I found this newsletter to be a great success last year, so I'm continuing the newsletter as a way to keep you informed about everything we do in your student's band or strings class. With that said, welcome to a great year at CMS! The school has made some exciting changes to improve school culture and student success. As I begin my 3rd year of teaching at Carson Middle School, I'm feeling a great sense of enthusiasm, excitement, and positive morale from every single class. Here's what we accomplished during the first week:
- Took care of forms and fees
- Rented almost every school instrument in my inventory
- Demonstrated instruments to the beginning ensembles
- Began playing instruments and sight reading
- Intermediate and Advanced bands began marching and have also been fitted for uniforms
Band and Strings Handbook
This year, the handbook has gone digital! You may view it on the CMS bands page. Hard copies will still be available upon request.
Calendar of Events
This year's new calendar of events is now complete. All events for the listed groups are mandatory with the exception of the car wash, the fall football game, and Sierra Band Crusade. Check out the complete Fall 2014 Calendar for yourself!
Upcoming Event: Marching Rehearsals
All intermediate and advanced band members will participate in marching rehearsals, which will take place on Tuesdays from 2:45-4:30 PM through November. Please ensure your student has a change of clothes, sunscreen, and a water bottle to make sure they're comfortable.
Upcoming Event: Car Wash Fundraiser
Grocery Outlet has been gracious enough to allow us to use their parking lot again to hold a car wash on September 6 from 9 AM-1 PM. All 7th and 8th grade students are being asked to help sell tickets. They will also have the option to help run the car wash if they wish. I'll be sending kids home with a handout and tickets ($5 each) next week. Last year, we raised over $1200 to go towards a band trip. This year, funds generated from this event will go towards band uniform and polo shirt embroidery. We also have a design for the new upcoming CMS music polos (there will be one that says "strings" too):
After School Rehearsals
- Monday, August 25: Percussion Workshop (int/adv band) - 2:30-4:00 PM
- Tuesday, August 26: Marching Rehearsal (int/adv band) - 2:45-4:30 PM *Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and a change of clothes each Tuesday*
Jazz Band
Jazz band begins on Monday at 7:00 AM. I'd like to see all interested students come to the first few rehearsals, even if they take the bus and arrive late. During the week, I will introduce the students to what we do in jazz band and see who can play the music. Although jazz band typically only uses saxes, trombones, and trumpets, I will consider other instruments and make a final decision by the end of the week.
Stay tuned for next week's update.
