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-