who has reserved a spot for this trip:  We will meet at 8:45 AM on Saturday, November 2 at CMS in the band room, before taking the bus up to UNR for the day.  Your $15 goes towards tickets and lunch.  Be sure to bring something warm as our seats are in the shade!

FALL CONCERT
The Fall Concert is on Tuesday, October 29, at 6:00 PM in the CMS Cafeteria.  Call time for students is 5:30 PM in SSA dress, plus black shoes, black pants, and black socks.  Beginning Band and Concert Band members will be showcasing their first two months in band by playing out of the book and performing sheet music. See the flyer with more details about this event HERE. There will be a bake sale, so please support the band program while enjoying a Halloween treat!

VETERANS DAY PARADE - Monday, November 11
For intermediate and advanced band members, we will meet at 8:00 AM and have a morning rehearsal at CMS.  Once I receive our parade entry, I will have details about our bus loading time, departure time, and return time.  The parade starts at 11:11 AM, which puts our return time somewhere in the 12:30-1:30 PM window.  Students will wear the same tuxedo outfits as the Nevada Day Parade.


CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

October 29: Fall Band Concert (mandatory for beginning and concert bands). 5:30-6:30 PM
November 2: Sierra Band Crusade (for band members who paid) 8:45 AM-5:00 PM
November 7: Veterans Assembly (during school for int/adv band, and parents are welcome!). 10:15-10:45 AM
November 11: Reno Veterans Day Parade (mandatory for marching members). Times TBA
December 7: Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade (mandatory for marching members): Times TBA
December 12: Winter Concert (mandatory for all bands and strings): 5:30-8:30 PM

PRACTICING

*Practice Sheets due Tuesday*  The first class with 100% turned in on time will earn the reward of no longer needing to fill them out.

Beginning Band: Essential Elements, #14, 17, 18, 25, 31, 45, 54, 55, 56, 57, and all performance warm-ups.   Play up to #65 after the concert.
Concert Band: Essential Elements, #54, 55, 56, 57, 75, 77, 90, 91 and First Concert March.  Play up to #120 after the concert and look at honor band music if you have it.
Intermediate Band:  Battle Hymn of the Republic, Honor Band music, new winter concert music.
Advanced Band: Battle Hymn of the Republic, Honor Band music, new winter concert music.
Strings: Experienced students should work on any Strazz music, Diggy Liggy and Suo Gan.
Beginners, violas, and low strings should work on Lackawanna Locomotive and Countdown to Christmas.  Focus extra attention on bowing and intonation.

That's the news for this week! 

-Mr. Jacques