2019: Year in Review

Dear Parents, 

Another year is coming to a close, and this year is extra special in many ways. It's time for my annual "year in review" post, highlighting all the major events that took place in 2019.

 February

• The Jazz Band made their 7th appearance at the Jazz in the Schools Clinic at UNR.
• A record of 26 band members proudly represented Carson Middle School in the Northern Zone Honor Band. 

 March

• The Bingo Chili Night fundraiser generated $14,000 for the program!
• Our newly created percussion ensemble performed at UNR's Day of Percussion.

• For the 5th time in the program's history, the CMS Advanced Band traveled to Reno to perform in the Washoe County Band Festival, earning "Excellent" and "Superior" ratings, as well as a "Superior" rating in sight reading.
• Advanced Band earned unanimous "Superior" ratings at the Northern Zone Band Festival! These ratings were also the highest at the entire festival.
• Intermediate Band earned "Excellent" ratings at the Northern Zone Band Festival! 
• The annual Band-O-Rama event was held at Carson High School.

April

• 6 band members proudly represented Carson Middle School in the NMEA All-State Band in Las Vegas.
• Beginning Band and Concert Band combined in a performance at the Northern Zone Beginning Band Festival, earning "Superior" ratings!
• The Jazz Band performed at the Northern Zone Jazz Band Festival at Carson High School.
• The Jazz Band performed at the Reno Jazz Festival, earning "excellent" ratings, and placing 9th overall in the middle school division.
• Mr. Jacques was selected as Carson City School District's teacher of the year!
• Intermediate Band traveled to their second Music in the Parks festival.

May

• Advanced Band and Jazz Band took their annual spring trip, performing in Disneyland,  performing with a local middle school band, and participating in a clinic with Dr. Betancourt.
• All groups performed their spring concerts in the Cafeteria, signaling an end to the 2018-2019 school year.

June

• We hosted the 5th annual Mile High Jazz Camp, which included 5 days of rehearsals and a concert with the Mile High Jazz Band. We also created the first ever Summer Pops Camp in conjunction with the Capital City Community Band.

August

• The school year began with another year of record enrollment in the band program!

October

• The fall concert was held in the CMS gym (once again, there wasn't enough room in the cafeteria!)
• Mr. Jacques was surprised with an assembly that awarded him with a Milken Educator Award!
• The Marching Band performed in the Nevada Day Parade.

November

• The Marching Band performed in the Veterans Day Parade, and once again, our band's performance was in the local news.
• Chili Bingo Night moved to a new date in the fall, so for the second time in 2019, we held the event. This time, we raised a staggering $16,400!
• 20 students were selected for the 2020 Northern Zone Middle School Honor Band!

December

• The Marching Band performed in the Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade. 
• The Advanced Band performed at 8 holiday events, including the Empty Bowls fundraiser, elementary school concerts, and a school assembly.
• The winter concert was held at the CMS Cafetera, ending our 2019 calendar year on a fun, festive note. 

Thank you to everyone who helped make 2019 another huge success! 

Concerts and Final Grades...

Dear Parents,

Semester 1 is almost done, and with that, the first half of the school year.  We have our winter concert next week, along with some other fun activities.  Grades are also due next week, and I have some important information on how to help be sure all students are ending the semester in the most successful way possible.

WINTER CONCERT - DECEMBER 18

Our winter concert is on December 18 starting at 6:00 PM in the Carson City Community Center. Students must bring home their instruments and all music after school on Wednesday afternoon.
Here is a timeline of the evening:
5:00 PM - Percussion students and parent helpers report to set up.
5:30 PM - Call time for Beginning Band students on stage.
5:45 PM - Call time for Concert Band members; assemble instruments and sit in the audience.
6:00 PM - Part 1 begins with Beginning Band, then Concert Band
6:30 PM - Call time for Jazz Band backstage
6:45 PM - Intermission; Intermediate/Advanced Band call time, Jazz Band sets up.
7:00 PM - Part 2 begins with Jazz Band, Intermediate Band, then Advanced Band.
8:00-8:15 PM - Approximate end of concert. Students will help clean up and load percussion into the truck.

Other important items

• Concert Dress for all groups except Advanced Band and Jazz Band will be the blue band polo, black dress pants, black socks, and black dress shoes. Students are also allowed to wear festive hats, scarves, and jewelry.
• Concert Dress for Jazz Band will be their school-issued blue jacket or vest along with their tuxedo shirt, cummerbund, black tuxedo pants, black socks, and black dress shoes.
• Concert Dress for Advanced Band will be their school-issued full tuxedo outfit (tux shirt, cummerbund, bow tie, and dress pants) or dress with dress shoes and black socks. Girls may wear flats with the dresses. Please note: Students in both Jazz Band and Advanced Band will have time to change backstage while Intermediate Band is getting ready to perform. 
• We will be selling off our old music stands at the concert for $10 each. That's right! The new music stands will be arriving this week, and your student will have a chance to take home a piece of history.  We've had to live with these old stands for years, and now, your student will get a chance to live with them at home!

We need parent volunteers to help make this concert a huge success.  Please sign up for a shift or an item here: https://signup.com/go/KguDZgS

GRADE NEWS

The end of the semester is on Friday, December 20.  Students make retake or make up any playing tests until Thursday, December 19.  I encourage everyone to access InfiniteCampus to see what needs to be retaken and schedule a time with me. I will be here after school every day this week and next week except for Wednesday, and also 2nd lunch each day.

We also have our final Smartmusic practice time of the semester due this Friday, 12/13.  If your student experiences any technical issues, they need to screenshot the problem, email me before the assignment is due, and contact the Smartmusic technical support team. I'm looking forward to a strong finish to your student's practice time this week.

Once we are finished with the winter concert, I will also be passing out Band-O-Rama music for students to study.

OTHER EVENTS

December 12 NOW December 17: Advanced Band Assembly Tour: Bordewich Bray Elementary, 8:45-9:15 AM
December 18: CMS Band Winter Concert, Carson City Community Center, 6-8:30 PM
December 19: Advanced Band Assembly Tour: Mark Twain Elementary, 8:45-9:15 AM; Fremont Elementary, 10:00-10:30 AM. Students will wear their "it's cool" shirts that day.
December 20: CMS Assembly performance for Concert Band, Intermediate Band, and Advanced Band, 12:30 PM - please note new time and date. Students will wear their "it's cool" shirts that day.
December 20: Jazz in the Commons at 7:15 AM

Just 10 more days until winter break!

-Mr. Jacques-

Lots to be Thankful For...

Dear Parents,

We have just completed a record-breaking fundraiser.  $15,914 raised from a single event is absolutely incredible. If we count the money earned from the chili cook-off and the snack bar (these profits went to the Carson High School Band), we made a total of approximately $17,500!  Almost $8,000 of this went directly into student's spring trip accounts, with the remaining money going into our general fund.  Check out the top sellers, class participation percentages, and perhaps the most incredible part, our running total throughout the month.

 As a result of our efforts, we will not need any additional fundraisers this school year.  I am also pleased to share that I ordered new music stands yesterday. These should arrive just in time for the new year.  To our parents who spent countless hours getting donations, helping their kids sell tickets, donating items from their personal businesses, attending the event, or all of the above: thank you!

FLIPGRID PRACTICING
All students in all classes have a video assignment that's due on Sunday, December 1.  Here are their directions:
- Introduce yourself (name, instrument, band)
- Tell me your most challenging spot in your concert music.
- Why is it your most challenging spot?
- Play it "as is."
- Choose TWO practice strategies to use in order to fix it.
- Practice with those TWO practice strategies.
- Once you practiced the section, play it again.
- Discuss why this worked (or if it didn't, what you'll do next time).
- Finish by telling me what you need to do next so you're ready for the concert.
The practicing and their analysis will count as a practicing grade, and their playing will count as a playing test grade. If you would like to view the assignment and examples of featured student videos, click here: https://flipgrid.com/47fd45d8 

DECEMBER EVENTS
December 3 - Marching Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM
December 4 - Advanced Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM
December 5: Advanced Band Assembly Tour: Fritsch Elementary, 10:00-10:30 AM
December 6: Advanced Band Silver & Snowflakes Performance, McFadden Plaza, 7-7:30 PM
December 7: Sparks Christmas Parade, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
December 7: Empty Bowls Performance for Advanced Band, Carson Mall, 5:30-6:00 PM
December 10: Marching Band Perfect Attendance Movie Party, 2:30-4:30 PM
December 12: Advanced Band Assembly Tour: Bordewich Bray Elementary, 10:00-10:30 AM
December 18: CMS Band Winter Concert, Carson City Community Center, 6-8:30 PM
December 19: Advanced Band Assembly Tour: Mark Twain Elementary, 8:45-9:15 AM; Fremont Elementary, 10:00-10:30 AM
December 19: School Assembly performance, 2:00 PM

This has already been quite an incredible year.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving break and I can't wait to see all our wonderful students for a December to remember!

-Mr. Jacques-

Chili Bingo Night and More!

Dear Parents,

Friday night is the big night! We are excited to be offering a fun, family-friendly evening with delicious food, fabulous prizes, and great company, all starting at 5:00 PM.  Admission is free, and once you're in the gym, you will have an assortment of fun activities to choose from.  Here's a run-down of what we will be offering throughout the evening:

Chili Cook-Off
We will have chili tasting for only $5. We still have spots open if you'd like to enter a chili. Click the link above by Thursday evening if you are interested.

Bingo Games
We are selling bingo cards for just $1 each. With 12 games throughout the evening, you will have many chances to win amazing prizes.  Click here for this year's prize list.

Raffle Drawing
Students have sold over $10,000 presale tickets to this year's raffle, and you still have time to get in any last-minute tickets.  We will sell raffle tickets and draw winners between bingo rounds on Friday night. Tickets are just $1 each and you do not need to be present to win.

Silent Auction
We will also have a silent auction with items that will go home to the person with the highest bid.  Click here for this year's silent auction prize list.

Snack Bar
The Carson High School Band is hosting a snack bar with hot dogs, chips, candy, soda, and other delicious junk food!

Just For Kids
This year, we are also partnering up with Tiffany Rankin, our fabulous leadership teacher, and she will have board games, a movie viewing party, and other kid-friendly activities throughout the evening, so bring the whole family!

I'm looking forward to seeing you all on Friday evening for a wonderful community event that is guaranteed to be fun for the whole family, and all of it will benefit our amazing band kids!

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GRADE NEWS
This week, Smartmusic practice time will be due on Friday.  Students also have a video practice assignment that will double as their playing test, due on December 1.  Students will complete this at home by recording themselves. The link and all directions are in their Google Classroom pages.

UPCOMING EVENTS
November 22 - Chili Bingo Night, 5-8 PM
December 3 - Marching Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM
December 5: Advanced Band Assembly Tour: Fritsch Elementary, 10:00-10:30 AM
December 6: Advanced Band Silver & Snowflakes Performance, McFadden Plaza, 7-7:30 PM
December 7: Sparks Christmas Parade, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
December 7 (NEW EVENT): Empty Bowls Performance for Advanced Band, Carson Mall, 5:30-6:00 PM
December 10: Marching Band Perfect Attendance Movie Party, 2:30-4:30 PM
December 12: Advanced Band Assembly Tour: Bordewich Bray Elementary, 10:00-10:30 AM
December 18: CMS Band Winter Concert, Carson City Community Center, 6-8:30 PM
December 19: Advanced Band Assembly Tour: Mark Twain Elementary, 8:45-9:15 AM; Fremont Elementary, 10:00-10:30 AM

Thank you!

-Mr. Jacques-

"Fun"raising

Dear Parents,

Chili Bingo Night began as a fundraiser that was put on by the PTA. 12 years ago, Mr. Blankenship, previous band director of CMS, needed a new marimba and partnered with the PTA to sell raffle tickets to pay for the instrument. Since then, this event has been handed exclusively to the band program and has become a massively profitable event, so much so that this year, it will be our only major fundraiser!  With how easy it is to sell tickets and how much fun the event is to attend, we should begin calling it a "fun"raiser. This year's goal is $10,000 in total profit, and we can easily exceed that with 100% class participation. Some students have sold so many raffle tickets that they've already paid off their entire spring trip!

Chili Bingo Night Meeting and Volunteer Signup
This amazing tradition would not thrive without the continued support from parents. We are looking for parent volunteers to work in shifts at the event.  Please sign up here.

We will also have a planning meeting for all parents on Tuesday, November 19, at 6:30 PM in the band room. We will go over every shift, discuss where we need additional help, and come up with a plan to make this the best Chili Bingo Night ever.

Chili Cook-off Entry Form
Do you have a delicious recipe for chili? If so, we want you to enter your tasty creation in our annual chili cook-off.  Click here to enter!  Cash prizes are available for the best taste, people's choice, and best name.

Ticket Selling Reminders
So far, we have made about $3,500 in presale ticket profits! Students have 1 more week to finish selling all their raffle tickets. Don't forget that each ticket needs to have the buyer's name, phone number, and item that they want to win. Students need to return the tickets and money to me by Thursday, November 21 and prizes are available to the top selling students in the band program.

Please share this flyer with everyone you know!

HONOR BAND
This year, I have over 50 students auditioning for Honor Band!  These students have been hard at work preparing an audition that will be recorded in my office at lunches and after school between now and the 18th. Advanced Band students are required to play the audition as a playing test (and can choose whether or not to submit their audition for a chance to be in the band). This is your student's final chance to practice (honor band music is uploaded in Smartmusic).  Honor Band results will be posted by November 27. 

GRADE NEWS
Last week, all students completed another week of practicing on Smartmusic and Beginning Band members completed a playing test on #40 (Technique Builder). This Friday, students need to complete at least 30 more minutes of recorded time on Smartmusic. No playing tests will be due this week or next week due to Honor Band auditions that are taking place. 

In addition to those graded assignments, students are all hard at work on their winter concert music. As of today, all students in all classes have all their pieces and they should be bringing home their band folders with these tunes each day. Even though this time isn't part of their weekly grade, it is important that they are working on this music.  Next week, I will introduce a video-based assignment that will test their skills when they're practicing these winter concert tunes. More on that next week.

Spring Trip Meeting
Is your student in Advanced Band or Jazz Band? If so, you and your student should plan to attend our Spring Trip informational meeting on Tuesday, November 19 at 6:00 PM in the band room. We will discuss all information relating to the trip and answer all your questions.

UPCOMING REHEARSALS and EVENTS
November 19: Marching Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 (percussion until 6:00)
November 22: Chili Bingo Night, CMS Gym, 5-8 PM
November 26: Marching Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM (Cancelled)
December 3: Marching Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM
December 5: Advanced Band Assembly Tour: Fritsch Elementary, 10:00-10:30 AM
December 6: Advanced Band Silver & Snowflakes Performance, McFadden Plaza, 7-7:30 PM
December 7: Sparks Christmas Parade (Times TBA)
December 10: Marching Band Perfect Attendance Movie Party, 2:30-4:30 PM
December 12: Advanced Band Assembly Tour: Bordewich Bray Elementary, 10:00-10:30 AM
December 18: CMS Band Winter Concert, Carson City Community Center, 6-8:30 PM
December 19: Advanced Band Assembly Tour: Mark Twain Elementary, 8:45-9:15 AM; Fremont Elementary, 10:00-10:30 AM

That is it for this week!

-Mr. Jacques-

Chili Bingo Night

Dear Families,

The 11th Annual Family Chili Bingo Night is on Friday, November 22, at CMS. This is the biggest and most profitable fundraiser at CMS; in fact, it's so successful that it will be our only major fundraiser! 100% of profits go directly back into the band program at our school. A huge thanks goes out to some incredible parents, as well as businesses, who have donated time, goods, and services to make this event a huge hit each year.  This event consists of several parts:

RAFFLE DRAWING

On Friday, November 1, each student received an envelope with a prize list and 10-20 tickets, which students will be selling over the next 3 weeks.  With over 200 participating students this year, we have the potential to raiser well over $10,000 in just presale raffle tickets. Students may also come back for as many additional tickets as they like!  Here are the important facts that students must remember about selling these tickets:

• They MUST collect the money at the time of sale. Tickets are $1 each.
• They need to include the following information on each ticket:
• Buyer's name
• Buyer's phone number
• Item number (if the buyer wants their tickets to go towards a specific item)
• They must bring the tickets AND the money back to Mr. Jacques.  (buyer does not keep the tickets)

This raffle is unique because you can choose which item you want to win.  This means that you only have a chance of winning items that you would want, and it increases your odds of winning. 

There are top prizes for students, and they were very excited to know what they might be able to win:

• Sell 10 tickets: Receive 1 free ticket for the item of your choice.
• Sell the 2nd-10th most tickets overall: Receive a gift certificate to one of these places: In N Out or Firehouse Subs.
• Sell the most tickets overall: Receive a $30 gift card to an area business of your choice!
• If each student in a class sells at least 10 tickets, they will all receive an in-class root beer float party on Friday, December 20

Tickets will be drawn at the event on November 22. Winners do not need to be present to win (but it's more fun when they are present).

CHILI COOKOFF

The chili cook-off is the tastiest part of the event. If you'd like to enter a chili, it's absolutely free, and you will have a chance of winning cash prizes for your creations. We ask that you make at least a crock-pot full so everyone can get a taste and have one person serve for at least the first hour of the event.  

At the event, the cost to taste is only $5 and you will get to vote on your favorite.  Winners are announced during the event.  Will you be our next winner? If you want to enter a chili, SIGN UP HERE!

BINGO GAMES

At the event, we will have bingo games for additional prizes. Bingo will take place at the event, and there are 12 rounds. Bingo cards are 1 dollar each. The Bingo winners will receive such prizes as restaurant gift certificates, hotel stays, pizza for a year, and more!

SNACK BAR

Along with delicious chili tasting, parents from Carson High School's band will have a snack bar with hot dogs, chips, candy, and sodas.  Bring the whole family and have dinner with us on November 22.

Our total fundraising goal is $14,000 to go towards student's band trips and replacement music stands.

I'll be updating the newsletter again with the usual news and updates later in the week week.  Enjoy the beginning of an amazingly fun and profitable fundraiser!

-Mr. Jacques-

Onward...

Dear Parents,

What a week! I'm completely overjoyed, proud, and absolutely exhausted all at the same time.  Let's wrap up the events that unfolded throughout the week, in case you missed anything. We will also be resuming practice assignments and playing tests next week, passing out new music for our winter concert, and preparing for our next round of events.

Fall Concert Wrap-Up
Our annual fall concert was a huge success. All groups played well, I love how many of you came to support our students, and we even sold a few shirts.  What a great showcase for our entire band program.  Our next concert for all groups will be on December 18 at the Carson City Community Center. Save the date!

"Nevada Day" Assembly
I can't begin to describe the feeling I had on Thursday.  I spent the past couple weeks to prepare the Marching Band for a surprise performance to the student body, and all the nervousness that went with it.  Little did I know that this was actually going to be a big surprise for me and I was going to receive the Milken Educator Award. The students performed amazingly, and we settled into our seats to watch the rest of the assembly unfold. As the speakers presented, I kept thinking, "Wow, there is a lot of speaking about the quality of education. I like this!" Then, the prize was announced and we were all waiting and wondering who the amazing teacher would be.  There are so many great teachers at our school and as my students wishfully whispered, "It's gotta be Mr. Jacques," I kept saying, "no no no, it's gotta be one of our really great teachers." Well, when my name was announced, it was an indescribable feeling.  I was asked to prepare a speech with about 10 minutes to think about it, and speak to the audience. Then, I was surrounded by press as my band packed themselves up and went home. When everything finally settled down at 3:30 PM, I was left in this state of shock and euphoria, and I'm still trying to process the surprise. Here are several videos and photos. I still get tears when I see how the band reacted behind me. I love these kids!

Channel 2 News Broadcast
Channel 8 News Broadcast
Nevada Appeal Story
Carson Now Story
Pictures from the Milken Family Foundation website

Nevada Day Parade
Once again, the Nevada Day Parade did not disappoint.  The largest band in the history of Carson Middle School took to the streets and put on a performance that received many compliments.  Here are a couple of videos:
Nevada Appeal
NGBN Cason City TV Broadcast

 

GRADE NEWS

This week, I will have a weekly citizenship and participation grade.  On Friday, we will resume Smartmusic (as a grade) and their next assignment will be due on Friday, 11/8. We will also have our first playing test of the 2nd quarter, also due on Friday, 11/8.

HONOR BAND AUDITIONS
All interested students should be practicing honor band audition music this week. In 3 weeks, students will record themselves playing through the music and I will submit their music to a panel of fellow music educators, who will rate their performances. The top students in northern Nevada will be invited into a band that rehearses together in February with a special guest conductor. I will be uploading this music into Smartmusic so their work on the music can count towards their practice time.

CHILI BINGO NIGHT
This year's annual family Chili and Bingo is on November 22. We will begin the fundraiser on Friday with presale raffle tickets on Friday and I will be sending out a special update with all the specific information.

UPCOMING EVENTS
October 31 - Jazz in the Commons: 7:15 AM in the CMS Commons
November 8 - Veterans Tribute Concert (Advanced Band, Intermediate Band, Marching Band): 9:00 AM in the CMS Cafeteria
November 9 - Sierra Band Crusade (Select Marching Band members): All Day at UNR
November 11 - Reno Veterans Day Parade (Marching Band): All Day  Click here to view the informational flyer

After Veterans Day, we will have approximately 3 weeks between events as students prepare Honor Band audition and winter concert music. Keep in touch with the calendar on the band website for our future events.

What a week it has been! I will never forget the events that have unfolded, and I couldn't have done this without YOU!

-Mr. Jacques-

Concert Week

Dear Parents,

After 2 months of setting classroom procedures, teaching students how to practice, giving them their first playing tests, and getting to know your students, it's time for the fun part: concerts!

Grades Wrap-Up
Quarter 1 grades wrapped up on Friday. Students had several weeks of practicing, a few playing tests, weekly participation, and weekly citizenship. If their grade is an A or B, your student has achieved mastery overall with practicing, participation, and performing.  Great job!  If their grade is a C or a D, they are close, but either have low playing test scores or low practicing scores.  These students can easily earn an A or B by the end of the semester.  Students with an F have not practiced or made up playing tests. Once they make up their playing tests and improve their practice habits, they will easily earn a C or higher by the end of the semester.  Log into Infinite Campus to see your student's official quarter 1 grade in band.

Nothing is due this week, and students will have their concert on Wednesday night, which is worth 30% of their overall grade in band.

Fall Concert
Our Fall Concert is on Wednesday night! Please read this section carefully:

• Call time is 5:45 PM for Beginning Band and Concert Band, seated in the gym.
• Part 1 begins at 6:00 PM
• Call time is 6:45 PM for Intermediate Band, Jazz Band, and Advanced Band, seated in the gym.
• Part 2 begins at 7:00 PM
• Students must either wear their blue band polo with dress pants, black socks, and black dress shoes, or their Halloween costume.  Halloween costumes must not interfere with their ability to play their instrument properly.

We will have a table with shirts for sale. If you have not yet paid your band fees, we will also collect those at this table.  Thank you to Rachel, Evelyn, and Connie for volunteering to run this table. 

This concert is mandatory for all band members and it's a major rite of passage in their music education.  It will be a rewarding and fun evening for everyone.

Nevada Day Parade
The Nevada Day Parade is on Saturday, October 26, and is mandatory for all Marching Band members.  Click here for the Nevada Day Parade letter, which has important information for all Marching Band members and their families.

Watching the parade and want to cheer us on?  We are entry #30, and I predict that we will be working our way down Carson Street between 10:30 and 11:00 AM.

Nevada Day Concert
As some of you may already know, I'm the director of the Capital City Community Band.  This band has been in existence since 1978 and was founded by a former teacher of the CMS Band program, Mr. Doede.  This band is performing on Saturday at 2:00 PM at the Legislative Mall Amphitheater. I am offering extra credit to all students who attend and check in with me at the end of the performance.  This concert is absolutely free and I invite you and your families to attend immediately following the parade.

Sierra Band Crusade
On November 9, the University of Nevada is hosting the Sierra Band Crusade, Nevada's state marching band championships.  Every year, I invite 30 Marching Band members and watch the competition with me.  I will be giving all interested marching band members a handout on Tuesday afternoon. The cost for the trip is $5 for students and $10 for chaperones. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to see what marching band at the high school is all about.

Veterans Day Parade
On Monday, November 11, the Marching Band will also be performing in the Veterans Day Parade.  We just received word that we are entry #18 and we will be marching down Virginia Street in downtown Reno around 11:30 AM.  I will have a handout with more details available to the marching band following the Nevada Day Parade.

That is "all" for this week.  I look forward to seeing you at our fall concert and other events in the next few days.  Let me know if you have any questions.

-Mr. Jacques-

Firsts...

Dear Parents,

This month is all about firsts: Beginning Band's first concert, Marching Band's first parade, and the first quarter of the grading period coming to an end.  I have important information about our fall concert, marching band schedule, grades, and more!

FALL CONCERT

The CMS Band Fall Concert is on Wednesday, October 23.  This concert is mandatory for all students in all ensembles.  Here are some important details:

• Call time for Beginning Band and Concert Band: 5:45 PM in gym with instrument and music.
• Call time for Intermediate Band, Jazz Band, and Advanced Band: 6:45 PM in the gym with instrument and music.
• Part 1 of the concert begins at 6:00 PM with Beginning Band and Concert Band
• Part 2 of the concert begins at 7:00 PM with Intermediate Band, Jazz Band, and Advanced Band
• Concert dress will be either their blue band polo with black pants, black socks, and black dress shoes, or a Halloween costume that is school-appropriate and doesn't interfere with a student's ability to play (no masks, big gloves, etc).
• We will need parent volunteers to help monitor students in the halls/band room between groups and help sell polo shirts before/after the concert. Email Mr. Jacques if you're available. 

MARCHING BAND UPDATE

Students are finishing their work memorizing Tribute to America, and we will be running it through from memory at today's rehearsal.  See below for dates and times:

• October 8 - 2:30-4:30 PM, uniform fitting until 6:00 PM for brass, flags, and percussion.
• October 15 - 2:30-4:30 PM, percussion until 5:00 PM
• October 19 (Saturday) - 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, parent showcase performance and barbecue at 11:30 AM.
• October 22 - 2:30-4:30 PM, percussion until 5:00 PM
• October 26 (Saturday) - Nevada Day Parade, times to be announced next week.
• November 5 - 2:30-4:30 PM
• November 11 (Monday) - Reno Veterans Day Parade
• November 12 - 2:30-4:30 PM
• November 19 - 2:30-4:30 PM
• December 3 - 2:30-4:30 PM
• December 7 (Saturday) - Sparks Christmas Parade

SHIRTS HAVE ARRIVED!
Everybody who has paid their band fee should now have their shirts. If your student still owes their band fee, please pay it ASAP so they have the proper concert attire on October 23. We will also be selling shirts at the fall concert.

GRADE NEWS
This week, students will also be submitting assignments on the following tunes:
Concert Band: Freaky Fantasy
Advanced Band: Tribute to America, measures 25-end
Intermediate Band: Tribute to America, measures 25-end
Beginning Bands: Merrily We Roll Along
Jazz Band: Rock This Town (Friday in class)

There will also be at least 30 minutes of recorded practice time due this Friday and next Friday.  Students will receive 1 week off from completing this assignment during the week of Nevada Day.

Is your student still having a difficult time practicing? I am sending them home with practice tips and important reminders about how to use Smartmusic as a tool in their practicing. I also included a link to this handout at the top of this page.

Have a great week!

-Mr. Jacques-

Fall is in the air...

Dear Parents,

Week 6 is already upon us!  We are just 1 month away from our first concert and parade of the year.  Here's what you need to know as we start the first day of fall.

MARCHING BAND UPDATE
We have accepted a record 93 students into the CMS Marching Band! This record sized group of students will continue to learn how to work together as a team, problem solve, and make great music.  Feel free to come watch us march in the afternoons. We typically go outside by 3:45 PM and you can find us along Richmond Street and in the neighborhood north of the school. Please read the below dates carefully as we have added uniform fitting dates based on the instrument your student plays:

• September 24 - 2:30-4:30 PM, percussion until 5:00 PM
• October 1 - 2:30-4:30 PM, percussion until 5:00 PM, uniform fitting until 6:00 PM for woodwinds
• October 8 - 2:30-4:30 PM, uniform fitting until 6:00 PM for brass and percussion 
• October 15 - 2:30-4:30 PM, percussion until 5:00 PM
• October 19 - 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, barbecue following the rehearsal
• October 22 - 2:30-4:30 PM, percussion until 5:00 PM
• October 26 - Nevada Day Parade
• November 5 - 2:30-4:30 PM
• November 11 - Reno Veterans Day Parade
• November 12 - 2:30-4:30 PM
• November 19 - 2:30-4:30 PM
• December 3 - 2:30-4:30 PM
• December 7 - Sparks Christmas Parade

WAITING FOR SHIRTS?
If you or your student are waiting for band t-shirts and polos, I received word that there is a delay due to the shirts themselves being on backorder. The newest estimate for delivery of the new shirts is September 30. I will distribute the shirts to everyone who has paid their band fees as soon as we receive them.

GRADE NEWS
This week, along with the minimum 30 minutes of recorded practice time that's due Friday, students will also be submitting assignments on the following tunes:
Concert Band: Technique Builder
Advanced Band: Tribute to America, measures 1-25
Intermediate Band: Chromatic Scale
Beginning Bands: Hot Cross Buns
Jazz Band will not have a playing test yet. They will earn a performance grade by playing their first Jazz in the Commons on Friday, September 27.

Need a refresher on how to submit an assignment? Watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcHeU-GbcWE

WORKSHOPS, PERFORMANCES, AND GUESTS
One thing I try to do as much as possible is invite guests to work with our students and offer after school time to help support our musical students.  Here's what we have this week:
September 25: Clarinet and Saxophone Boot Camp, 2:30-4:00 PM
September 26: The Reno Philharmonic Brass Quintet Workshop, 9:30-10:15 AM (I'll email teachers to see if they can let students out of class to attend this amazing free workshop that takes place during the Advanced Band rehearsal)
September 27: Jazz in the Commons, 7:15-7:35 AM.  This tradition is in its 5th year, and takes place at the end of the last week of every month. Parents are always welcome to watch these performances.
September 27: Office Hours/Open Practice, 2:30-4:00 PM

NEXT WEEK:
October 2: Flute Boot Camp, 2:30-4:00 PM
October 3: Jazz Band Mentor Clinic with Peter Epstein, 7:00-7:40 AM  These will continue every Thursday for Jazz Band students until November 14.
October 4: Office Hours/Open Practice, 2:30-4:00 PM

SAVE THE DATE:
October 23: Fall Concert *Mandatory for all students* - 6:00-7:30 PM in the CMS Gym
October 26: Nevada Day Parade

That's it for this week. Let me know if you have any questions!

-Mr. Jacques-

SmartMusic

Dear Parents,

On Friday, I rolled out SmartMusic, our new (and improved) way to track student progress on their instruments! I'll be discussing the basics of this new practicing platform, along with upcoming after school activities and a grade update.

SMARTMUSIC

Students joined SmartMusic on Thursday and Friday of last week. This program will completely transform the way students practice, and once they get used to using it, you'll see a dramatic improvement in how they play. I encourage you to ask your student how the program works and have them demonstrate it for you by playing their instrument into the program.  To access the website, you'll go to https://admin.smartmusic.com and students will enter their username and password. Usernames are their student ID and passwords are what they use to access their Chromebooks. Once there's in, they will search for music. Once they have found and opened what they'll be practicing, here's what you'll see:

• Accompaniment: Students can change how loud the other parts of the band are in the piece.
• My Part: Students can choose to hear how their part is supposed to sound while they play.
• Metronome: Students are encouraged to keep this on for now. This clicks the tempo, or pulse, of the piece so they are playing into it at the correct speed.
• "80" is the tempo. The plus and minus signs change the tempo that the student plays into the recording.
• The mic icon allows students to calibrate the microphone. This is the part that must be functioning for a student to record into the program.
• The fork is the tuner. I will post a separate update on how to tune later.
• The number (4) is the countoff in beats that the program will give before the student enters. Increase this number if a student plays a larger instrument and needs more time to get ready.
• Play button: This allows the student to hear how the song sounds. 
• Record button: This is where the magic happens. The program counts you in, and you'll play through the exercise. Right notes and rhythms will show up green and wrong notes and rhythms will show up in red.

Students are required to log at least 30 minutes of recorded practice time this week, due Friday.  Just be sure that students are pressing the red "record" button when they're playing in order for their time to count. 

Assignments

Each class also has an assignment.  Assignments are pieces that must be recorded for a grade.  The grade is calculated as a percentage of how accurately the student played the notes and rhythms. Students may record as many times as they want before submitting the assignment. The assignments are: 

Beginning Band: Our First Note, Our Second Note, Our Third Note (3 different exercises)

Concert Band: Scaling New Heights

Intermediate Band: B-Flat Major Scale (Exercise 188)

Advanced Band: Chromatic Scale (Exercise 21) 

All assignments are due this Friday at 11:59 PM. This will be your student's first "benchmark assessment" grade.

Students who are having technical difficulties may come in at lunch to troubleshoot with me or a friend.  Students without internet at home may borrow mobile hotspots from school for the weekend and practice in my room during lunch.

AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSALS

Tuesday, September 10: Marching Band, 2:30-4:30 PM  *All are still welcome to attend, even if they missed last week's rehearsal.
Wednesday, September 11: Trumpet Boot Camp, 2:30-4:00  *All trumpet playing band students should plan to attend.
Tuesday, September 17: Marching Band, 2:30-4:30 PM
Wednesday, September 18: Low Brass Boot Camp, 2:30-4:00 *All tuba, trombone, and euphonium playing students should plan to attend.

CHILI BINGO NIGHT PLANNING UPDATE
We had a planning meeting last Wednesday, and attendance was quite low. This is our big fundraiser of the year and it takes a lot of parent support to ensure this event's success.  If you were unable to attend the meeting and want to help, we are currently looking for volunteers to call/Facebook message businesses or go visit in person to ask for donations.  Please email me: njacques@carson.k12.nv.us if you are able to contact a few businesses.

I'll post another update this weekend once we see how our rehearsals and our SmartMusic rollout goes. Let the practicing begin!

-Mr. Jacques-

Week 3

Dear Parents,

I hope you all had a relaxing and restful Labor Day weekend. Can you believe we're already on to week 3?? Well, here we are.  Beginning Band students are getting ready to make their first sounds, and all other classes are reviewing fundamentals. Concert Band, Intermediate Band, Advanced Band, and Jazz Band are receiving their first pieces of music. Marching Band had their first rehearsal today. Later this week, we will be introducing the new way our band students will be practicing.

GRADE NEWS

I've updated all your student grades.  When you sign on to InfiniteCampus, you'll notice a few things:

• Handbook Contract - Worth 10 points. If you have not completed this, please read the "CMS Band Handbook 2019-2020," sign it by clicking the above link ("Handbook Agreement Form") and I'll update your student's grade.
• Cases Labeled - Worth 10 points. With about 250 students in band and 60 in strings, we have a lot of cases in the band room. Students must have their cases labeled with their name, address, and phone number to receive credit.  Have a personal or store-rented instrument? Please also complete this form so we have you student's instrument information on file in case we ever need it.
• Rehearsals - Worth 10 points per day (30-40 points per week). Students receive full points for having their instrument, any music, and a pencil. They must also be actively participating during class.
• Any assessment with the word "Formative" - These are non-graded pre-assessments. These will be followed by a graded version later on in our "unit" when students have mastered the concept. These two scores can then be compared to show growth. 
• Citizenship - These scores are entered on a rubric from 1-4, with 4 being the highest.  To receive a 4, students must not have any missing work and be on their best behavior during all parts of all rehearsals.

Practicing

All students should be taking their instruments home each day. Beginning Band students need to practice sustaining sound for as long as they can on one breath while properly holding their instruments. All other classes have their first pieces of music, and will be receiving more throughout the week. Once we receive our school license for SmartMusic, I'll have more information on our new and improved at-home practice methods. Until then, check on how they're doing with old-fashioned sheet music. I'll send out more details about how students should be practicing later this week.

Band Fees
Thank you to everyone who has paid their band fees. All band fees were due on Friday, August 30. Please pay your band fees as soon as possible, unless you've made prior arrangements with Mr. Jacques.

Band Shirts and Polos
Band polos and t-shirts are out of stock until at least September 19. I will let you know as soon as our new orders arrive.

MUSIC ACTIVITIES

Marching Band
Marching band had its first rehearsal on Tuesday, and 85 students showed up, making this the largest Marching Band we've ever had at CMS!  With the size of the band, we do not have quite enough brass players. If your student plays trumpet, trombone, euphonium, or tuba, we could use a few more from those sections. Marching Band continues on Tuesdays from 2:30-4:30 PM (2:30-5:00 PM for percussion) and meets on the following dates:

• September 10
• September 17
• September 24
• October 1
• October 8
• October 15
• October 19 - Saturday morning rehearsal and barbecue
• October 22
• October 26 - Nevada Day Parade
• November 5
• November 11 - Reno Veterans Day Parade
• November 12
• November 19
• December 3
• December 7 - Sparks Christmas Parade

Jazz Band
Our award-winning Carson Middle School Jazz Band is still looking for a piano player. Any students with experience that can also take private lessons should consider joining!

Instrument Boot Camps
Presenting: Instrument boot camps!  All students are highly encouraged to attend these special sessions that focus on specific techniques unique to these instruments. Students will also meet others in all ensembles who play the same instruments. All boot camps will go from 2:30-4:00 on Wednesdays. Each section meets on the following day:
Trumpet - September 11
Low Brass - September 18
Flute - September 25
Clarinet and Saxophone - October 2

Chili Bingo Night Planning Meeting
We have our first planning meeting on Wednesday, September 4, at 6:30 PM in the CMS Band Room.  All parents are welcome to attend. We need all available volunteers to begin asking local businesses for donations as we plan our major fundraiser for the school year.

Onward!

-Mr. Jacques-

The Fundamentals

Dear Parents,

Week 1 has come and gone, and in any band program, the first week is filled with excitement, enthusiasm, and anticipation of the incredible memories that we will make throughout the rest of the year. This week was also filled with the logistical side of life as a music teacher: collecting payments and contracts, renting instruments, issuing concert attire, assigning lockers, and distributing music folders. With week 2 underway, it's on to the fun part: making music!  Here are a few reminders and announcements as we move into our next phase: making music.

Handbook Agreement Form
Be sure you and your student have read through the Band Handbook located at the top of this page and filled out the Handbook Agreement Form, due Friday, August 30.

Band Fees
Thank you to everyone who has paid their band fees. All band fees are due on Friday, August 30.  If you are on a monthly payment plan or need financial assistance, speak with Mr. Jacques to discuss a method that works best for you and your family.

Band Shirts and Polos
Due to our overwhelmingly high numbers of students in band, several sizes of polos and t-shirts are out-of-stock. We will be purchasing more of these and they will be back in stock by the middle of September.

MUSIC ACTIVITIES

Percussion Workshop on August 27
On Tuesday, I will have a percussion workshop from 2:30-4:00 PM. This workshop is for all percussionists and will include a review of fundamentals, what items they need to be a successful percussionist, and for those participating in marching band, a chance to try the marching instruments.

Marching Band
On Tuesday, September 3, all students with at least 1 year of experience on their instrument are invited to try out Marching Band. We will rehearse after school until 4:30 PM. If your student is interested and able to attend all future rehearsals (always on Tuesdays), I will give them additional information and music.

Jazz Band
Our award-winning Carson Middle School Jazz Band is looking for piano players, trombone players, and trumpet players!  If your student plays any of these instruments and is able to make it to school by 7:00 AM, they are invited to come give it a try.  Let Mr. Jacques know if your student will be attending.

Chili Bingo Night Planning Meeting
This year's family Chili and Bingo Night will be on Friday, November 22.  That's right...this event will now take place in the fall!  We have our first planning meeting on Wednesday, September 4, at 6:30 PM in the CMS Band Room.  All parents are welcome to attend. We need all available volunteers to begin asking local businesses for donations as we plan our major fundraiser for the school year.

I hope that your student is having a wonderful start to the school year and that band is something that they are looking forward to each day.  I will send another update this weekend with information about SmartMusic and practicing. Have a great week!

-Mr. Jacques-

Welcome Back!

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to school! We are gearing up for what is going to be another fantastic year of music making. This year, we will be providing this amazing experience to over 250 students, a new record for student enrollment in the Carson Middle School band program.  Please read through the following important announcements:

Band Handbook *Please click here to read before coming to Sneak Peak* - Contains all essential information about the 2019-2020 Carson Middle School band program, including student expectations, grades, fees, instrument info, event calendar, and more. Please read through this with your student and complete the agreement form by Friday, August 30.

CMS Sneak Peak/Band Fees - Come meet Mr. Jacques and pay your band fees (with cash or check) in the band room during CMS Sneak Peak on August 14 and 15 from 4:00-6:00 PM. Mr. Jacques will also be available after 6:00 PM for any other questions following the CMS Sneak Peak.

Instrument Rental Night - On Thursday, August 22, Blue Note B's Horn Shop will be having an instrument rental night at Carson Middle School from 6:00-8:00 PM. They offer rental and rent-to-own options and will also have supplies available for purchase.

You are also free to check out my list of other area music stores and comparison shop if you'd prefer. This night is also when students can pick up their school instruments if they have filled out an Instrument Rental Application and have been notified by Mr. Jacques that there is an instrument available. I highly recommend renting from Blue Note B's if you are able.

Jazz Band - All students who are interested in Jazz Band should plan to attend our open rehearsals starting on the first day of school at 7:00 AM in the band room.  The first 2 weeks of the class will be open to anyone registered in another band class, with auditions taking place during the second week of school.

First day with instruments:

• Jazz Band: Monday, August 19
• Concert, Intermediate, and Advanced Band: Wednesday, August 21
• Beginning Band: Monday, August 26

Let me know if you have any other questions, and welcome back!

-Mr. Jacques-

Wrapping It Up...

Dear Parents,

The spring trips and spring concert are behind us, and what a performance our bands had! We are now wrapping up the school year with final playing tests, Advanced Band auditions, and various uniform/instrument check-ins.

ADVANCED and JAZZ BAND SPRING TRIP
The 2019 Spring Trip took place last weekend and students had the time of their lives. Advanced Band performed in California Adventure on Thursday, and Jazz Band performed in the park on Saturday. Both bands performed with a local middle school where I first learned how to play saxophone as a 4th grader. We also had a clinic with Dr. Betancourt, the director of bands at Cerritos College. Along with making amazing music, students had a beach party, pool party, and 2 days in the theme parks to make memories that will last a lifetime.  A special thank you to all chaperones who helped make this trip so successful!  I uploaded pictures from this trip at the bottom of this post.  I also have live streams of both group's performances on our Facebook page: Carson Middle School Bands.

SPRING CONCERT
On Tuesday, all bands participated in their final concert of the school year. I am proud of all the students and all the groups for their fantastic performance. If you were unable to attend, a recording of this entire performance is also on the CMS Bands Facebook page. I am proud of all the musical accomplishments of our students this year, and the spring concert celebrated everything that took place, from successful fundraisers, to successful festivals, and everything in between.

FINAL PLAYING TEST
On Wednesday, I assigned a final playing test to all students in all classes. The link to this assignment with all the directions is at the top of this page. This will also be your student's final week of official citizenship grades.  I will begin finalizing grades next week, and will leave just 1 grade left for some groups: 8th grade promotion.

8TH GRADE PROMOTION PERFORMANCE
On June 5, 6th and 7th grade students from Intermediate and Advanced Band will perform for the 8th grade promotion.  This is mandatory for students in those bands and optional for all others. In addition, 8th grade students in Advanced Band will set up their instruments before lining up for promotion. During the ceremony, they will be invited to go to their instruments to perform 1 final song with the band.  Call time will be 12:30 PM in the band room. The ceremony begins at 1 PM and the students will be dismissed once all instruments and borrowed uniform items have been returned.

UNIFORM RETURNS
Advanced, Intermediate, and Jazz Band students will need to clean and return all machine washable uniform parts by Monday, June 3.  Keep all washed items hung up in the garment bag separate from the dry clean only items.

INSTRUMENT RETURNS
All students must return their school-owned instruments on Wednesday, June 5 unless they are participating in Summer Pops or Jazz Camps.

SUMMER POPS CAMP
Is your student wishing for more band after the school year is over? Wouldn't it be great to only have band each day and not have to balance it out with 6 other classes?  Well, you're in luck. I'm pleased to announce the inaugural Capital City Summer Pops! This ensemble will be put on by the Capital City Community Band and conducted by Mr. Jacques. Students will learn fun movie themes, marches, and pop selections. Rehearsals will be June 11-14 and 18-21 from 10:30 AM-12:00 PM each day, with a concert on the afternoon of Sunday, June 23. This camp is open to anyone who has been a member of their school's band program. For more information and to register your student, CLICK HERE.

SUMMER JAZZ CAMP
Are you also interested in a summer jazz band opportunity? Well, don't feel left out! The 5th annual Jazz Camp is also on June 11-14 and 18-21, and meets from 8:30-10:00 AM each day. Jazz Camp students must have at least 1 year of playing experience on their current instrument. No prior jazz band experience is necessary.  Students will also have the opportunity to be in both Jazz Camp and the Summer Pops bands.  For more information and to register your student, CLICK HERE.

Again, congratulations to all groups on fantastic festival performances, trips, and of course, the spring concert!  Thank you for helping me close up shop for the summer.  Enjoy the pictures from the spring trip!

-Mr. Jacques-

The final events...

Dear Parents,

What a year it has been!  What started with record enrollment has become a huge year with very successful students.  We will celebrate all their successes at our annual spring concert, which is so big this year that we're holding it in multiple parts. Read below for more information.

SPRING CONCERT

Our CMS Band spring concert will be on Tuesday, May 21 in the CMS Cafeteria.  Attendance is mandatory for all groups.  New this year: we will have 4 mini-concerts.  Students are required to attend their portion of the concert and may stay for any other portion that they would like.  Here are the performance details:

5:30 – Call time for Beginning Band and Concert Band in band room
5:45 - Beginning Band and Concert Band take stage

6:00 – Part 1: Beginning Band and Concert Band

6:00 – Call time for Intermediate Band in audience
6:25 - Percussion Ensemble, Intermediate Band takes stage

6:30 – Part 2: Intermediate Band

6:30 – Call time for Jazz Band in audience
6:55 - Clarinet Choir, Jazz Band takes stage

7:00 – Part 3: Jazz Band

7:00 – Call time for Advanced Band in audience
7:25 - Advanced Band takes stage

7:30 – Part 4: Advanced Band

8:15 – Approx. end of concerts. Please help clean up cafeteria before going home to celebrate!

Students will receive full credit for being in their correct concert dress, showing up on time, being prepared, and having professional performance and audience etiquette. We will also be celebrating the successes of all our students at each concert by presenting awards. 

FINAL GRADE NEWS
Students will have until May 30 to make up any tests or complete their final. This year's final will be posted on Google Classroom by Wednesday morning, and it will be due at the end of the day on Thursday, May 30. With the exception of the 8th grade promotion performance, this will be your student's last grade. Students auditioning for Advanced Band or Jazz Band must complete it as a video in order to be considered. 

8th GRADE PROMOTION
Band students who are not graduating will participate in 8th grade promotion on June 5 at 1:00 PM. This event is mandatory for all 6th and 7th grade band members. Call time will be immediately after school in their blue band polos and black dress pants. Students will be dismissed as soon as everything has been returned to the band room and any school instruments are turned in.

SUMMER POPS CAMP
Is your student wishing for more band after the school year is over? Wouldn't it be great to only have band each day and not have to balance it out with 6 other classes?  Well, you're in luck. I'm pleased to announce the inaugural Capital City Summer Pops! This ensemble will be put on by the Capital City Community Band and conducted by Mr. Jacques. Students will learn fun movie themes, marches, and pop selections. Rehearsals will be June 11-14 and 18-21 from 10:30 AM-12:00 PM each day, with a concert on the afternoon of Sunday, June 23. This camp is open to anyone who has been a member of their school's band program. For more information and to register your student, CLICK HERE.

SUMMER JAZZ CAMP
Are you also interested in a summer jazz band opportunity? Well, don't feel left out! The 5th annual Jazz Camp is also on June 11-14 and 18-21, and meets from 8:30-10:00 AM each day. Jazz Camp students must have at least 1 year of playing experience on their current instrument. No prior jazz band experience is necessary.  Students will also have the opportunity to be in both Jazz Camp and the Summer Pops bands.  For more information and to register your student, CLICK HERE.

That's it for now. See you all on Tuesday evening.

-Mr. Jacques-