Dear Parents,
Just a couple more quick updates before we begin Thanksgiving break and say goodbye to November.
Honor Band: By now, you have probably heard from your students about the honor band results. This year, we had 20 students make it into honor band, including 4 who are first chair players. Congratulations to everybody who auditioned. New this year: students who made it into honor band will be considered for an All-State middle school honor band! I have nominated the top 10 performers for this prestigious opportunity, which will take place in Reno during April 23-26.
Practice Sheets: For this week only, band classes have the choice of whether or not they want to fill out practice sheets. Although I am still asking students to practice as they can, they will not be required to turn in a sheet next Tuesday. If they turn one in, they will receive extra credit for any time practiced. Strings students are still required to fill out a practice sheet for next week. They will, however, receive up to 5 points extra credit if they practice over 100 minutes total.
Winter Concert Update: Due to a schedule conflict with Eagle Valley Middle School, I am changing our winter concert start time to 6:30 PM, still on December 12. Here are the details:
Thursday, December 12
7:45-10:45 AM: Dress rehearsal at the community center. Please drop off your students at the community center first thing in the morning. Students in periods 1, 2, and 6 will return to CMS by 10 AM. Students in periods 3, 5, and jazz band will return by 10:55 AM. We will do run throughs of the music and go over how to get on and off stage.
6:00 PM: Call time for Beginning Band, Concert Band, and Strings, in concert dress.
6:30 PM: Call time for Intermediate Band and Advanced Band, in concert dress.
6:30 PM: Concert begins with performances from Beginning Band, Concert Band, and Strings.
7:20 PM: INTERMISSION
7:30 PM: Concert continues with performances from Intermediate Band, Advanced Band, and Jazz Band.
8:30 PM: Concert ends.
I will be providing a flyer next week with more details, including ways that you as parents can be involved.
I am very thankful for your students and the amazing progress they are all making. I don't tell them that often enough. Have a great Thanksgiving holiday weekend!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Weekly Update
UPDATES
100% of Advanced Band turned in their practice sheets last week! As long as they keep practicing at home, they will no longer be required to fill them out!
Sparks Christmas Parade - Saturday, December 7.
I have official information regarding the parade, available HERE. A copy of this will be given to the students on Monday. Call time for all participants (intermediate and advanced band) will be 9:00 AM. The parade starts at 1:00 PM, and our entry number is 38. Following the parade, we will reward the group with a stop at Meadowood Mall so they can eat and shop. Please let me know if you'd like to tag along as a chaperone.
Updated Advanced Band News: Honor band auditions are in the books. Results will be published in an additional update on Tuesday. As of now, the spring trip is still on hold, but students are making progress in their efforts to earn back the trip. The class is halfway to spelling "D-I-S-N-E-Y-L-A-N-D" If the class spells it out with at least 5 more well behaved and productive rehearsals between now and December 12, they will earn back the trip. We will discuss the trip and payment options at the meeting on Dec. 3.
Students who are in two different ensembles: if they are having trouble fulfilling their practice requirements, they can split their practice time between the two instruments. This means at least 50 minutes and at least two days per week on each instrument. Please either write both instruments on one sheet or staple the two together to ensure they are given full credit.
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
December 3: Parent Meeting, CMS Band Room, 6:30 PM.
December 4: Marching Rehearsal, 2:30-3:30 PM.
December 7: Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade (mandatory for marching members): 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
December 12: Winter Concert (mandatory for all bands and strings): 5:30-8:30 PM. Community Center.
PRACTICING
*Practice Sheets due Tuesday* Advanced Band was the first class to reach 100%. The next class with 100% turned in on time will earn the reward of no longer needing to fill them out.
Starting this week, instead of lunch detentions, students will have writing assignments during class on their block schedule days. They will be required to complete a paper on responsibility in order to reinforce their need to turn in work. Lunch detentions are taking a lot of time away from my students who need help on Fridays at lunch.
Please practice the following this week:
Beginning Band: First Concert March, Name That Christmas Carol, Holiday Fanfare.
Concert Band: Sounds of the Season, Irish Tune from County Derry, Linus and Lucy.
Intermediate Band: Merry Bells, In The Bleak Midwinter, Ding Dong Merrily on High, Holiday Classics, and Cartoon Christmas (Measures 11-37 and 79-end ONLY).
Advanced Band: It's The Holiday Season, Cartoon Christmas, Russian Christmas Music.
Strings: Experienced students should work on any Strazz music and Diggy Liggy.
Beginners, violas, and low strings should work on Lackawanna Locomotive and Countdown to Christmas. Everybody should work on all Christmas carols that we rehearsed this week.
That's the news for this week!
-Mr. Jacques
100% of Advanced Band turned in their practice sheets last week! As long as they keep practicing at home, they will no longer be required to fill them out!
Sparks Christmas Parade - Saturday, December 7.
I have official information regarding the parade, available HERE. A copy of this will be given to the students on Monday. Call time for all participants (intermediate and advanced band) will be 9:00 AM. The parade starts at 1:00 PM, and our entry number is 38. Following the parade, we will reward the group with a stop at Meadowood Mall so they can eat and shop. Please let me know if you'd like to tag along as a chaperone.
Updated Advanced Band News: Honor band auditions are in the books. Results will be published in an additional update on Tuesday. As of now, the spring trip is still on hold, but students are making progress in their efforts to earn back the trip. The class is halfway to spelling "D-I-S-N-E-Y-L-A-N-D" If the class spells it out with at least 5 more well behaved and productive rehearsals between now and December 12, they will earn back the trip. We will discuss the trip and payment options at the meeting on Dec. 3.
Students who are in two different ensembles: if they are having trouble fulfilling their practice requirements, they can split their practice time between the two instruments. This means at least 50 minutes and at least two days per week on each instrument. Please either write both instruments on one sheet or staple the two together to ensure they are given full credit.
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
December 3: Parent Meeting, CMS Band Room, 6:30 PM.
December 4: Marching Rehearsal, 2:30-3:30 PM.
December 7: Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade (mandatory for marching members): 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
December 12: Winter Concert (mandatory for all bands and strings): 5:30-8:30 PM. Community Center.
PRACTICING
*Practice Sheets due Tuesday* Advanced Band was the first class to reach 100%. The next class with 100% turned in on time will earn the reward of no longer needing to fill them out.
Starting this week, instead of lunch detentions, students will have writing assignments during class on their block schedule days. They will be required to complete a paper on responsibility in order to reinforce their need to turn in work. Lunch detentions are taking a lot of time away from my students who need help on Fridays at lunch.
Please practice the following this week:
Beginning Band: First Concert March, Name That Christmas Carol, Holiday Fanfare.
Concert Band: Sounds of the Season, Irish Tune from County Derry, Linus and Lucy.
Intermediate Band: Merry Bells, In The Bleak Midwinter, Ding Dong Merrily on High, Holiday Classics, and Cartoon Christmas (Measures 11-37 and 79-end ONLY).
Advanced Band: It's The Holiday Season, Cartoon Christmas, Russian Christmas Music.
Strings: Experienced students should work on any Strazz music and Diggy Liggy.
Beginners, violas, and low strings should work on Lackawanna Locomotive and Countdown to Christmas. Everybody should work on all Christmas carols that we rehearsed this week.
That's the news for this week!
-Mr. Jacques
Monday, November 18, 2013
Weekly Update
UPDATES
Updated Advanced Band News: Honor band and advanced band auditions are taking place this week. Students have signed up for a 10 minute slot either during lunch or after school. As of now, the spring trip is still on hold, but I am allowing the students an opportunity to earn back the trip. The class will, with good rehearsals, earn a letter that spells "D-I-S-N-E-Y-L-A-N-D." If the class spells it out with at least 10 well behaved and productive rehearsals between now and December 12, they will earn back the trip. So far, it's helping. They earned a letter on Friday, but didn't earn one today. They should all know my expectations, so it's all a matter of teamwork.
Students who are in two different ensembles: if they are having trouble fulfilling their practice requirements, they can split their practice time between the two instruments. This means at least 50 minutes and at least two days per week on each instrument. Please either write both instruments on one sheet or staple the two together to ensure they are given full credit.
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
November 19-22: Honor Band Auditions: During lunch and after school from 2:30-3:30 PM.
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. Community Center.
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.
Starting this week, instead of lunch detentions, students will have writing assignments during class on their block schedule days. They will be required to complete a paper on responsibility in order to reinforce their need to turn in work. Lunch detentions are taking a lot of time away from my students who need help on Fridays at lunch.
Please practice the following this wee:
Beginning Band: First Concert March, Name That Christmas Carol, Holiday Fanfare.
Concert Band: Sounds of the Season, Irish Tune from County Derry, Linus and Lucy.
Intermediate Band: Merry Bells, In The Bleak Midwinter, Ding Dong Merrily on High, Holiday Classics, and Cartoon Christmas (Measures 11-37 and 79-end ONLY).
Advanced Band: It's The Holiday Season, Cartoon Christmas, Russian Christmas Music.
Strings: Experienced students should work on any Strazz music and Diggy Liggy.
Beginners, violas, and low strings should work on Lackawanna Locomotive and Countdown to Christmas. Everybody should work on all Christmas carols that we rehearsed this week.
That's the news for this week!
-Mr. Jacques
Updated Advanced Band News: Honor band and advanced band auditions are taking place this week. Students have signed up for a 10 minute slot either during lunch or after school. As of now, the spring trip is still on hold, but I am allowing the students an opportunity to earn back the trip. The class will, with good rehearsals, earn a letter that spells "D-I-S-N-E-Y-L-A-N-D." If the class spells it out with at least 10 well behaved and productive rehearsals between now and December 12, they will earn back the trip. So far, it's helping. They earned a letter on Friday, but didn't earn one today. They should all know my expectations, so it's all a matter of teamwork.
Students who are in two different ensembles: if they are having trouble fulfilling their practice requirements, they can split their practice time between the two instruments. This means at least 50 minutes and at least two days per week on each instrument. Please either write both instruments on one sheet or staple the two together to ensure they are given full credit.
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
November 19-22: Honor Band Auditions: During lunch and after school from 2:30-3:30 PM.
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. Community Center.
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.
Starting this week, instead of lunch detentions, students will have writing assignments during class on their block schedule days. They will be required to complete a paper on responsibility in order to reinforce their need to turn in work. Lunch detentions are taking a lot of time away from my students who need help on Fridays at lunch.
Please practice the following this wee:
Beginning Band: First Concert March, Name That Christmas Carol, Holiday Fanfare.
Concert Band: Sounds of the Season, Irish Tune from County Derry, Linus and Lucy.
Intermediate Band: Merry Bells, In The Bleak Midwinter, Ding Dong Merrily on High, Holiday Classics, and Cartoon Christmas (Measures 11-37 and 79-end ONLY).
Advanced Band: It's The Holiday Season, Cartoon Christmas, Russian Christmas Music.
Strings: Experienced students should work on any Strazz music and Diggy Liggy.
Beginners, violas, and low strings should work on Lackawanna Locomotive and Countdown to Christmas. Everybody should work on all Christmas carols that we rehearsed this week.
That's the news for this week!
-Mr. Jacques
Monday, November 11, 2013
Weekly Update
UPDATES
Veterans Day Parade is in the books. As the only middle school band at this parade, as well as the only band coming from Carson City, we represented our community with a great performance.
Updated Advanced Band News: Unfortunately, despite a very positive performance in Reno, my concerns with advanced band's motivation and work ethic are becoming even more serious. There were multiple cases of disrespect, excessive talking, screaming on the bus, and people not following directions (after being asked to do something multiple times). Parade performances are privileges, and as a result, a few students will be given an alternative assignment instead of marching in the Sparks Christmas Parade. I am also still going to re-audition students to make sure they should still continue in advanced band. All advanced band students will take the honor band audition as a playing test for a grade. Their behavior at both parades, as well as during rehearsals, will also be taken into consideration. Their recording will go towards their honor band audition if they choose to have me send it in. Intermediate and concert band members may also audition for a spot in advanced band using the honor band audition material. The auditions will take place during lunch and after school the week of November 18. As of now, the spring trip is on hold. The band will have to prove to me that they can be trusted on an out-of-state trip.
Mile High Jazz Band at Comma Coffee on 11/12: This concert will showcase the Mile High Jazz Band, who will be playing at Comma Coffee from 7:30-9:30 PM on 11/12. Admission is 5 dollars for adults and free for students.
Honor Band Auditions to take place the week of 11/18: For those auditioning, I will be available for extra help after school each day this week until 3:30 PM. I will also be open during all lunches. Auditions will start on Monday, 11/18, and will be taped at lunch and after school on all 5 days. Sign up sheets will be available this week.
No Jazz Band Rehearsal on Thursday, Nov. 14.
Students who are in two different ensembles: if they are having trouble fulfilling their practice requirements, they can split their practice time between the two instruments. This means at least 50 minutes and at least two days per week on each instrument. Please either write both instruments on one sheet or staple the two together to ensure they are given full credit.
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
November 18-22: Honor Band Auditions: During lunch and after school from 2:30-3:30 PM.
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. Community Center.
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: First Concert March, Name That Christmas Carol, Holiday Fanfare.
Concert Band: Essential Elements, #86-89; Sounds of the Season, Irish Tune from County Derry, Holiday Classics, optional honor band music.
Intermediate Band: Optional honor band music, Merry Bells, In The Bleak Midwinter, Ding Dong Merrily on High, Linus and Lucy.
Advanced Band: Honor Band music (mandatory for all), It's The Holiday Season, Cartoon Christmas, Russian Christmas 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. Everybody should work on the packet of Christmas carols. We will choose which ones to perform next week.
That's the news for this week!
-Mr. Jacques
Veterans Day Parade is in the books. As the only middle school band at this parade, as well as the only band coming from Carson City, we represented our community with a great performance.
Updated Advanced Band News: Unfortunately, despite a very positive performance in Reno, my concerns with advanced band's motivation and work ethic are becoming even more serious. There were multiple cases of disrespect, excessive talking, screaming on the bus, and people not following directions (after being asked to do something multiple times). Parade performances are privileges, and as a result, a few students will be given an alternative assignment instead of marching in the Sparks Christmas Parade. I am also still going to re-audition students to make sure they should still continue in advanced band. All advanced band students will take the honor band audition as a playing test for a grade. Their behavior at both parades, as well as during rehearsals, will also be taken into consideration. Their recording will go towards their honor band audition if they choose to have me send it in. Intermediate and concert band members may also audition for a spot in advanced band using the honor band audition material. The auditions will take place during lunch and after school the week of November 18. As of now, the spring trip is on hold. The band will have to prove to me that they can be trusted on an out-of-state trip.
Mile High Jazz Band at Comma Coffee on 11/12: This concert will showcase the Mile High Jazz Band, who will be playing at Comma Coffee from 7:30-9:30 PM on 11/12. Admission is 5 dollars for adults and free for students.
Honor Band Auditions to take place the week of 11/18: For those auditioning, I will be available for extra help after school each day this week until 3:30 PM. I will also be open during all lunches. Auditions will start on Monday, 11/18, and will be taped at lunch and after school on all 5 days. Sign up sheets will be available this week.
No Jazz Band Rehearsal on Thursday, Nov. 14.
Students who are in two different ensembles: if they are having trouble fulfilling their practice requirements, they can split their practice time between the two instruments. This means at least 50 minutes and at least two days per week on each instrument. Please either write both instruments on one sheet or staple the two together to ensure they are given full credit.
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
November 18-22: Honor Band Auditions: During lunch and after school from 2:30-3:30 PM.
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. Community Center.
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: First Concert March, Name That Christmas Carol, Holiday Fanfare.
Concert Band: Essential Elements, #86-89; Sounds of the Season, Irish Tune from County Derry, Holiday Classics, optional honor band music.
Intermediate Band: Optional honor band music, Merry Bells, In The Bleak Midwinter, Ding Dong Merrily on High, Linus and Lucy.
Advanced Band: Honor Band music (mandatory for all), It's The Holiday Season, Cartoon Christmas, Russian Christmas 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. Everybody should work on the packet of Christmas carols. We will choose which ones to perform next week.
That's the news for this week!
-Mr. Jacques
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Weekly Update
UPDATES
The first annual Fall Concert went well! Students were inspired by their performance, and it was a wonderful way to expose them to a concert in a less stressful environment. Thank you to all parents who donated items to the bake sale. We raised almost $300!
Sierra Band Crusade was a success, too. Many of the students who attended mentioned that they really want to do marching band now.
Advanced Band News: Due to some concerns that I have had recently over motivation, I am going to re-audition students to make sure they should still continue in advanced band. All advanced band students will take the honor band audition as a playing test for a grade. Their behavior during rehearsals and events will also be taken into consideration. Their recording will go towards their honor band audition if they choose to have me send it in. I will also invite any concert and intermediate band member to try the test. If any of those members out perform the advanced band members, I will consider moving them up to advanced band and bumping the other into intermediate band. The auditions will take place on the week of November 18.
UPCOMING EVENTS
VETERANS ASSEMBLY - Thursday, November 7
Intermediate and advanced band students will be performing a brief 5 minute presentation to veterans and their families, as well as some other teachers and students. If you're interested in watching, we will perform sometime between 10:15 and 10:45 AM. You must check in at the office to attend.
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. We will depart CMS at 9:30. The parade starts at 11:11 AM, which puts our return time somewhere in the 1:30-2:00 PM window. Our entry number is 62, so I anticipate that we will step off a little after 12:00 PM. Students will wear the same tuxedo outfits as the Nevada Day Parade. I have room for chaperones, if you're interested. I need the bottom portion of THIS handout returned as soon as possible (I gave students a hard copy, as well). If you are picking up your student in Reno, you must fill out a student release form in the office by TOMORROW!
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
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). 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
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, #62-65, 78, 86-89; Name That Christmas Carol, Holiday Fanfare.
Concert Band: Essential Elements, #86-89; Sounds of the Season, Irish Tune from County Derry, Holiday Classics.
Intermediate Band: Battle Hymn of the Republic, Honor Band music (if auditioning), Merry Bells, In The Bleak Midwinter, Ding Dong Merrily on High, Linus and Lucy.
Advanced Band: Battle Hymn of the Republic, Honor Band music (mandatory for all), It's The Holiday Season, Cartoon Christmas, Russian Christmas 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. More music is coming this week.
That's the news for this week!
-Mr. Jacques
The first annual Fall Concert went well! Students were inspired by their performance, and it was a wonderful way to expose them to a concert in a less stressful environment. Thank you to all parents who donated items to the bake sale. We raised almost $300!
Sierra Band Crusade was a success, too. Many of the students who attended mentioned that they really want to do marching band now.
Advanced Band News: Due to some concerns that I have had recently over motivation, I am going to re-audition students to make sure they should still continue in advanced band. All advanced band students will take the honor band audition as a playing test for a grade. Their behavior during rehearsals and events will also be taken into consideration. Their recording will go towards their honor band audition if they choose to have me send it in. I will also invite any concert and intermediate band member to try the test. If any of those members out perform the advanced band members, I will consider moving them up to advanced band and bumping the other into intermediate band. The auditions will take place on the week of November 18.
UPCOMING EVENTS
VETERANS ASSEMBLY - Thursday, November 7
Intermediate and advanced band students will be performing a brief 5 minute presentation to veterans and their families, as well as some other teachers and students. If you're interested in watching, we will perform sometime between 10:15 and 10:45 AM. You must check in at the office to attend.
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. We will depart CMS at 9:30. The parade starts at 11:11 AM, which puts our return time somewhere in the 1:30-2:00 PM window. Our entry number is 62, so I anticipate that we will step off a little after 12:00 PM. Students will wear the same tuxedo outfits as the Nevada Day Parade. I have room for chaperones, if you're interested. I need the bottom portion of THIS handout returned as soon as possible (I gave students a hard copy, as well). If you are picking up your student in Reno, you must fill out a student release form in the office by TOMORROW!
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
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). 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
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, #62-65, 78, 86-89; Name That Christmas Carol, Holiday Fanfare.
Concert Band: Essential Elements, #86-89; Sounds of the Season, Irish Tune from County Derry, Holiday Classics.
Intermediate Band: Battle Hymn of the Republic, Honor Band music (if auditioning), Merry Bells, In The Bleak Midwinter, Ding Dong Merrily on High, Linus and Lucy.
Advanced Band: Battle Hymn of the Republic, Honor Band music (mandatory for all), It's The Holiday Season, Cartoon Christmas, Russian Christmas 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. More music is coming this week.
That's the news for this week!
-Mr. Jacques
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