The Results...

Dear Parents,

Time for a long overdue update to share festival results from all groups, spring concert information, summer jazz camp news, and an update on grades.

FESTIVALS
Congratulations to all groups on their performances from mid-March through early May! Every single class received "Superior" (I) and "Excellent" (II) ratings, and here's how each group performed (scores out of 100):

Beginning Band
May 1: I (86), I (85)
Handbells
May 1: I (84), I (90)
Concert Band
April 25: II+ (82), II+ (85)
May 1: I (88), I (92)
Intermediate Band
April 21: II (84), II (88), first place in division, Esprit de Corps award
April 25: II+ (82), II+ (85)
Advanced Band
March 15: I (80), I (82), I (83)
Sight Reading: I (94)
April 25: I+ (97), I+ (97), highest rating at entire festival, highest rating earned by a CMS performing group in at least 3 decades
Jazz Band
April 27: I (86), II (84), I (85), 13th place overall (out of 30 groups)

For those of you who are new to how band festival rating systems work, here's a breakdown of scoring:

I - Superior, the very best performance.  The band executed all aspects of music making very well at all times.
II - Excellent, a great performance.  The band had some minor musical imperfections but was overall very good.
III - Good, an average performance.  The band had several mistakes, but songs are still recognizable.
IV - Fair, a below average performance.  Numerous errors in tone, notes and rhythms.  Songs sound bad and hard to recognize.
V - Poor, a performance where few, if any, students are able to play their music. Cruel and unusual punishment for audience, students, and the director.

The Beginning Band, Concert Band, and Handbell groups performed in Fernley and went out to pizza on the way back. The owners loved having us, and they took this picture to remember our visit. You have wonderful students.



CONCERTS
The students delivered an outstanding musical product at all festivals, and had fun in the meantime. Did you miss the festivals and want to hear how great they are?  It's not too late. Here's your chance! Our spring concerts are on May 22 and 23.

May 22: Part 1

• Concert starts at 6:00 PM and features the 5th grade band, Handbells, Beginning Band, and Concert Band.
• For the flyer I sent home with students, click here.

May 23: Part 2

• Concert starts at 5:30 PM and features the Jazz Band, Intermediate Band, and Advanced Band.
• For the flyer I sent home with students, click here.

This is just a reminder that these performances are mandatory for all students, but seriously, who would want to miss this??  I look forward to seeing you for final hurrah for the 2017-2018 school year.

JAZZ CAMP

The 4th annual Jazz Camp is right around the corner, on June 13-19. This event is available to any band students, regardless of instrument or experience level.  

• Sessions are on June 13, 14, 15, 18, and 19
• The first session is $25 and meets from 9:00-10:15 AM each day. This session is for students with little to no jazz experience.
• The second session is $40 and meets from 10:30 AM-Noon each day. This session is for students with jazz band experience, and includes a concert on the night of the 19th.
• This year's special guests are the US Navy's 32nd Street Jazz Band!  They'll be running a workshop for all camp participants from 9:00-12:00 on the 19th, and performing a concert with the Mile High Jazz Band and the Jazz Camp Ensemble (2nd session) that night.  
• Click here for a Jazz Camp flyer.
• Registration will open at the spring concerts and I will provide a link at the time. In the meantime, save the date!

GRADES

Just a few notes on grades as we start to wrap things up for the school year:

• Final practice logs are due May 23. I sent copies of these with your students, so be sure they're taking this time on our easy testing week to accomplish those goals.
• The final concerts are on May 22/23 (see above).  If your student arrives on time, in uniform, with a positive attitude, they will receive full credit!
• Final playing tests will begin after Memorial Day weekend. I will choose material from their final practice log and announce this information after the spring concerts.
• 6th and 7th grade students: Advanced Band and Jazz Band auditions will be the same material as the final playing tests in those classes.  I will also have this information after the spring concerst.
• The final performance of the year is the 8th grade promotion. All 6th and 7th grade Concert Band and Intermediate Band students are required to perform. This performance is on the afternoon of June 6. More information will be forthcoming.
• The last day make up any playing tests will be May 31. 

I'm off to Disneyland with the Advanced Band and Jazz Band classes! You may email me if you have any questions and I will respond by that evening.  Wishing your students the best as they complete testing, and I will see you at the concerts next week.

-Mr. Jacques-