Wednesday, December 31, 2014

2014: Year in Review

As we say farewell to 2014 and hello to 2015, I'd like to take a moment and remember everything that shaped our music program.

January
The Royal Blue Jazz Band performed for the first time with the Mile High Jazz Band during the Jazz Extravaganza.
February
The Royal Blue Jazz Band traveled to UNR to perform at the Jazz in the Schools Clinic.
20 band members proudly represented Carson Middle School in the Northern Zone Honor Band.
The annual Band-O-Rama event was held at Carson High School.
March
For the first time in the program's history, the CMS String Orchestra traveled to Reno to perform in the Washoe County Orchestra Festival, earning "Superior" and "Excellent" ratings.
For the first time in the program's history, the CMS Advanced and Intermediate Bands traveled to Reno to perform in the Washoe County Band Festival, earning "Superior" and "Excellent" ratings.
The Bingo Chili Night fundraiser generated around $5,000 that will go towards the purchase of new storage cabinets.
April
All band students earned "Superior" and "Excellent" ratings at the Northern Zone Band Festival.
The Royal Blue Jazz Band met my inspirational figure in my life, Chuck Wackerman, and performed a clinic with his jazz band.  Then, we watched the top bands in the country compete in the Reno Jazz Festival.
May
Advanced Band took their annual spring trip, performing in Disneyland.
All groups performed their spring concerts in the Cafeteria, signaling an end to the 2013-2014 school year.
August
It was announced that there would be two strings classes this year.
7th and 8th grade students helped run the 2nd annual car wash fundraiser.  Over $1000 was generated, going towards cleaning and embroidery of new marching band uniforms.
September
Marching Band students debuted their new uniforms that were donated by Carson High School.
October
The Dolan Automotive Fundraiser generated $5,030 towards the purchase of new instrument storage cabinets.  Contributions from over 20 generous donors resulted in us being the most successful fundraiser out of all programs that participated in the region.
November
The CMS Marching Band celebrated Nevada's 150th year as a state by performing "Battle Born" in the Nevada Day Parade and the Veterans Day Parade.
21 band members were selected to represent CMS in the 2015 Northern Zone Honor Band.
December
The Advanced Band performed for part of the tree lighting festivities in downtown Carson City.
The CMS Marching Band performed "We Need A Little Christmas" in the Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade.
Students ended their year with the winter concert at the Community Center.


Winter Concert Videos
Click the links below to view songs from the winter concert.  Thank you to Joe Choat and Jennifer Simkins for uploading these recordings.

Jazz Band
Louie Louie
Dr. Noel
Advanced Strings
Wizards in Winter
Countdown to Jingle Bells
Intermediate Band
Winter Frolic
Still, Still, Still
Snow Day
We Need A Little Christmas
Advanced Band
A Carol Countdown
Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head
The 3-Minute Nutcracker
Santa Meets Sousa


Thank you for a very memorable 2014.  I look forward to another amazing year of doing what I love.  

-Mr. Jacques-

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Closure

Dear Parents,

After quite an activity-filled few months, we can now breathe a deep sigh and revel in the accomplishments that our students achieved.  What a great semester this has been!  As I leave for Chicago for my music educators conference, I wanted to leave you with a few items.


  • Thank you for an INCREDIBLE concert last Thursday.  Students all performed their best and showed me amazing amounts of excellence. 
  • Mrs. Heaton is going to substitute for all classes this next week, Monday-Friday.  She will be working on new music for the festival season, as well as fundamentals.
  • There will be no jazz band this week.  
  • Three classes achieved their practice log goals, and they do not need to do practice logs over the winter break: Advanced Band, Advanced Strings, Intermediate Band.  They will have a chance to submit practice logs for extra credit between Jan. 1-4 if they wish.
  • Three classes did not hit their practice log goals, and they must complete practice logs over winter break: Beginning Band, Beginning Strings, Concert Band.  These will be able to be submitted between Jan. 1-4. 
  • Here are the percentages: 
    • Advanced band: 83%
    • Advanced strings: 80%
    • Beginning band: 61%
    • Beginning strings: 56%
    • Concert band: 69%
    • Intermediate band: 91%
  • Tomorrow, I will be finalizing grades.  Please check PowerSchool on Tuesday or Wednesday and email me if you have any questions or concerns.  The last day that I can adjust grades is Thursday.  I'll be checking my emails in Chicago, so feel free to contact me.

I will be posting again sometime between Christmas and New Years Day with highlights from this year.  I will also include videos from the winter concert.  

Have a fun and relaxing winter break with your families.  Until next time, 

-Mr. Jacques-

Monday, December 8, 2014

Home Stretch

Dear Parents,

That's right! It's the home stretch for the semester!  First and foremost, this is my last week at CMS...until next year.  I'm going to be in Chicago for a music educator conference from December 15-19. For that reason, all make-up tests and those that want to improve a grade on a playing test are due by Friday, Dec. 12.  

We have a lot to celebrate over the past week:

  • The winter concert, featuring all young groups, went very well, with an outstanding audience and many compliments.
  • Advanced Band played Christmas carols on Friday in Telegraph Square to a large and enthusiastic crowd.
  • Marching Band put on a great Christmas parade in front of thousands of fans, followed by some fun times in the mall.  Thank you so much for the overwhelming support from chaperones!
Upcoming Event


December 11: Winter Concert, Part 2
This concert features Advanced Strings, Intermediate Band, Advanced Band and Jazz Band.  Call time is 5:30 PM for Advanced Strings  and 6:00 PM for everybody else at the Carson City Community Center.  The concert begins at 6:00 PM and should end by 7:30 PM.  Additional details may be found HERE  I encourage everybody from Concert Band, Beginning Band, and Beginning Strings to attend.  They will be in these groups next year.  

Weather permitting, Advanced Band may go to the Governor's Mansion to perform for the Share Your Christmas food drive on Friday, December 12.  If this happens, I'll let you know.

Practice Logs

This week, practice logs were abysmal.  I talked with each class, stressing the importance of not just practicing, but practicing smart.  With 3 days before a concert for some of our students, I had two groups play: the group who practiced and the group who didn't practice.  There was a really noticeable difference.  No matter what happens, the concert on Thursday will be very good, but I worry that students might rely on the hard work of those who practice.  Everybody needs to contribute equally.

Concert Band: 58%
Intermediate Band: 37%
Advanced Band: 59%
Advanced Strings: 60%
Beginning Band: 57%
Beginning Strings: 44%

Overall, I couldn't be prouder.  We have had an incredible fall semester filled with amazingly successful events that highlight the very best from your children.  I love my job!

See you Thursday!

-Mr. Jacques-