To-Do List

Dear Parents, 

We are just about ready to start making music, but before we do that, I wanted to take a moment and share this information with you.

Everything you need to know about band program will be posted on www.cmsbands.org and updated regularly.  Here's a rundown of band fees, required materials, and important due dates. 

Every student is responsible for providing the following paperwork/fees by Friday, August 26: 

1) Class Contract, signed by both parent and student. 

2) Required Fee: $25 Lab Fee for all ensembles (due Friday)*

3) Optional Fees: 

• $9 for a method book. We use Sound Innovations and I encourage them to pre-order a book through me (due Friday)*
• $15 for a Jazz Band method book. We use Standard of Excellence Jazz Ensemble Method which they can pre-order through me (due Friday)*
• Instrument Rentals
  • $100 to rent through me, applications due ASAP (bottom half of class contract)*
  • $75 to rent through me if you have free/reduced lunch, applications due ASAP (bottom half of class contract)*
  • You may rent through a local music store, and may of them have "rent-to-own" programs. A complete list of local music stores is available online.
  • If you order an instrument online, please talk to me first so I can help you with price/quality of instruments available.

*If any of these fees create a financial hardship on your family, I accept late payments and we can even work out installment plans. I also have limited financial assistance available. 

Every student is responsible for providing the following supplies by Friday, September 2:

1) Instrument

2) Band book: Sound Innovations (make sure to get the book that matches your instrument) 

3) Portable Music Stand (for practice at home) 

4) Pencil (keep a pencil in your instrument case, we will use them daily!) 

5) Accessories for individual instrument: 

• Flute -Cleaning rod (normally included with instrument) -Swab for rod (any rectangular piece of cotton is fine) -Polishing cloth 
• Clarinet/Saxophone -Reeds (1 box, Rico brand- minimum size 2.5) -Cleaning Swab -Cork Grease -Neck Strap (sax only) -Polishing cloth (sax only)*
• Trumpet/Baritone -Valve Oil -Slide Grease -Polishing Cloth*
• Trombone -The items below are not needed for P-Bones, only metal trombones -Slide Cream/Oil -Mini Water Spray Bottle -Polishing Cloth*
• Percussion -Bell Kit for practicing at home (I have a limited supply available for rental), drum sticks.

*I have limited quantities of reeds, cork grease, valve oil, and slide cream available for sale. Students may purchase these items through me if it is difficult for you to make it to a local music store.

Feel free to email me if you have any questions. I check it regularly throughout the week.  I look forward to working with you all!

-Mr. Jacques

A New Year, A Fresh Look

Dear Parents,

Over the summer, the music program experienced several major changes.  Just wait until you and your students get a chance to experience them in person!

• The Band Room received a major face lift, including brand new carpet and installation of the new storage cabinets. 
• Our district was able to fund the purchase of new instruments! We now have the ideal inventory of up-to-date, quality woodwind, brass, percussion, and string instruments for your students. Some of you may end up renting an instrument that is brand new and has never been played!
• Carson City School District hired a full-time orchestra director, who will teach strings at all area schools.  As sad as I am to no longer be conducting strings, I am happy to see that the band and orchestra program has grown to the point of being able to support another full time position!
• Jazz Band is an official "0" period class, which will begin at 7:00 AM.
• This fall, CMS will now have 2 Beginning Band classes, which means better student-to-teacher ratios and more direct instruction for the students.

There are also a few other changes that you will just have to come and see for yourself! My favorite phrase to the students, "Make every rehearsal better than the last," will now be able to be extended to the school year. This school year WILL be better than the last, and last year set the bar incredibly high. I will be available to answer any questions next week in person at the CMS Sneak Peak:

• 6th Graders: August 17, 4-6 PM
• 7th & 8th Graders: August 18, 4-6 PM

Welcome back! I cannot wait to get back to work with your phenomenal students!

-Mr. Jacques-