Marching Forward

Dear Parents,

We are beginning to hit the busier part of our fall season, with many fun activities just around the corner.  Here's an update on last week's news:

• The 1st annual Parent Preview and Barbecue on September 27 was a success.  Last spring, the high school band director, Bill Zabelsky, donated about $30,000 worth of band uniforms to our program.  I then had them cleaned and embroidered with our school letters.  On Saturday, the CMS Marching Band debuted them to the parents with a showcase performance and a family barbecue.  The kids wore them with pride and put on a great show for the parents. I forgot to introduce the drum majors, so I'll do it here.  Regan Lowe, Adelynn Puett, and Jacob Richetta will each get to lead the band through one of the parades this fall.  Thank you to everyone who helped with this project.  A special thank you to the students who showed a lot of pride and professionalism, while still managing to have fun!

• Dr. Snider and Dr. Davis, tuba and horn professors from UNR, visited Concert band, Intermediate band, and Advanced band for a workshop.  The students had a chance to hear them perform and discuss techniques on breathing and practicing.  They personally complimented me on the atmosphere in the room.  Students were extremely polite and had a great experience.
• Beginning band, Concert band, Beginning strings, and Advanced strings are preparing for their fall concert on October 15.  Details about this concert are forthcoming.
• Advanced band and Intermediate band are going to be receiving some winter concert music this week. 'Tis the season!

New Fundraiser - Dolan Automotive's 2014 Class Project - Update

Thank you to the amazing contributions we have received so far.  I cannot thank you enough!  We are 44% to our goal of $2500.  Keep spreading the word!!

http://classproject2014.dolanautogroup.com/campaigns/carson-middle-school-instrumental-music-help-improve-our-band-room 

Practice Logs

Practice logs are due each Friday.  Students may click the link on the top of the website, or go here.

Students who do not turn in a practice log will be required to take a playing test on Monday to earn up to half credit.  The material will be chosen from what they have been asked to practice the previous week.  This week, I was surprised by how many students did not turn one in, with only two classes (Intermediate Band and Beginning Strings) that did better than last week:

63% Concert Band

71% Intermediate Band

55% Advanced Band

35%​ Advanced Strings

48% Beginning Band

74% Beginning Strings

Marching Rehearsals

Marching rehearsals will continue on Tuesdays for all intermediate and advanced band members from 2:45-4:30 PM.  Now that they're ready, we will begin marching through the neighborhood and building their endurance.

Upcoming Event: Oktoberfest, "Oktober" 11 (aka Parents' Afternoon Out!)

On October 11 the Boosters will be hosting an Oktoberfest for the enjoyment of those 21 and older. Tickets will be $20 and will include a sausage, beer/wine tasting, and a souvenir mug. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the event. We are looking into a way to sell tickets online, so please watch for an email and a flyer coming home with details once we decide.

Upcoming Event: Fall Concert and Spaghetti Feed, October 15

On October 15, we will have a spaghetti feed fundraiser, as well as a concert to showcase our orchestra program, as well as our beginning band and concert band.  The spaghetti feed will begin at 6:00 PM, with the concert beginning at 6:30 PM.  The cost to eat is $5 per plate, or $15 for a family of $4, but you may still come and watch your students for free.

Thanks, as always!

-Mr. Jacques-

Weekly Newsletter 9/21

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Week 6!  Here is what your students have learned this past week:

• Honor Band audition music was passed out to students in concert band, intermediate band, and advanced band.
• Beginning band students are beginning to sound like an ensemble as all students are developing good tone quality.
• Beginning strings students can now use their bows on simple songs.
• Concert band students received their first sheet music, First Concert March, and can play through it nonstop.  We are also planning other fun and exciting music for the fall concert.
• Intermediate band students are memorizing Battle Born in preparation for Parent Preview on Saturday.
• Advanced band has memorized Battle Born and will be receiving new music.
• Advanced strings can now play 4 songs and will be preparing those pieces for the fall concert.

New Fundraiser - Dolan Automotive's 2014 Class Project - Update

Thank you to the amazing contributions we have received so far.  I cannot thank you enough!  We are 27% to our goal of $2500.

Dolan Automotive Group is matching donations, dollar-for-dollar, in a crowdfunding campaign.  Go to http://classproject2014.dolanautogroup.com/campaigns/carson-middle-school-instrumental-music-help-improve-our-band-room and see for yourself!  I created a video that explains what we need, and anyone's donation will be matched as long as we reach our fundraising goal of $2500 by the end of October.  This fundraiser is a HUGE opportunity for us, and word of mouth will be essential to ensure its success.

Practice Logs

Practice logs are due each Friday.  Students may click the link on the top of the website, or go here.

Beginning this week, students who do not complete a practice log will do a playing test in class each week they don't turn one in.  The material will be chosen from what they have been asked to practice the previous week.  Depending on the results of the playing test, students may earn up to 50% of their grade, rather than receiving a "0".  Students have received a handout with all this information.  Here is how each class did this week, by percentage of students who turned them in:

Concert Band: 77%
Advanced Strings: 75%
Beginning Band: 67%
Advanced Band: 66%
Beginning Strings: 58%
Intermediate Band: 54%

Marching Rehearsals

Marching rehearsals will continue on Tuesdays for all intermediate and advanced band members from 2:45-4:30 PM.  They are doing very well and I appreciate their attendance.  As of now, rehearsal will take place as scheduled, and I will inform you if we have to cancel due to poor air quality.

Upcoming Event: Marching Preview & BBQ - September 27

This event is for all intermediate and advanced band members to show off what they have learned to parents and to give our wonderful volunteers a chance to do final uniform fitting. This is a required event as it has been on the schedule since the beginning of the year. Here is the schedule for the day:

• 9:30 am - Call in the band room. 
• 9:30 - 11:30 am - Music and marching rehearsal (parents are welcome to stick around and see what they do best!)
• 11:30 am - Students will perform for parents and family, followed by a BBQ presented by the boosters.

Students were given an information sheet on Friday. They are required to turn in the bottom portion so we have a correct number for the BBQ.

Upcoming Event: Oktoberfest

On October 11 the Boosters will be hosting an Oktoberfest for the enjoyment of those 21 and older. Tickets will be $20 and will include food, beer/wine tasting, and a souvenir mug. More details to follow after the booster meeting.

Boosters

The first booster meeting took place last week and we discussed some great ideas. The minutes from the meeting are available on the website at: http://www.cmsbands.org/#!boosterminutes/cn9s . Our next meeting will be Monday, September 22 @ 6:00 pm in the band room.  I hope to see you all there.

Thanks, as always!

-Mr. Jacques-

Weekly Newsletter 9/15

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Week 5!  Here is what your students have learned this past week:

• Students received new chair placements based on their playing test scores.
• Beginning band students can now play 5 pitches, whole notes, half notes, and quarter notes.
• Beginning strings students learned how to use their bows.
• Concert band students learned about blend and balance, and can play more complex technique exercises.
• Intermediate band students re-learned their chromatic scale and are almost ready for a playing test on Battle Born
• Advanced band almost has Battle Born memorized in its entirety.
• Advanced strings has had their first playing test and is receiving new music this week.

New Fundraiser - Dolan Automotive's 2014 Class Project

Our next fundraiser requires community support in the form of donations in order to reach its full potential.  Dolan Automotive Group is matching donations, dollar-for-dollar, in a crowdfunding campaign.  Go to http://classproject2014.dolanautogroup.com/campaigns/carson-middle-school-instrumental-music-help-improve-our-band-room and see for yourself!  I created a video that explains what we need, and anyone's donation will be matched as long as we reach our fundraising goal of $2500 by the end of October.  This fundraiser is a HUGE opportunity for us, and word of mouth will be essential to ensure its success.

Practice Logs

Practice logs are due each Friday.  Students may click the link on the top of the website, or go here.

Beginning next week, students who do not complete a practice log will do a playing test in class each week they don't turn one in.  The material will be chosen from what they have been asked to practice the previous week.  Depending on the results of the playing test, students may earn up to 50% of their grade, rather than receiving a "0".  All this information will be provided to students on a handout this week.

Marching Rehearsals

Marching rehearsals will continue on Tuesdays for all intermediate and advanced band members from 2:45-4:30 PM.  They are doing very well and I appreciate their attendance.  Remind them to keep cool and hydrated because we will be spending more time outside in the coming weeks once we finish learning the music.

Upcoming Event: Marching Preview & BBQ - September 27

This event is for all intermediate and advanced band members to show off what they have learned to parents and to give our wonderful volunteers a chance to do final uniform fitting. Here is the schedule for the day:

• 9:30 am - Call in the band room. 
• 9:30 - 11:30 am - Music and marching rehearsal (parents are welcome to stick around and see what they do best!)
• 11:30 am - Students will perform for parents and family, followed by a bbq presented by the boosters.

All parents, even if your student does not participate in these groups, are welcome to attend.  This is a great chance to reward the kids for all the extra time they put into marching band.

Upcoming Event: Oktoberfest

On October 11 the Boosters will be hosting an Oktoberfest for the enjoyment of those 21 and older. Tickets will be $20 and will include food, beer/wine tasting, and a souvenir mug. More details to follow.

Jazz Band

Jazz band is off to an excellent start.  We have learned our first piece and students are learning how to play improvised solos.  They will be receiving their second piece this week and we're planning to perform for a school assembly in the near future.

Boosters

The first booster meeting took place last week and we discussed some great ideas. The minutes from the meeting are available on the website at: http://www.cmsbands.org/#!boosterminutes/cn9s . Our next meeting will be Monday, September 22 @ 6:00 pm in the band room.

That's all, folks! (for this week)

-Mr. Jacques-

Weekly Newsletter 9/8

Dear Parents,

Another week already?  Those four day work weeks tend to fly by!  Here's how your students are doing as we approach week 4:

• All students are signed up to use SmartMusic in the classroom (read below for more information)
• Students submitted their first practice logs (read below for more information)
• The car wash was a great success, raising $1000 for our program.
• Beginning band students can play 3 notes
• Beginning strings students can play in rhythm on open strings and first/second finger notes.
• Concert band students did really well on their first playing test that reviewed first 5 notes.
• Intermediate band students did really well on their first playing test that reviewed the B Flat Major Scale
• Advanced band can play Battle Born, their parade piece, as well as a chromatic scale.  They're now ready for their winter concert and festival music, in September!
• Advanced strings has learned two pieces already, and are well on their way to completing a 3rd piece.

SmartMusic Update

On Friday, all students were signed up for student accounts on SmartMusic. Since some students are confused about how this works, I thought I would clarify for all of you.  In order to have playing tests on SmartMusic and use it in school, students need an account.  This account does not require the $40 subscription.  In order to practice at home, however, students must subscribe to the program, which is entirely optional.  We will be using it in class rather regularly, and all material we work on will be available to students to practice at home, but only if they have the subscription. If students that do not purchase the home subscription want additional practice time or to retake a playing test on the software, they must schedule a time before or after school, or during lunch to use the school's subscription. 

Practice Logs

Beginning this week, students will be required to track their practice time. They must keep accurate records so they can submit their practice time at the end of the week.  Each Friday, students will need to go to www.cmsbands.org and click "submit practice log" on the front page. Once they fill out the form, I'll be able to read them and grade them over the weekend.  Practice logs are due at 11:59 PM on Friday, even if they are absent.  Here are a few guidelines that will help your students do them correctly:

• Practice for at least 4 days per week and at least 15 minutes on the days they practice.
• Total time practiced must be at least 100 minutes per week to receive full credit, with extra credit offered if students exceed that time.
• Help make sure students are practicing music that we are working on in class, with proper practice techniques (more on this later)

Since this is the first week, students may practice whatever they need to in order to feel like they've reached our goals in class.  This also includes time spent watching the DVDs included in their method books if they're a beginner.  Next week, I'll provide a list of what I'm asking each ensemble to practice.  Let me know if you have any questions.

Car Wash is a Success!

A HUGE thank you to all parents and students who helped at the car wash. Also, thank you to those who brought food and water for the students.  The kids had a good time and we raised $1000 to go towards uniform embroidery.  Extra money will go towards cello storage racks and more music cubbies, which will be purchased if we meet our fundraising goal at the next event.

Marching Rehearsals

Marching rehearsals will continue on Tuesdays for all intermediate and advanced band members from 2:45-4:30 PM.  They are doing very well and I appreciate their attendance.  Remind them to keep cool and hydrated because we will be spending more time outside in the coming weeks once we finish learning the music.

Upcoming Event: Marching Preview & BBQ - September 27

This event is for all intermediate and advanced band members to show off what they have learned to parents and to give our wonderful volunteers a chance to do final uniform fitting. Here is the schedule for the day:

• 9:30 am - Call in the band room. 
• 9:30 - 11:30 am - Music and marching rehearsal (parents are welcome to stick around and see what they do best!)
• 11:30 am - Students will perform for parents and family, followed by a bbq presented by the boosters.

All parents, even if your student does not participate in these groups, are welcome to attend.  This is a great chance to reward the kids for all the extra time they put into marching band.

Jazz Band

Jazz band is off to an excellent start.  We have learned our first piece and students are learning how to play improvised solos.  They will be receiving their second piece this week and we're planning to perform for a school assembly in the near future.

Boosters

The first booster meeting took place last week and we discussed some great ideas. The minutes from the meeting are available on the website at: http://www.cmsbands.org/#!boosterminutes/cn9s

Thank you all for your support. It has been a wonderful start to the year!

-Mr. Jacques-

Weekly Newsletter 9/1

Dear Parents,

I hope you all enjoyed your Labor Day weekend!  Among going to the lake and enjoying some tasty ribs, I finished the marching band parade song for intermediate and advanced bands.  I will be posting it to SmartMusic and giving the students physical copies Tuesday.  Here's what we accomplished last week:

• Almost finished collecting all forms and fees
• Signed students up for Edmodo
• Distributed SmartMusic account information (does not require subscription to join)
• Beginning band and strings made first sounds!
• All other ensembles are reviewing all music fundamentals and are sounding better and better each day!

Band Booster Meeting

This year's first booster meeting will be on Wednesday, September 3, at 6:30 PM in the band room.  We will discuss the upcoming car wash, the parent preview night, and other plans that we have to help support the success of your student's music program.  Everybody is welcome to attend.

Upcoming Event: Car Wash Fundraiser

The car wash fundraiser is coming up on Saturday from 9 AM-1 PM at Grocery Outlet.  All students in intermediate and advanced band, and advanced strings will need to turn in money for their sold tickets by Wednesday.  Any unsold tickets will also be turned in at this time.  They will also have the option to help run the car wash if they wish and I will have a sign up sheet during the 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.

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 an optional change of clothes, sunscreen, and a water bottle to make sure they're comfortable. 

• Tuesday, September 2: Marching Rehearsal (int/adv band) - 2:45-4:30 PM 
• Tuesday, September 9: Marching Rehearsal (int/adv band) - 2:45-4:30 PM 

Upcoming Event: Marching Preview & BBQ

This event is for all intermediate and advanced band members to show off what they have learned to parents and to give our wonderful volunteers a chance to do final uniform fitting, and will take place Saturday, Sept. 27. Here is the schedule for the day:

• 9:30 am - Call in the band room. 
• 9:30 - 11:30 am - Music and marching rehearsal (parents are welcome to stick around and see what they do best!)
• 11:30 am - Students will perform for parents and family, followed by a bbq presented by the boosters.

More information to come!

Jazz Band

Jazz band takes place daily at 7:00 AM.  I'd like to see all interested students come to a rehearsal, 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.  I have an extra need for trombones this year.  I will teach beginners in this ensemble, too.

Stay tuned for next week's update.