Dear Parents,
I love this time of year. It may not feel like fall with the recent warmth, but the signs of fall are everywhere. In our world, marching bands reign supreme during these months. Parades are right around the corner, and high school bands all around the country are preparing for their marching competitions.
At CMS, we have a couple fun events coming up: the fall football game and the Damonte Marching Invitational.
Fall Football Game is for all Advanced Band members and any 8th graders in Intermediate Band. Call time is officially 5 PM this Friday in the front of Carson High School. Dress is blue jeans and any CMS or CHS spirit wear. Students will be playing the National Anthem and the School Song, as well as possibly playing Tribute to America. A flyer will be sent home soon with more information. Participation is highly encouraged, but not mandatory. As such, there will be no official chaperones and no transportation provided. Students playing with the band will have their admission waived but parents and siblings will need to purchase a ticket at the gate (game starts at 7 pm).
Damonte Marching Invitational is on for October 17, and I only have 14 spots left! 5 dollars buys your ticket to this field show tournament. A handout with more details will be available to all participating students by the end of this week. All parents are welcome to attend with their student for an additional 5 dollars.
Jazz in the Commons was a huge success! We had over 200 students come to watch the jazz band perform their first two pieces of music at 7:30 AM. Due to its amazing success, this is now the beginning of a tradition. Students will perform once per month and create an even warmer and more inviting atmosphere for students and teachers at our school. See a picture from Friday's performance here!
Our student teacher, Amber Vedova, begins working with us on Monday. Beginning this week, she will be part of some of the newsletters, and she'll have a chance to tell you a little more about her at that time.
Upcoming Events
October 28: Fall Concert
October 31: Nevada Day Parade
November 11: Veterans Day Parade
I'll be posting more later this week, including a quick progress report on all ensembles.
-Mr. Jacques-
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Monday, September 21, 2015
Open House
Dear Parents,
It's time to update you on your student's ensemble progress, as well as upcoming events. This newsletter includes:
Jazz Band received their 2nd piece of music. On the last Friday of each month, the Jazz Band will perform in the commons area for the school. The first "Jazz in the Commons" performance will be this Friday!
Concert Band received their first piece of music, First Concert March, which they will begin rehearsing this week. We had over 80% of students turn in their practice logs last week. Our goal: 100%. These 6th graders are sounding really good.
Intermediate Band is sounding better and better on Tribute to America, and they're ready too begin memorizing for next week. For the first time in the 3 years I've been here, we also had 100% of students turn in practice logs this week!
Beginning Band can play their first 3 notes with a great tone, and they're beginning to read music. We are moving forward into their first songs, as well as more complicated rhythms. They're so enthusiastic and eager to play. We had over 80% of students turn in their practice logs last week. Our goal: 100%.
Advanced Strings can now play 3 pieces of music, and they're so great at reading beyond the notes/rhythms. We also gained a cello player from Texas. We had 94% of students turn in their practice logs last week.
Advanced Band has partially memorized the Star Spangled Banner and Tribute to America, and will be ready to perform both on Wednesday at Open House! They will be receiving some new music shortly. For the first time in the 3 years I've been here, we also had 100% of students turn in practice logs this week!
Beginning Strings learned to use their bows last week. They're so excited and enthusiastic every single day! We also had around 80% of students turn in their practice logs last week. Our goal: 100%. This class is really sounding great.
Introducing...Our Student Teacher!
Starting on September 28 and continuing through the end of the semester, we will have a student intern working with us. Her name is Amber Vedova and she will be finishing her degree in Music Education this fall. Her final assignment is to teach classes and learn from a teacher who has experience. She will be conducting the fall concert, as well as rehearsing 100% of classes from mid October into early November. During that time, I will be observing her and playing along with the students in each group.
Open House: September 23
Advanced Band students will have their first performance at Open House on Wednesday. Call time is 5 PM in the Band room. Students should wear their blue polo, black pants, black socks, and black shoes. We will perform at exactly 5:28 PM and be finished by 5:45 PM and students will be free to visit classes with their parents.
Optional Field Trip: October 17
Students who are participating in the Marching Band are encouraged to attend the Damonte Marching Invitational on October 17. Call Time is 12:00 PM to load the bus, and we will return around 6:00 PM. Students will be able to listen to all the area high school marching bands. The cost is $5 and it's open to the first 30 students who sign up.
Other Upcoming Events
October 28: Fall Concert
October 31: Nevada Day Parade
November 11: Veterans Day Parade
That is all for this week!
-Mr. Jacques-
It's time to update you on your student's ensemble progress, as well as upcoming events. This newsletter includes:
- Ensemble progress
- Introducing our student intern: Amber Vedova
- Open House
- Marching band field show trip
- Other upcoming events
Jazz Band received their 2nd piece of music. On the last Friday of each month, the Jazz Band will perform in the commons area for the school. The first "Jazz in the Commons" performance will be this Friday!
Concert Band received their first piece of music, First Concert March, which they will begin rehearsing this week. We had over 80% of students turn in their practice logs last week. Our goal: 100%. These 6th graders are sounding really good.
Intermediate Band is sounding better and better on Tribute to America, and they're ready too begin memorizing for next week. For the first time in the 3 years I've been here, we also had 100% of students turn in practice logs this week!
Beginning Band can play their first 3 notes with a great tone, and they're beginning to read music. We are moving forward into their first songs, as well as more complicated rhythms. They're so enthusiastic and eager to play. We had over 80% of students turn in their practice logs last week. Our goal: 100%.
Advanced Strings can now play 3 pieces of music, and they're so great at reading beyond the notes/rhythms. We also gained a cello player from Texas. We had 94% of students turn in their practice logs last week.
Advanced Band has partially memorized the Star Spangled Banner and Tribute to America, and will be ready to perform both on Wednesday at Open House! They will be receiving some new music shortly. For the first time in the 3 years I've been here, we also had 100% of students turn in practice logs this week!
Beginning Strings learned to use their bows last week. They're so excited and enthusiastic every single day! We also had around 80% of students turn in their practice logs last week. Our goal: 100%. This class is really sounding great.
Introducing...Our Student Teacher!
Starting on September 28 and continuing through the end of the semester, we will have a student intern working with us. Her name is Amber Vedova and she will be finishing her degree in Music Education this fall. Her final assignment is to teach classes and learn from a teacher who has experience. She will be conducting the fall concert, as well as rehearsing 100% of classes from mid October into early November. During that time, I will be observing her and playing along with the students in each group.
Open House: September 23
Advanced Band students will have their first performance at Open House on Wednesday. Call time is 5 PM in the Band room. Students should wear their blue polo, black pants, black socks, and black shoes. We will perform at exactly 5:28 PM and be finished by 5:45 PM and students will be free to visit classes with their parents.
Optional Field Trip: October 17
Students who are participating in the Marching Band are encouraged to attend the Damonte Marching Invitational on October 17. Call Time is 12:00 PM to load the bus, and we will return around 6:00 PM. Students will be able to listen to all the area high school marching bands. The cost is $5 and it's open to the first 30 students who sign up.
Other Upcoming Events
October 28: Fall Concert
October 31: Nevada Day Parade
November 11: Veterans Day Parade
That is all for this week!
-Mr. Jacques-
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Giant Steps
Dear Parents,
I hope you're all enjoying your weekend and making the most out of it, despite all the smoke. Included are some quick updates about ensembles, reminders about practicing, and our our first upcoming events.
Jazz Band finished learning their first song! We will add soloists and learn a second song this week.
Concert Band continues to work on fundamentals, and they're already much different sounding band than last month! They will receive their first sheet music this week.
Intermediate Band has learned their parade song. Their next step is phrasing and memorization, as well as continued progress in the method book. They are also welcoming 4 new members from Concert Band!
Beginning Band knows their first 3 notes and they're ready to begin learning their first songs. Keep reminding them about how to practice correctly. This is the most critical point in their music education. If they practice well, it will set them up to be outstanding musicians.
Advanced Strings can now play 3 songs and they're cruising through the method book! I think they need harder music. :-)
Advanced Band is memorizing the parade piece and working on a lot of fundamentals. Their next step: receiving winter concert and Band-O-Rama music (yes, it's still September).
Beginning Strings learned how to play their first song this week! Keep reminding them about how to practice correctly. This is the most critical point in their music education. If they practice well, it will set them up to be outstanding musicians.
Practicing
Students in each class will have weekly playing tests. Practicing at home ensures their success. Here are some helpful tips for parents and students:
Students in beginning groups and Concert Band receive weekly practice charts that clearly describe all the steps necessary to be productive and efficient. Make sure these students are covering all the items listed for a solid foundation. Once they cover all the items on the practice chart, they may move on to anything that they'd like to do for fun.
Students in the upper groups will receive weekly goals to complete. They should always begin with a warm up that includes long tones, breathing exercises, lip slurs, and technical rhythm studies (from the back of the book). Then, they should work on the materials from class. Once they've achieved the class goals, then they are welcome to play whatever they'd like for fun.
Upcoming Events
October 2: Fall Football Game (Advanced Band and other 8th grade band members)
October 28: Fall Concert (Concert Band, Beginning Band, Beginning Strings, and Advanced Strings)
October 31: Nevada Day Parade (Intermediate Band and Advanced Band)
That is all from this week!
-Mr. Jacques-
I hope you're all enjoying your weekend and making the most out of it, despite all the smoke. Included are some quick updates about ensembles, reminders about practicing, and our our first upcoming events.
Jazz Band finished learning their first song! We will add soloists and learn a second song this week.
Concert Band continues to work on fundamentals, and they're already much different sounding band than last month! They will receive their first sheet music this week.
Intermediate Band has learned their parade song. Their next step is phrasing and memorization, as well as continued progress in the method book. They are also welcoming 4 new members from Concert Band!
Beginning Band knows their first 3 notes and they're ready to begin learning their first songs. Keep reminding them about how to practice correctly. This is the most critical point in their music education. If they practice well, it will set them up to be outstanding musicians.
Advanced Strings can now play 3 songs and they're cruising through the method book! I think they need harder music. :-)
Advanced Band is memorizing the parade piece and working on a lot of fundamentals. Their next step: receiving winter concert and Band-O-Rama music (yes, it's still September).
Beginning Strings learned how to play their first song this week! Keep reminding them about how to practice correctly. This is the most critical point in their music education. If they practice well, it will set them up to be outstanding musicians.
Practicing
Students in each class will have weekly playing tests. Practicing at home ensures their success. Here are some helpful tips for parents and students:
Students in beginning groups and Concert Band receive weekly practice charts that clearly describe all the steps necessary to be productive and efficient. Make sure these students are covering all the items listed for a solid foundation. Once they cover all the items on the practice chart, they may move on to anything that they'd like to do for fun.
Students in the upper groups will receive weekly goals to complete. They should always begin with a warm up that includes long tones, breathing exercises, lip slurs, and technical rhythm studies (from the back of the book). Then, they should work on the materials from class. Once they've achieved the class goals, then they are welcome to play whatever they'd like for fun.
Upcoming Events
October 2: Fall Football Game (Advanced Band and other 8th grade band members)
October 28: Fall Concert (Concert Band, Beginning Band, Beginning Strings, and Advanced Strings)
October 31: Nevada Day Parade (Intermediate Band and Advanced Band)
That is all from this week!
-Mr. Jacques-
Friday, September 4, 2015
Practice Makes Perfect
Dear Parents,
As we all head into a much-deserved 3 day holiday weekend, I thought I'd update you on your student's progress, as well as introducing practicing, a skill that they will use for the rest of their lives in music. Here's how each group is doing:
Jazz Band is well on their way towards learning their first piece of the year, as well as improving over the blues scale. I could still use more trombone players, but all the other sections are in really good shape! I will be auditioning the percussion section later this month. I appreciate everybody's diligence in making it on time to a 7 AM rehearsal.
Concert Band is reviewing fundamentals. There's a lot to remember: sitting properly, breathing, pressing down the right keys, maintaining a proper embouchure, listening while watching the director, all while making sure that the tongue starts the note properly. There's a reason why it's a proven fact that students who take music are the best kids ever!
Intermediate Band has learned most of their parade piece, and it's week 3! They have also played their first test and learned how to march. We had 75% attendance at our last marching rehearsal and their enthusiasm is contagious!
Beginning Band has learned how to put together their instruments, put them away, take care of them, sit properly, breathe correctly, hold instruments correctly, play their first note, and...they have began learning their second and third notes. As I said before...best kids ever!
Advanced Strings has learned their first song, and they received two more to begin working on over the weekend. They're fundamentals are really strong, so they sky is the limit with them.
Advanced Band could put on a concert and sound really great on their parade piece. They took their playing test for chair placements and are eagerly awaiting the results to be announced Tuesday. Their next step: memorization. They will also receive the Star Spangled Banner to learn next week. They're off to such a strong start.
Beginning Strings has learned the parts of their instrument, instrument care, posture, playing position, their open strings, and note names. They also successfully performed their first playing test. Next up for them: their first songs.
Practicing - Young Groups
Students will begin practicing today. I have given Beginning Band, Concert Band, and Beginning Strings a sheet that maps out everything they need to do. Feel free to look this over with the kids. I'll be sending out a digital copy soon if they ended up misplacing them. They will have an online practice log to complete between September 10 and 11. They will get more information on this next week, but if you want a sneak preview, click the practice log link on the CMS Bands homepage.
Practicing - Experienced Groups
For Intermediate Band, Advanced Band, and Advanced Strings, practice logs will be very similar to last year. The only difference is that it is goal-based and not time-based. Students are free to practice as long as it takes to complete their weekly goals, even if it's less than 100 minutes total. Please ensure that they still have their instruments home for at least 4 days. Practice logs will be submitted online between September 10 and 11 on the CMS Bands homepage.
That is all for now. Enjoy your long weekend!
-Mr. Jacques-
As we all head into a much-deserved 3 day holiday weekend, I thought I'd update you on your student's progress, as well as introducing practicing, a skill that they will use for the rest of their lives in music. Here's how each group is doing:
Jazz Band is well on their way towards learning their first piece of the year, as well as improving over the blues scale. I could still use more trombone players, but all the other sections are in really good shape! I will be auditioning the percussion section later this month. I appreciate everybody's diligence in making it on time to a 7 AM rehearsal.
Concert Band is reviewing fundamentals. There's a lot to remember: sitting properly, breathing, pressing down the right keys, maintaining a proper embouchure, listening while watching the director, all while making sure that the tongue starts the note properly. There's a reason why it's a proven fact that students who take music are the best kids ever!
Intermediate Band has learned most of their parade piece, and it's week 3! They have also played their first test and learned how to march. We had 75% attendance at our last marching rehearsal and their enthusiasm is contagious!
Beginning Band has learned how to put together their instruments, put them away, take care of them, sit properly, breathe correctly, hold instruments correctly, play their first note, and...they have began learning their second and third notes. As I said before...best kids ever!
Advanced Strings has learned their first song, and they received two more to begin working on over the weekend. They're fundamentals are really strong, so they sky is the limit with them.
Advanced Band could put on a concert and sound really great on their parade piece. They took their playing test for chair placements and are eagerly awaiting the results to be announced Tuesday. Their next step: memorization. They will also receive the Star Spangled Banner to learn next week. They're off to such a strong start.
Beginning Strings has learned the parts of their instrument, instrument care, posture, playing position, their open strings, and note names. They also successfully performed their first playing test. Next up for them: their first songs.
Practicing - Young Groups
Students will begin practicing today. I have given Beginning Band, Concert Band, and Beginning Strings a sheet that maps out everything they need to do. Feel free to look this over with the kids. I'll be sending out a digital copy soon if they ended up misplacing them. They will have an online practice log to complete between September 10 and 11. They will get more information on this next week, but if you want a sneak preview, click the practice log link on the CMS Bands homepage.
Practicing - Experienced Groups
For Intermediate Band, Advanced Band, and Advanced Strings, practice logs will be very similar to last year. The only difference is that it is goal-based and not time-based. Students are free to practice as long as it takes to complete their weekly goals, even if it's less than 100 minutes total. Please ensure that they still have their instruments home for at least 4 days. Practice logs will be submitted online between September 10 and 11 on the CMS Bands homepage.
That is all for now. Enjoy your long weekend!
-Mr. Jacques-
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