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-