Sometimes, we have an overrunning theme in our week of band. This week, it's "honor." From honoring our veterans last week, to honor band auditions in 2 weeks, "honor" is an everyday part of band. Students use the honor system when they practice, we strive to all get along in band and work together by honoring one another, and by doing so, we continue to make big strides in not just how students play, but also in how they approach life.
VETERANS DAY WRAP-UP
The Veterans Day Parade was, once again, a huge success. Even with 12 absences, the students who attended were prepared and contributed well to the overall sound of the band. We received many compliments, as well as news coverage! A clip of the band occurs at 21 seconds in:
http://www.ktvn.com/clip/14685278/veterans-day-parade?fbclid=IwAR3v8jYmpPUAs4ZEmvEJcIzOESWTgIh3bOxClVplSXIaJeJSf844z_X6EpI
There's also a great picture of the band on Channel 4, KRNV:
https://mynews4.com/news/local/veterans-day-parade-honors-service-men-and-woman-in-downtown-reno?fbclid=IwAR0JBHT1NejheVWbv-SYo6_UxugoQmrHMzd8rzK37uQ5Mu9x91RAuiF9PTU
Thank you to all the parents who brought water, breakfast items, braided hair, helped out with uniforms, and chaperoned. It truly takes a village and I couldn't have done it all without you.
CLASS UPDATES
Beginning Bands received their first official sheet music! Name That Christmas Carol is a 3 minute long medley of holiday tunes. Students take turns playing melodies, harmonies, and rests, making it the first time that they will be reading different parts at the same time. It's going to be an exciting week as students put this together for the first time.
Concert Band received their 3 winter concert songs if they scored an 80% or higher on the playing test. Students who have not scored 80% or higher will have a chance each day at lunch and during class to practice, retake the test, and show me that they are ready for this more advanced music. These students will also have an after school rehearsal on December 11 from 2:30-4:30 to put together these songs.
Intermediate Band received their 2nd song on Friday and will receive their 3rd song this week. The set is ambitious for an intermediate band, but these students have shown me time and time again that they can do it!
Advanced Band has their 4 songs and they are ready to start reading down their easy songs that will be added for elementary school tours, which will begin the first week of December. They will also have an after school rehearsal on December 4 from 2:30-4:30 to put this all together.
Jazz Band has been doing a wonderful job on their 3 songs, including their more ambitious piece: A Chili Pepper Christmas. They are continuing their trek towards becoming a powerhouse of a band in the spring.
Marching Band just finished their second parade. Since the next parade is the Sparks Christmas Parade, they will be working on their new Christmas music, Parade of the Wooden Soldiers. Please note: rehearsals will now end at 4:00 PM.
VIDEO PRACTICE LOGS
Since we have 2 weeks in a row without 5-day weeks, we are placing extra emphasis on practicing. We will be doing another round of video practice logs that begin on Wednesday, November 14, and end on Sunday, November 25. I will give directions to students in class and post it online in their Google Classroom.
AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Between Marching Band, honor band auditions, and upcoming winter performances, we have a complex schedule. Please read below and mark the dates that apply to your student.
November 13: Marching Band, 2:30-4:00 (note the earlier end time)
November 20: Marching Band, 2:30-4:00
November 26-29: Honor Band auditions (students will sign up for a time in the band room)
November 27: Marching Band, 2:30-4:00
December 4: Advanced Band, 2:30-4:30
December 11: Concert Band, 2:30-4:30
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 1: Sparks Christmas Parade (Marching Band)
December 5: Fremont Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 7: Empty Bowls Fundraiser Performance (Advanced Band)
December 12: Mark Twain Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 18: Winter Concert in gym (ALL ENSEMBLES)
December 19: Bordewich Bray Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 20: Fritsch Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
Winter Concert reminder
The winter concert is on December 18 and begins at 6:00 PM in the CMS Gym. Be sure you save the date for this event, which is mandatory for all students in all groups. This event will also include a bake sale. Students may decorate their instruments or wear holiday-themed hats, and the entire evening is a lot of fun.
Have a great rest of your week!
-Mr. Jacques-
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