Wednesday, October 29, 2014
We Did It!!!
Congratulations! Thanks to your sharing and donating, we reached our goal of $2500 in contributions for the Dolan Fundraiser. Today, representatives from Dolan presented our program with a check for $5030 dollars. The Advanced Band thanked them by performing "Battle Born". Check out the pictures below, and thank you again for everything you do!
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Let the Parades Begin!
Dear Parents,
Intermediate Band and Advanced Band will be participating in two parades in the next three weeks, and all other ensembles are working on new musical skills and new music for their winter concerts in December.
Concert Band has read through two of their winter concert pieces, and they will be receiving their other two concert pieces this week. Students have reached number 99 in their method book and will be tested for their orange band karate belts on November 7.
Intermediate Band has been working very hard in rehearsals to learn notes and rhythms to all their winter concert music while still practicing "Battle Born." We are reviewing sight reading skills each day to help them achieve their goal.
Advanced Band received another piece for the winter concert. They also performed a playing test on the Christmas parade song. On Wednesday, the band was accepted to perform at the Carson City tree lighting ceremony on December 5.
Advanced Strings has three of their winter concert music selections, and will be receiving their final ones this week.
Beginning Band is working on sight reading skills that are helping them learn their first piece of sheet music, "Name That Christmas Carol." The band has already worked through half of the song.
Beginning Strings is also working on sight reading skills and they are working on their first pieces of sheet music, "Fiddle It" and "Ode to Joy."
Upcoming Events
November 1: Nevada Day Parade - 9:30 AM call time in the band room for intermediate and advanced band members. Since we are entry #181, our band will be towards the end of the parade. If you come to watch, be sure that you stay to see us!
November 7: Fall Football Game - 5:30 PM call time at Carson High School. Optional event for intermediate and advanced band members. Anyone else is welcome to come as spectators to see the band.
November 8: Sierra Band Crusade - 8:45 AM call time in the band room for intermediate and advanced band members. This is an optional event that is open to the first 30 people who bring me their $10 for admission and lunch.
November 11: Veterans Day Parade - Call time TBA in the band room for intermediate and advanced band members. Details and entry information is forthcoming.
December 4: Winter Concert, Part 1 - 5:30 PM call time in the Community Center for Beginning Band, Concert Band, and Beginning Strings.
December 5: Carson City Tree Lighting - 6:00 PM call time at the skating rink for advanced band members. Anyone else is welcome to come and cheer us on in this festive event.
December 6: Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade - Call time TBA in band room for intermediate and advanced band members. Details and entry information is forthcoming.
December 11: Winter Concert, Part 2 - 5:30 PM call time in the Community Center for Intermediate Band, Advanced Strings, Advanced Band, and Jazz Band.
Intermediate Band and Advanced Band will be participating in two parades in the next three weeks, and all other ensembles are working on new musical skills and new music for their winter concerts in December.
Concert Band has read through two of their winter concert pieces, and they will be receiving their other two concert pieces this week. Students have reached number 99 in their method book and will be tested for their orange band karate belts on November 7.
Intermediate Band has been working very hard in rehearsals to learn notes and rhythms to all their winter concert music while still practicing "Battle Born." We are reviewing sight reading skills each day to help them achieve their goal.
Advanced Band received another piece for the winter concert. They also performed a playing test on the Christmas parade song. On Wednesday, the band was accepted to perform at the Carson City tree lighting ceremony on December 5.
Advanced Strings has three of their winter concert music selections, and will be receiving their final ones this week.
Beginning Band is working on sight reading skills that are helping them learn their first piece of sheet music, "Name That Christmas Carol." The band has already worked through half of the song.
Beginning Strings is also working on sight reading skills and they are working on their first pieces of sheet music, "Fiddle It" and "Ode to Joy."
Upcoming Events
November 1: Nevada Day Parade - 9:30 AM call time in the band room for intermediate and advanced band members. Since we are entry #181, our band will be towards the end of the parade. If you come to watch, be sure that you stay to see us!
November 7: Fall Football Game - 5:30 PM call time at Carson High School. Optional event for intermediate and advanced band members. Anyone else is welcome to come as spectators to see the band.
November 8: Sierra Band Crusade - 8:45 AM call time in the band room for intermediate and advanced band members. This is an optional event that is open to the first 30 people who bring me their $10 for admission and lunch.
November 11: Veterans Day Parade - Call time TBA in the band room for intermediate and advanced band members. Details and entry information is forthcoming.
December 4: Winter Concert, Part 1 - 5:30 PM call time in the Community Center for Beginning Band, Concert Band, and Beginning Strings.
December 5: Carson City Tree Lighting - 6:00 PM call time at the skating rink for advanced band members. Anyone else is welcome to come and cheer us on in this festive event.
December 6: Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade - Call time TBA in band room for intermediate and advanced band members. Details and entry information is forthcoming.
December 11: Winter Concert, Part 2 - 5:30 PM call time in the Community Center for Intermediate Band, Advanced Strings, Advanced Band, and Jazz Band.
Practice Logs
Practice logs are due each Friday at 11:59 pm. Students may click the link on the top of the website, or go here. Here is how each class did:
Concert Band: 76%
Intermediate Band: 63%
Advanced Band: 76%
Advanced Strings: 75%
Beginning Band: 73%
Beginning Strings: 47%
After School Rehearsals
October 28: Marching Rehearsal, 2:45-4:30 PM
November 4: Fall Football Game Music Rehearsal: 2:30-4:00 PM
I will be holding honor band audition rehearsals by sections the week after this. I'll announce who rehearses days and times shortly.
I look forward to all our great upcoming fall events!
-Mr. Jacques-
October 28: Marching Rehearsal, 2:45-4:30 PM
November 4: Fall Football Game Music Rehearsal: 2:30-4:00 PM
I will be holding honor band audition rehearsals by sections the week after this. I'll announce who rehearses days and times shortly.
I look forward to all our great upcoming fall events!
-Mr. Jacques-
Friday, October 17, 2014
It Takes A Village
Hello Again,
We just wrapped up a successful concert, and are gearing up for an eventful November. I also have Nevada Day Parade information, hot off the presses!
Beginning Strings, Beginning Band, Advanced Strings, and Concert Band put on their first concert of the year. For the beginning classes, this was their first concert ever, and hopefully one that they will never forget! I still remember my first concert as a very exciting experience. More details about this concert later.
Intermediate Band received their last piece for the winter concert, "Still, Still, Still," and are working to improve their skills on reading/performing rhythms. Students are also making finishing musical touches on Battle Born for the Nevada Parade.
Advanced Band is continuing to push forward with all their music at such an incredible rate. I may be giving them another piece for the winter concert before too long.
Jazz Band deserves an update too. I have incredible instrumentation for this group of volunteers who come to school as close to 7:00 AM as possible to play music together. Additionally, they have learned 5 pieces of music, with more to come shortly. I'll begin including updates about this group on a weekly basis.
Nevada Day Parade Information
I have Nevada Day Parade information for all students in Intermediate and Advanced Bands. Since this parade showcases the excellence of the music program at CMS to thousands of people, it is imperative that we work together to help support the students. As the saying goes, it takes a village... I have specific details located right here and students will receive hard copies on Monday.
We just wrapped up a successful concert, and are gearing up for an eventful November. I also have Nevada Day Parade information, hot off the presses!
Beginning Strings, Beginning Band, Advanced Strings, and Concert Band put on their first concert of the year. For the beginning classes, this was their first concert ever, and hopefully one that they will never forget! I still remember my first concert as a very exciting experience. More details about this concert later.
Intermediate Band received their last piece for the winter concert, "Still, Still, Still," and are working to improve their skills on reading/performing rhythms. Students are also making finishing musical touches on Battle Born for the Nevada Parade.
Advanced Band is continuing to push forward with all their music at such an incredible rate. I may be giving them another piece for the winter concert before too long.
Jazz Band deserves an update too. I have incredible instrumentation for this group of volunteers who come to school as close to 7:00 AM as possible to play music together. Additionally, they have learned 5 pieces of music, with more to come shortly. I'll begin including updates about this group on a weekly basis.
Nevada Day Parade Information
I have Nevada Day Parade information for all students in Intermediate and Advanced Bands. Since this parade showcases the excellence of the music program at CMS to thousands of people, it is imperative that we work together to help support the students. As the saying goes, it takes a village... I have specific details located right here and students will receive hard copies on Monday.
Recap: Fall "Oktoberfest" Concert and Spaghetti Feed, October 15
Our first concert and first annual spaghetti feed was a huge success! All groups performed at a level never seen this early in the school year. In addition, we raised over $900! Thank you everyone for your donations and support. Ms. Simkins would like to send a special thank you to the amazing cooking and cleaning crew, without whom this event would not have been possible. Our next phase of our room upgrades will now be possible. I'll be purchasing music folder storage for the students this weekend!
Our first concert and first annual spaghetti feed was a huge success! All groups performed at a level never seen this early in the school year. In addition, we raised over $900! Thank you everyone for your donations and support. Ms. Simkins would like to send a special thank you to the amazing cooking and cleaning crew, without whom this event would not have been possible. Our next phase of our room upgrades will now be possible. I'll be purchasing music folder storage for the students this weekend!
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 76% to our goal of $2500, but only have 13 days left. Keep spreading the word so we can reach our goal and have the funds matched by Dolan Automotive Group. Only $595 more dollars and we will be there!
http://classproject2014.dolanautogroup.com/campaigns/carson-middle-school-instrumental-music-help-improve-our-band-room
Facebook Page
We have a Facebook page called "Friends of CMS Bands and Orchestra". Search for us, "like" the page, and share our events!
Practice Logs
Practice logs are due each Friday at 11:59 pm. Students may click the link on the top of the website, or go here. I will be posting percentages later this weekend. As a reminder, because it is the end of the quarter, I must enter grades by Sunday, so we will not be able to do a playing test to make up 50% of their grade if a student forgets to turn one in. Please remind them, or it will be a "0"!
Marching Rehearsals
Marching rehearsals will continue on Tuesdays for all intermediate and advanced band members from 2:45-4:30 PM. We will be working on improving endurance and marching technique. In the event that it's too windy on Tuesday, we will still hold the rehearsal indoors.
Upcoming Events
November 1: Nevada Day Parade, 9:30 AM-afternoon TBA*
November 7: Veterans Assembly at CMS, 2nd and 3rd period*
November 7: Fall Football Game at CHS, 5:30 PM- 9:00 PM**
November 8: Sierra Band Crusade, times TBA**
November 11: Veterans Day Parade, morning TBA*
* MANDATORY for Intermediate and Advanced Band
** Optional event for Intermediate and Advanced Band
Enjoy your weekends!
-Mr. Jacques-
Upcoming Events
November 1: Nevada Day Parade, 9:30 AM-afternoon TBA*
November 7: Veterans Assembly at CMS, 2nd and 3rd period*
November 7: Fall Football Game at CHS, 5:30 PM- 9:00 PM**
November 8: Sierra Band Crusade, times TBA**
November 11: Veterans Day Parade, morning TBA*
* MANDATORY for Intermediate and Advanced Band
** Optional event for Intermediate and Advanced Band
Enjoy your weekends!
-Mr. Jacques-
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Weekly Newsletter 10/12
Hello Again,
This week's newsletter includes many links to important events, as well as something fun for you all to view at home. Here's what your students have accomplished this last week:
Concert Band is ready for the fall concert! We will be doing a couple run-throughs of the songs and going over logistics over the next couple of days.
Intermediate Band has been working on skills necessary to be able to perform their winter concert music. We have spent time playing various rhythm exercises and going over tuning. They will be receiving their final winter concert piece this week.
Advanced Band has been doing so well on all their music that I ordered a very musically challenging piece, "Jesus Jesus Rest Your Head", and we sight read it last week.
Advanced Strings is ready for the fall concert! They have prepared 4 ensemble pieces. In addition, we will be featuring 4 duets. These students have been asking for extra time to work on these pieces. I appreciate their dedication!
Beginning Band is ready for the fall concert! We will be working together to get these kids prepared with all the skills necessary to play their first ever band concert.
Beginning Strings is also ready for the fall concert! We will be working together to get these kids prepared with all the skills necessary to play their first ever band concert.
This week's newsletter includes many links to important events, as well as something fun for you all to view at home. Here's what your students have accomplished this last week:
Concert Band is ready for the fall concert! We will be doing a couple run-throughs of the songs and going over logistics over the next couple of days.
Intermediate Band has been working on skills necessary to be able to perform their winter concert music. We have spent time playing various rhythm exercises and going over tuning. They will be receiving their final winter concert piece this week.
Advanced Band has been doing so well on all their music that I ordered a very musically challenging piece, "Jesus Jesus Rest Your Head", and we sight read it last week.
Advanced Strings is ready for the fall concert! They have prepared 4 ensemble pieces. In addition, we will be featuring 4 duets. These students have been asking for extra time to work on these pieces. I appreciate their dedication!
Beginning Band is ready for the fall concert! We will be working together to get these kids prepared with all the skills necessary to play their first ever band concert.
Beginning Strings is also ready for the fall concert! We will be working together to get these kids prepared with all the skills necessary to play their first ever band concert.
Next Event: Fall "Oktoberfest" Concert and Spaghetti Feed, October 15
On October 15, we will have a fundraiser dinner, as well as a concert to showcase our orchestra program, beginning band and concert band. Dinner will begin at 6:00 PM, with the concert beginning at 6:30 PM. The cost to eat is $5 per plate and you may choose between a spaghetti plate or a bratwurst plate. There will also be root beer floats available for $2 and a bake sale as well. You may still come and watch your students free of charge. If you are attending, please take the survey by Tuesday at 10:00 PM. Your student should have brought home a flyer with more information regarding call time, uniforms, and donations. View that flyer here. Polos will be handed out on Tuesday.
*This concert is MANDATORY for all members of Concert Band, Beginning Band, Beginning Strings, and Advanced Strings. An unexcused absence from this event will result in a "0" for the performance and a possible failing grade for the first quarter.*
On October 15, we will have a fundraiser dinner, as well as a concert to showcase our orchestra program, beginning band and concert band. Dinner will begin at 6:00 PM, with the concert beginning at 6:30 PM. The cost to eat is $5 per plate and you may choose between a spaghetti plate or a bratwurst plate. There will also be root beer floats available for $2 and a bake sale as well. You may still come and watch your students free of charge. If you are attending, please take the survey by Tuesday at 10:00 PM. Your student should have brought home a flyer with more information regarding call time, uniforms, and donations. View that flyer here. Polos will be handed out on Tuesday.
*This concert is MANDATORY for all members of Concert Band, Beginning Band, Beginning Strings, and Advanced Strings. An unexcused absence from this event will result in a "0" for the performance and a possible failing grade for the first quarter.*
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 56% to our goal of $2500. Keep spreading the word so we can reach our goal and have the funds matched by Dolan Automotive Group.
http://classproject2014.dolanautogroup.com/campaigns/carson-middle-school-instrumental-music-help-improve-our-band-room
Nevada Day Parade Information
I should be receiving our parade entry and line up information within the next week. As soon as I receive it, I'll update the newsletter with our call time and other important details. As a reminder, the parade is on Saturday morning, November 1.
Facebook Page
We have a Facebook page called "Friends of CMS Bands and Orchestra". Search for us, "like" the page, and share our events!
Practice Logs
I should be receiving our parade entry and line up information within the next week. As soon as I receive it, I'll update the newsletter with our call time and other important details. As a reminder, the parade is on Saturday morning, November 1.
Facebook Page
We have a Facebook page called "Friends of CMS Bands and Orchestra". Search for us, "like" the page, and share our events!
Practice Logs
Practice logs are due each Friday. Students may click the link on the top of the website, or go here.
Many students forgot to turn in practice logs for the first time this week, which affected overall percentages. Congratulations to concert band for being the most improved class and the best class of the week.
Concert Band: 77%
Intermediate Band: 60%
Advanced Band: 76%
Advanced Strings: 80%
Beginning Band: 67%
Beginning Strings: 68%
Intermediate Band: 60%
Advanced Band: 76%
Advanced Strings: 80%
Beginning Band: 67%
Beginning Strings: 68%
Marching Rehearsals
Marching rehearsals will continue on Tuesdays for all intermediate and advanced band members from 2:45-4:30 PM. We will be working on improving endurance and marching technique. In the event that it's too windy on Tuesday, we will still hold the rehearsal indoors.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Weekly Update 10/6
Happy Monday!
This week's newsletter includes many links to important events, as well as something fun for you all to view at home. Here's what your students have accomplished this last week:
Concert Band has chosen all their music for the fall concert. Their next job is to continue refining their tone and making everything even more musical.
Intermediate Band has received three of their four winter concert pieces, "Snow Day," "Winter Frolic," and "We Need A Little Christmas." Students also learned and performed their A Flat major scale as a playing test. We continue to work on Battle Born from time to time.
Advanced Band has received two of their four winter concert pieces, "Three Minute Nutcracker" and "We Need A Little Christmas." Students also learned and performed their A Flat major scale as a playing test. They will receive the rest of their winter concert music this week.
Advanced Strings has a major celebration of achieving 100% on their practice logs as a class. With all music chosen and well-rehearsed, they're now working on making everything even more musical.
Beginning Band has also chosen all their music for the fall concert. Last Tuesday, Dr. Snider and Dr. Davis from UNR came and did a master class, focusing on tone quality and improving pitch accuracy with the brass instruments. There are some days when these guys don't sound like a beginning band anymore (in a good way).
Beginning Strings has learned their D major scale, with all students receiving a passing score on Friday's playing test! They will show that off, in addition to several other pieces, at next week's fall concert.
Upcoming Event: Oktoberfest, "Oktober" 11 (aka Parents' Afternoon Out!)
This week's newsletter includes many links to important events, as well as something fun for you all to view at home. Here's what your students have accomplished this last week:
Concert Band has chosen all their music for the fall concert. Their next job is to continue refining their tone and making everything even more musical.
Intermediate Band has received three of their four winter concert pieces, "Snow Day," "Winter Frolic," and "We Need A Little Christmas." Students also learned and performed their A Flat major scale as a playing test. We continue to work on Battle Born from time to time.
Advanced Band has received two of their four winter concert pieces, "Three Minute Nutcracker" and "We Need A Little Christmas." Students also learned and performed their A Flat major scale as a playing test. They will receive the rest of their winter concert music this week.
Advanced Strings has a major celebration of achieving 100% on their practice logs as a class. With all music chosen and well-rehearsed, they're now working on making everything even more musical.
Beginning Band has also chosen all their music for the fall concert. Last Tuesday, Dr. Snider and Dr. Davis from UNR came and did a master class, focusing on tone quality and improving pitch accuracy with the brass instruments. There are some days when these guys don't sound like a beginning band anymore (in a good way).
Beginning Strings has learned their D major scale, with all students receiving a passing score on Friday's playing test! They will show that off, in addition to several other pieces, at next week's fall concert.
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, 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. View the flyer here.Your student should have brought home a flyer with more information regarding call time, uniforms, and donations. View that flyer here.
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 52% to our goal of $2500. Keep spreading the word!!
http://classproject2014.dolanautogroup.com/campaigns/carson-middle-school-instrumental-music-help-improve-our-band-room
Facebook Page
We have a Facebook page called "Friends of CMS Bands and Orchestra". All big events that are open to the public, like Oktoberfest and Spaghetti Feed, will have event pages that can be shared with your friends. Please join and share!
Band/Strings/Parent Polos
The music polos have been SSA approved! This means that concert band, beginning band, and beginning strings may wear their polos as part of their school uniform. I am also offering the polo to other classes and parents that may wish to buy one. These flyers are available in class or on the website here. Please have your student return the flyer and payment to me by October 10 if you'd wish to purchase a polo.
Practice Logs
We have a Facebook page called "Friends of CMS Bands and Orchestra". All big events that are open to the public, like Oktoberfest and Spaghetti Feed, will have event pages that can be shared with your friends. Please join and share!
Band/Strings/Parent Polos
The music polos have been SSA approved! This means that concert band, beginning band, and beginning strings may wear their polos as part of their school uniform. I am also offering the polo to other classes and parents that may wish to buy one. These flyers are available in class or on the website here. Please have your student return the flyer and payment to me by October 10 if you'd wish to purchase a polo.
Practice Logs
Practice logs are due each Friday. Students may click the link on the top of the website, or go here.
I am very impressed with four of the classes, who improved drastically over previous weeks. Students may be applying practice time towards music for the fall concert, parade music, honor band music, or winter concert music. Music from the method book may also be included.
72% Concert Band
80% Intermediate Band
90% Advanced Band
100% Advanced Strings
63% Beginning Band
42% Beginning Strings
Congratulations to Advanced Strings for being the first class with 100%! If they have 100% turn-in next week, they will be excused from practice logs for the rest of the semester.
Marching Rehearsals
Marching Rehearsals
Marching rehearsals will continue on Tuesdays for all intermediate and advanced band members from 2:45-4:30 PM. We will be working on improving endurance and marching technique.
Marching Band: Part of Something Amazing
On a personal note: Last weekend was homecoming. Going back to play in the alumni band always brings back wonderful memories from when I marched in college. From 2004-2011, I was a member of the band, with the last 2 years being spent as a graduate assistant who helped teach and run it. Like any activity in life, it takes a lot of effort and many hours to pull off. Back when I was in bands, I remember being so hot that I thought I was going to die, but I ran back to my spot anyway. I remember being so exhausted for afternoon rehearsals, but I enjoyed every minute of it (partially because it got my mind off the inevitable hours of studying that consumed that night). I remember being so sick of playing the same three songs each and every day, but I played them anyway. I remember them like they were yesterday. Band is working hard with the same people, fighting through the bad days, and celebrating the good ones together.
When I spoke to another young middle school teacher at homecoming, she and I relived those days in band that we shared as students. Then, we marveled at how incredible it is that your 11, 12, and 13 year old children are doing the same things. As they continue working towards their goals of marching in front of thousands of cheering spectators at our parades, I'd like to share a link from homecoming, where I had the chance to play once again with the Wolf Pack Marching Band, in front of 32,000 fans.
Have a great week!
Mr. Jacques
Marching Band: Part of Something Amazing
On a personal note: Last weekend was homecoming. Going back to play in the alumni band always brings back wonderful memories from when I marched in college. From 2004-2011, I was a member of the band, with the last 2 years being spent as a graduate assistant who helped teach and run it. Like any activity in life, it takes a lot of effort and many hours to pull off. Back when I was in bands, I remember being so hot that I thought I was going to die, but I ran back to my spot anyway. I remember being so exhausted for afternoon rehearsals, but I enjoyed every minute of it (partially because it got my mind off the inevitable hours of studying that consumed that night). I remember being so sick of playing the same three songs each and every day, but I played them anyway. I remember them like they were yesterday. Band is working hard with the same people, fighting through the bad days, and celebrating the good ones together.
When I spoke to another young middle school teacher at homecoming, she and I relived those days in band that we shared as students. Then, we marveled at how incredible it is that your 11, 12, and 13 year old children are doing the same things. As they continue working towards their goals of marching in front of thousands of cheering spectators at our parades, I'd like to share a link from homecoming, where I had the chance to play once again with the Wolf Pack Marching Band, in front of 32,000 fans.
Have a great week!
Mr. Jacques
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