Getting Started...

Dear Parents,

Two weeks down and a much-needed 3 day weekend behind us! It's time to announce our first after school rehearsals, update you on your student's class progress, and introduce practicing, a skill that students will use for the rest of their lives in music.

Class Progress

Jazz Band has reviewed fundamentals, including the blues scale and sight reading. They have their first two songs and are off to a solid start.

Advanced Band is off to a great start, but is that a surprise to anyone? We have reviewed fundamentals, sight read the parade piece, and began introducing marching. Once again, this band is destined to be one of the best bands in the state of Nevada if they work as hard as I know they can!

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!  Students need to have their instruments and books by September 5, unless other arrangements were made with Mr. Jacques.

Intermediate Band is in the process of reviewing fundamentals and reacquainting themselves with their instruments. This class is the "melting pot" of the band program, with students in all 3 grades and students from several different schools. Once everyone is caught up and at the same level, the sky's the limit for this group!

Beginning Band is learning 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!  Students need to have their instruments and books by September 5, unless other arrangements were made with Mr. Jacques.

After School Rehearsals

• September 5: 2:30-4:30 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.  Intermediate and Advanced Band percussionists will be tried out on the various marching instruments and audition for their favorite instrument in the parade.
• September 12: 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 invited to come watch or participate.

Practice Logs Begin

Students will be familiarized with practicing this week, with the first practice assignments beginning on Thursday/Friday. At CMS, their practicing is based on goals accomplished, not minutes practiced. This means that their time may vary from as little as 10 minutes to as much as 30+ minutes, depending on what each student needs. They will have an online practice log to complete on their last class of the week, 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.  I will update these by the end of the week.

That is all for now!

-Mr. Jacques