First Quarter, First Concerts

Dear Parents,
With the first quarter ending on Friday and the first concerts next week, we have a busy couple of weeks coming up.  Please read through the concert and parade information, consider helping out at either or both of these events, and invite anyone you know. The bands are starting to sound really good, and we still have over a week before the concerts. But first, some news on grading.

GRADE NEWS
First quarter grades are due on Friday. Students will have until Friday at lunch to re-take any playing tests. If your student's grade is lower than a B, it means that they have been forgetting their instrument, forgetting their music, or forgetting to practice and turn in practice logs online. If your student has been consistently bringing everything, actively participating, and turning in their practice log, they will have earned an A or B. This week, they have a video practice log, where they need to click a link in their Google Classroom and submit a video online.  Please ask your student to show you your video or help them record it. This is a fun and interactive way for students to learn how to practice from each other.  I'm offering after school help on Wednesday from 2:30-4:30 for anyone who wishes to practice concert music, practice honor band music, or receive help with the video practice logs.

OPEN HOUSE
On Wednesday, we will have an open house at CMS from 6-7:30 PM.  All parents will meet in the gym at 6 for a special introduction. Following that, there will be 4 sessions where parents can attend a class of their choice. Here's what I'll be doing during those sessions:
Session 1: Concert Band and Beginning Band
Session 2: Concert Band and Beginning Band
Session 3: Intermediate Band 
Session 4: Advanced Band 

FALL CONCERT - October 24 at 6:00 PM
The fall concert is a mandatory performance for ALL BAND STUDENTS! Beginning Band will amaze you with everything they've learned in just 2 months. Concert Band has a completely new and improved sound from when you last heard them play. Students will also hear the exciting progression of ensembles with Intermediate Band, Advanced Band, Marching Band, and Jazz Band performing.
Click here for the concert flyer

NEVADA DAY PARADE - October 27 at 10:00 AM
This performance is mandatory for all Marching Band members.  Here is our schedule and entry information:

• 7:30 AM: Call time in the Band Room to change into uniforms and load the bus
• 8:45 AM: Arrive at staging area on Long Street and warm-up.
• 10:00 AM: Parade begins.  Entry number is 68.
• Approx. 12:30 PM: Return to CMS to change.
• Approx. 12:45 PM: Dismissal.

Click here for the parade flyer
Click here to volunteer

Optional: Nevada Day Concert
At 2 PM on Saturday, October 27, the Capital City Community Band will be performing a free concert at the legislative Mall. This outdoor amphitheater is located across the street from The Fox.  I am taking over as the new director and invite all students to come listen to some great music.

Optional: Sierra Band Crusade
On Saturday, November 3, Marching Band students have the option to take a trip to Reno to watch the Sierra Band Crusade, which is the Nevada state marching band championships. I will accept the first 30 students who bring me their $5 fee. Parents are encouraged to take the bus with us and chaperone this fun day of music.

VETERANS TRIBUTE CONCERT - November 8 at 9:00 AM
This performance is mandatory for all Intermediate and Advanced Band students.  During class on November 8, these students will join the choirs for a special performance at CMS for area veterans. If you would like to come watch, we perform at 9:00 AM.  Concert attire is the royal blue band t-shirt with khakis or jeans.

VETERANS DAY PARADE - November 11 at 11:30 AM
This performance is mandatory for all Marching Band students.
On November 11, the Marching Band will participate in the Veterans Day Parade.  I will have more information shortly, but call time will be 8:30 AM in the band room, the parade begins in downtown Reno at 11:30 AM, and students are typically back home and dismissed by 1:00 PM.

HONOR BAND
All students interested in honor band should be warming up with these excerpts when they practice, and come in after school on Wednesday so they can work together. The auditions will take place in late November.

CLASS UPDATES

Beginning Bands are just about ready for the concert.  We're pushing for precision with excellent tone on a group of songs. Just wait!
Concert Band has a change in their program. I removed one of the songs that was a little challenging, and replaced it with two easier songs that will sound far better.  They have improved a lot just in the last week.  I am holding sectionals during lunch this week for specific groups of instruments. 
Intermediate Band has a total of 4 songs. Two of them will be played with the Advanced Band and eventually be performed at the Veterans Tribute Concert. The other two will be performed by the Intermediate Band only. Their #1 challenge is practicing their most fun sections of music and forgetting about the other sections.
Advanced Band also has a total of 4 songs, including the two songs they're learning with Intermediate Band for the Veterans Tribute Concert. The other two will be performed by the Advanced Band only. They will be performing these songs with a level of precision that we usually do not see until March when we perform at Band-O-Rama and area festivals.
Jazz Band is working towards a level of precision and musicality that they normally do not experience until the spring. Just wait until you hear them next week!
Marching Band has received some amazing publicity. A person in the neighborhood posted a video from her front porch as the band passed by. It has since been viewed by one of her friends, who sent it to the school, who shared it with all the teachers. Then, the principal forwarded it to the school district, who shared it on their Facebook page! It's fun to go viral for a good reason.  Marching Band will have a special Saturday rehearsal on October 20, followed by a reward barbecue/party at a parent's house. Students who have no unexcused absences and a "4" in their most recent band citizenship grade will be allowed to attend the party.

That's all, folks! Let me know if you have any questions.

-Mr. Jacques-