Welcome to the Band!

Dear Parents, 

Welcome to the CMS band! You and your student are now part of an award-winning program that consistently earns some of the highest ratings and honors in the state! I update this throughout the school year as a quick reference to everything going on in the musical part of your student's life. I will always email you when I post an update. 

I will also include links to practice assignments and concert information, post pictures and videos, and provide links to other important resources on our website, www.cmsbands.org. 

THE BUSINESS OF MAKING MUSIC

Running a band program is a lot like running a business.  To get students started, we need to get them their method books, copy music, assign folders, assign instrument lockers, assign instruments themselves, order shirts and performance attire, and collect payments. The sooner this is all taken care of, the sooner we can get to the FUN part of making music. Although my goal is to get this all done by August 31, over half of our families have already made payments and well over half our students already have instruments. As a matter of fact, 4 of our 6 ensembles have already started playing! 

Our goal is to have all 240 band students either paid, on a payment plan, or sponsored, with an instrument to play, by this Friday.  For this to happen, please make sure the following has been taken care of by August 31:

• Read through the Band Handbook and complete the Handbook Agreement Form
• Pay the participation fee of $35 (includes method book, band shirt, band uniform except for shoes, sheet music, and folder)
• Please contact Mr. Jacques if this fee presents a financial hardship.
• Obtain an instrument
• ALL students who have already turned in a CMS instrument rental form by last Friday WILL get an instrument, but we almost out! Those who still need to rent from CMS will be offered anything that is left and may not receive their first or second choice.
• Rent from a local music store. 
• Purchase an instrument new or used - Please message me first if you choose this option and aren't purchasing from a local music store. 

LOOKING AHEAD

In the next newsletter, I will discuss instrument accessories, marching band (for experienced students), and practicing.  Feel free to email me if you have any questions. I check it regularly throughout the week.  I look forward to working with you all!

-Mr. Jacques