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