Updated 7/21/14
CMS Band "Orientation"
The band room will be open for for all 6th grade band and orchestra students on August 13 from 4:00-6:00 PM, and for all 7th and 8th grade band and orchestra students on August 14 from 4:00-6:00 PM (during the CMS preview nights). I encourage all parents and students to attend so we can accomplish the following:
Instrument Rentals
Method Book Distribution
Uniform Fitting
Paperwork and Fees
New This Fall!
With the new school year just around the corner, you will notice several "new" things in the CMS Band and Orchestra experience from last year. Here's what will be new this fall:
1. New Method Book!! We are now using the Sound Innovations Book published through Alfred Publishing. For beginning and concert band: This book CANNOT be bought in stores!! It must be bought through the school. It is a specially edited book that will last the beginning and concert band students all year. I am very excited to be switching to this book. Students in intermediate and advanced bands as well as orchestra will also be switching method books.
2. SMART Music! We are following in the footsteps of other successful music programs as we begin to use a computer program to help students practice and take assessments all while having a great time!! After having played on this program and learned all I can about it, this program is a HUGE asset to your student's music education and, if at all possible, should be considered greatly for purchase of the home use ($40 for entire year). Students will be required to take some of their playing tests through this program and must arrange a time before or after school if a home purchase is not possible. Please see the "SMART Music" link for more information.
3. 6th grade/beginning band karate!! All 6th grade and beginning band students will have the opportunity to participate in this inaugural year of Band Karate. While not required for a grade, it is expected that all students will participate. They will be earning "belts" by achieving certain milestones and benchmarks throughout their first year in middle school band.
4. Updated CMS Band and Orchestra Handbook. This handbook, though long, has EVERYTHING that all parents and students need to know about the expectations, supplies needed, band opportunities, etc. It is designed to give everyone the basic information from the beginning of the year. To save trees this year, the handbook will be available online by August 13th. A hard copy may also be obtained by request. Please make sure to read through it and ask any questions that may come up.
5. Band Binders required! Last year, too many students forgot or lost music and/or handouts. Over the summer, I decided that a band binder is the best way for students to both learn organizational skills in addition to actually keeping all their things passed out to them. Please be sure to help keep your kids on track with this. It will make their lives much easier in the long run!! :)
6. Jazz Band as a class! Thanks to the hard work of our students who came in every morning at 7 AM last year, jazz band was a huge success, and it will now be offered as a class during the day! I'm excited to be offering a class that will be teaching America's music to our next generation. Although I will consider any instrument, I have an extra need for saxes, trombones, trumpets, and rhythm instruments. This is an amazing opportunity to have your student perform in multiple ensembles here at CMS!
I'm extremely excited to see our returning 7th and 8th grade students as they prepare to learn and progress in their musical studies. I'm also very excited to meet the incoming 6th grade and beginning band members as we embark together on this new and exciting musical adventure! I hope all students are excited. Best of luck and please feel free to ask any questions you may have. I check my email frequently (njacques@carson.k12.nv.us) and will be available during the preview nights. A fun year of music is about to begin for all!
Best,
Mr. Jacques
