Happy 2018!

Dear Families,

Welcome to a new year and a fresh start in the band program.  We had a hugely successful fall 2017 semester, and it's time to do it all over again as we begin spring 2018!

Jazz Extravaganza - January 30
Each year, the Mile High Jazz Band puts on a benefit concert for the school jazz bands. This year, we are pleased to be a part of this event for the 5th year in a row.  Jazz band students are selling tickets, with proceeds going directly back into their accounts for their spring trip.

• Tickets are $10 for adults, free for kids age 18 and under. 
• Tickets can be purchased from a Jazz Band student, or at the door. 
• The concert is January 30 at 7 PM at the Carson City Community Center

Chili Bingo Night - February 23
Each year, this event generates at least $5,000 to go towards instruments and other essentials for our students. Now in its 10th year, this fundraiser has turned into a much-anticipated CMS tradition. During the event, we need help with the following:

• Running the raffle
• Running/calling Bingo
• Selling food/drinks
• Managing the chili cookoff
• If you can't help but are able to donate, we accept virtually anything in the form of gift cards, gift baskets, handmade items, monetary donations, etc.

The event itself is a night of games, prizes, delicious food, and family-friendly fun, all in the name of supporting the CMS band program.  More information will be announced shortly.

Class Updates

Jazz Band is working on a total of 5 songs for the Jazz Extravaganza on January 30, 3 of which are brand new to them. They are working on more music than any other jazz band over the years. Even better: they're rising to the occasion. Spring trip payment #2 is due ASAP.

Advanced Band has received all their Band-O-Rama music, as well as one of their festival selections.  They're already well on their way towards learning all the notes and rhythms to these songs.  Would you expect anything different from some of the best middle school musicians in Nevada? Spring trip payment #2 is due ASAP.

Concert Band has also received all their Band-O-Rama music, as well as one of their festival selections. These students are focusing heavily on fundamentals in class. With this foundation becoming even more routine, you should start hearing an improvement in how your student sounds at home. 

Intermediate Band has received all their Band-O-Rama music.  They're focusing heavily on fundamentals to improve that foundation that's essential for any great band. This class is improving at an outstanding rate, and they have the potential to play like an advanced band by March if they keep digging deep and working hard. 

CTE Music has just made it to the black belt on their recorders. This means that if they earn their belt, they have officially shown me that they have learned how to read music quite well. We are going to introduce percussion to this group, and continue our adventures on handbells. 

Beginning Bands are working heavily on fundamentals. As these students continue to build their tone and note/rhythm reading skills, they will be able to take on even more challenging and exciting music. They have their Band-O-Rama music, as well.

Practice Logs are due on Friday, January 26. Click above to view this week's assignment for your class. 

Upcoming Events

January 30: Jazz Extravaganza, 7:00 PM, Carson City Community Center
February 2: Honor Band, 7:00 PM, Churchill County High School
February 10: Jazz in the Schools, University of Nevada, Reno (all day)
February 23: Chili Bingo Night, CMS Gym and Cafeteria, 6:00-8:00 PM

March 15: Washoe County Band Festival (Advanced Band), 3:00-6:00 PM

March 15: Band-O-Rama, Carson High School Gym, 7:00 PM

Have a great week!

-Mr. Jacques-