Practicing and Fundraising

Dear Parents,

This week's newsletter includes an intro to practicing, our first fundraiser, and our upcoming rehearsals.

Practicing

I get it...many students do not like to practice. It's like musical homework! Yuck!

The key to successful practicing is consistency! Helping your child set aside a regular, dedicated time for practice over these initial months of band can have a dramatic effect on their trajectory as a musician!

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.  If they cannot take their instruments home daily, my room is always open at lunch so they can come in and work on their goals. 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 and show you how their instrument works. Your interest and support at home will go a long way towards their success.

Also, every two weeks 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 more consistent 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 each day at lunch and after school most Wednesdays for extra help. They are always welcome to come in and work on their music, even if they do not have any specific questions for me. 

Car Wash Fundraiser

Advanced Band students have been sent home with 5 car wash tickets each and all other classes except concert band have been sent home with 2 car wash tickets each. The car wash is on September 23 from 9 AM-2 PM at Grocery Outlet. The money raised from this annual CMS Bands tradition goes towards offsetting fees for those needing financial assistance and the Intermediate/Advanced/Jazz Band's spring trips. 

Upcoming Rehearsals/Events
September 12: Marching Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM (Intermediate and Advanced Band; optional for Concert Band)
September 19: 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-2 PM.

That is all for this week!

-Mr. Jacques-