Weekly Update

Dear Parents,

Another great week is upon us, and what a week it was! This is a big week with a lot of news, including:

• Class progress
• Note reading research project
• Marching rehearsal update
• Car wash wrap-up
• Fall Concert news

Class Progress

Jazz Band has begun working on two new songs, and within the next week, they will have a grand total of 6 songs under their fingers and ready to perform at events like Jazz in the Commons and school assemblies.

Intermediate Band has completed the chromatic scale test and are now working on putting together their parade song. This week, they will be improving their marching and working on fall concert music. All students in this class are capable of learning honor band music, and I will give any interested student a copy and help them learn it. Ask and they will receive!
Beginning Bands can now play their first 3 notes with different rhythms, all with great tone and technique. This week, they will be learning their first songs, their 4th and 5th notes, and some new tools for how to practice.
Concert Band finished learning their first song for the fall concert last week! They are also continuing to learn more ways to practice and play with their best sound. They have come very far in just one week. They will be starting work on their second song this week. I also offered them copies of the parade music if they are up for a challenge.
Advanced Band has memorized most of the parade song. They are also working on honor band music and two additional songs that they will perform at the fall concert.  This week, we'll be sight reading more music for Band-O-Rama and band festival, along with their first shot at marching while playing at the same time.

Note Reading Research Project

Read the note from my partner-in-crime, Jennifer Simkins, who is working on finishing her master's degree in curriculum planning. She has a plan that will help your students work on their note reading skills. 

Hi Parents! As Mr. Jacques said, I'm completing my final semester towards earning a master's in Curriculum and Instruction. Part of the requirements is completing a capstone project; mine is called "Take Note! Increasing Musical Literacy by Teaching 
Note Names Using Differentiated Instruction". In a nutshell, I want to see how different methods of instruction (worksheets, SmartBoard activities, etc.) help your students remember their note names.

Tomorrow, all students will receive an Informed Consent document that outlines the entire project. You may also view it here. Even though all scores are anonymous, a parent & student signature is required for your student's data to be used. Please sign and return this form ASAP so we can get started on the fun activities to teach note names! Thank you!!!

Marching Rehearsals
After school marching rehearsals continue for Intermediate and Advanced Students on Tuesday afternoons from 2:30-4:30 PM. Attendance is expected for all Intermediate and Advanced Band students beginning this Tuesday. If they cannot attend, I need a note or email from parents in advance in order to excuse them.  After the October 27 rehearsal, any student with 0 unexcused absences will be invited to a special reward event following the Nevada Day Parade! Also, students in Concert Band are still invited to join in. If they do not wish to learn the music, I have positions available for banner carriers and flags in the back. If they want to march, I will do my best to include them.

Marching Rehearsal/Parade Schedule
September 27, 2:30-4:30
October 4, 2:30-4:30
October 11, 2:30-4:30
October 18, 2:30-4:30
October 25, 2:30-4:30
October 27, 2:30-4:30 (Fall Football Game with CHS band that evening)
October 29: Nevada Day Parade
November 8, 2:30-4:30
November 11: Veterans Day Parade
November 15: 2:30-4:30 PM
November 22: 2:30-4:30 PM
November 29: 2:30-4:30 PM
December 3: Sparks Christmas Parade

Car Wash Wrap-Up
This year's car wash was a record-breaking event! We raised a grand total of $1,580! Advanced Band alone raised $1,090 in presale tickets, and the other classes combined for an additional $300.  The rest of the money was raised by people who came to the car wash without tickets and purchased snacks at the event.

Thank you to all student and parent volunteers that made this event possible! 

A huge thank-you to Justine, who donated her house for the volunteer barbecue and pool party! (yes, even Mr. Jacques took the plunge)

Fall Concert - October 26

We are now a month away from our first concert of the year! The fall concert will take place on October 26 at 6:00 PM in the CMS cafeteria. This concert features all groups, so it is a mandatory, graded performance for your students. You won't want to miss their debut concert of the year. There will also be spaghetti dinner available, with more information to come next week. 

Other Events

October 27 - Fall Football Game, Carson High School, 5:00-9:00 PM (Advanced Band and all 8th graders)

October 29 - Nevada Day Parade, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM (Advanced Band and Intermediate Band)

November 11 - Veterans Day Parade, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM (Advanced Band and Intermediate Band)

-Mr. Jacques-

A Week of Firsts

Dear Parents,

This past week was a big week in terms of what your students have learned. The week ahead is big in terms of what is coming up.  First, an update on all classes, and as you're about to see, it was a week of firsts for most of them!

Jazz Band performed their first Jazz in the Commons concert on Friday morning! Every month, the Jazz Band will put on a concert as students arrive at school, and we had at least 200 in attendance! We performed the classic Louie, Louie and the theme songs to James Bond and Peter Gunn.  This band has never performed this early in the school year, and I owe it to you, the parents, for getting them to school bright and early. Without you, this class would not be possible!

Intermediate Band is learning the chromatic scale and getting ready for marching rehearsals which will begin on Tuesday. They are also working out of the book and will be receiving their first concert music soon.
Beginning Bands can now play their first 3 notes with a good tone, count simple rhythms, and identify note names. They are ready for their first song this week!
Concert Band relearned their first 5 notes with a good tone, as well as basic rhythms. Some students are moving ahead and others are getting extra help from me. This band is coming together and shaping up to be a fine group.
Advanced Band has memorized the first half of the parade song and is well on their way to learning their first song for the fall concert. They're reviewing the chromatic scale and various major scales, as well. Their next step is to get ready to march with rehearsals beginning Tuesday.

Marching Rehearsals

After school marching rehearsals begin for Intermediate and Advanced Students on Tuesday afternoons from 2:30-4:30 PM. Students in these groups are expected be at all rehearsals. Also, students in Concert Band are invited to sit in and check out the music. If they do not wish to learn the music, I have positions available for banner carriers and flags in the back. If they want to march, I will do my best to include them.

Marching Rehearsal/Parade Schedule
September 20, 2:30-4:30
September 27, 2:30-4:30
October 4, 2:30-4:30
October 11, 2:30-4:30
October 18, 2:30-4:30
October 25, 2:30-4:30
October 27, 2:30-4:30 (Fall Football Game with CHS band that evening)
October 29: Nevada Day Parade
November 8, 2:30-4:30
November 11: Veterans Day Parade
November 15: 2:30-4:30 PM
November 22: 2:30-4:30 PM
November 29: 2:30-4:30 PM
December 3: Sparks Christmas Parade

Parades are our biggest events in terms of audience and publicity. We always strive for perfection in everything we do, and as a result, we have an outstanding reputation. Last year, we even had a clip of us featured on the news!

Car Wash: September 24
The car wash will be held from 9 AM-1 PM at Grocery Outlet. Spread the word!

-Mr. Jacques-

The Best Practice

Dear Parents,

Friday is upon us and that means one thing: another update! After a short week of classes, here's how each group is doing:

Jazz Band finished learning their 4th...yes, 4th song!  Next Friday, we will perform our first montly Jazz in the Commons performance from 7:20-7:40 AM. Feel free to come listen/watch this powerhouse of an ensemble. They will not disappoint!
Intermediate Band continues to work on fundamentals. They're beginning to sound like a band! We're starting our work on our parade song and they are eager to get outside and march.
Beginning Bands can now play their first note and read whole notes, quarter notes, and rests. 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.
Concert Band is a wonderful group of curious 6th graders who have such great questions. We're working together to improve their musical foundation and they are with me every step of the way. I helped them with practice techniques, note names, and rhythms this week and they received their first sheet music.
Advanced Band is memorizing the parade piece and beginning work on their honor band audition music. We have practiced sight reading by trying out music that I have planned for the fall concert, Band-O-Rama, and our spring festival season. This band will blow you away when you hear them!

Practicing

Students in each class will have weekly playing tests.  Practicing at home ensures their success. It's expected that they take their instruments home whenever possible (preferably daily), have their music out with their practice log right next to it, and go through all the goals for each day. Our mission is for them to always learn our parts at home so they can learn how everything fits together during class.  

If you haven't heard music at home yet, please ask your student how practicing works.  I also encourage you to take a minute, sit down with your student, and ask them what they need to practice this week.  Ask them to show you their music, how their instrument works, and how practicing works. Even if you know nothing about music, let them teach you.  If they can explain it, they're well on their way to having a solid foundation for a great year!  

Also on Fridays, we'll have in-class playing tests. They will play an excerpt from what they've practiced over the week and I will score them on certain goals (correct notes, rhythm, articulations, dynamics, etc). The better they are at practicing, the better they'll do on their in-class tests, and the better they'll be as a band.  All students are always welcome to come in and redo a playing test for a higher grade. 

I will also be open after school most Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays for any students who want extra help from me. I'll pull out an instrument and play alongside them, help them practice, and encourage them to always improve.

Upcoming Rehearsals/Events

September 13: Percussion Workshop, 2:30-4:00 PM (those trying out for Advanced Band will audition from 4:00-4:30)
September 20: Marching Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM (Intermediate and Advanced Band; optional for Concert Band)
September 24: Car Wash Fundraiser at Grocery Outlet, 9 AM-1 PM.

That is all for this week!

-Mr. Jacques-

Practice Makes Perfect

Dear Parents,

Two weeks down and a 3 day weekend ahead! I thought I'd announce some after school rehearsals, update you on your student's progress, and introduce practicing, a skill that they will use for the rest of their lives in music.

Class Progress

Jazz Band as a class...wow, what a difference! This time last year, Jazz Band didn't even meet yet, and this year so far, they have learned how to play 2 songs, and sight read a 3rd song today. They can all improvise on a simple blues scale, as well.

Intermediate Band has reviewed music fundamentals in class, and they have received their parade piece. We also went outside and learned some basic marching techniques. Their next step: learning the parade piece and receiving fall concert music. They have so much potential and I can't wait to see what they will be capable of in just a couple short months.

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 practice...phew! There's a reason why it's a proven fact that students who are in band are the best kids ever!

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. As I said before, best kids ever!

Advanced Band reviewed fundamentals, learned the parade piece, and sight read some music that we'll use later in the year. Their next step: mastering marching and memorizing Tribute to America. After working with them for just a few days, it's clear to me that they will continue to be one of the best middle school bands in the state of Nevada. They're a fine group of people and I have some big plans for them this year!

After School Rehearsals

• September 6: 2:30-4:00 PM, Percussion Workshop. This is open to any percussionist (yes, even beginners!) and we will introduce students to the exciting world of rudiments and other rhythmic fun.
• September 13: 2:30-4:00 PM, Percussion Workshop. Just like the first one, this is open to all percussionists. Intermediate Band percussionists will also have a chance to audition for the Advanced Band's percussion section at the end of this workshop. The top performer will receive the invitation.
• September 20: 2:30-4:30 PM, Marching Band Rehearsal for Intermediate Band and Advanced Band. These rehearsals will continue on a weekly basis (always on Tuesdays) until the Nevada Day Parade. Concert Band members are welcome to tag along and give marching band a try.

Practice Logs Begin

Students will begin practicing today.  I have given all groups except Jazz Band a sheet that maps out everything they need to do.  Feel free to look this over with the kids.  Digital copies are always available on the website.  Their practicing is based on goals accomplished, not minutes practiced. This means that their time may vary from as little as 5 minutes to as much as 30+ minutes, depending on each student's needs. They will have an online practice log to complete between September 8 and 9, and they will always have laptop time during band if they choose to use it. There is also extra credit available if they practice every day. They will get more information on this next week, but if you want a sneak preview, click "This week's practice assignment" link on the CMS Bands homepage.

That is all for now.  Enjoy your long weekend!

-Mr. Jacques