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