Can February March? No, but April May...

Dear Parents,

Now that our March events are behind us, we're entering a few quiet weeks in band where students will be learning new music for their next round of spring concerts, trips, and festivals in April and May.  This quick update is to celebrate the amazing performances students had over the past couple of weeks and share what's on tap in the next month.

Washoe County Band Festival
On March 18, the Advanced Band performed at the Washoe County Band Festival and earned 2 "Excellent" ratings and 1 "Superior" rating. They also earned a "Superior" rating in sight reading, which was the highest sight reading rating at the entire festival! 

Jazz Extravaganza
That same evening, the Jazz Band performed a benefit concert with the Carson High School Jazz Band and the Mile High Jazz Band.  Students were very impressive and received many compliments from Mile High Jazz Band members and received a partial standing ovation from the audience.

Northern Zone Band Festival
On March 26, the Advanced Band and Intermediate Band traveled to Yerington to perform in the Northern Zone Band Festival. Intermediate Band earned 2 "Excellent" ratings and Advanced Band earned 2 "Superior" ratings.  Intermediate Band's ratings were the 4th highest at the entire festival, and Advanced Band's ratings were the highest out of all performing groups!

Band-O-Rama
I hope you were all able to attend Band-O-Rama this year, as we had our largest representation of Carson Middle School band students, who also happened to be the best behaved group I've ever had.  Although a few students were talking, chewing gum, or out of uniform, this was the first Band-O-Rama where I did not have to write up any students after the event. It was such a pleasant day and the students played very well. 

Would you like to see any pictures or videos of these performances? Like our page "Carson Middle School Bands" on Facebook!

EVENTS AT-A-GLANCE

April 3-6: All-State Music Festival
April 26: Reno Jazz Festival (morning performance)
April 30: Northern Zone Beginning Band Festival (morning performance)
May 1: Northern Zone Jazz Night (evening performance)
May 11: Intermediate Band Spring Trip (Music in the Parks Festival)
May 15-18: Advanced Band and Jazz Band Spring Trip
May 21: SPRING CONCERT

GRADE NEWS
Everybody has received grades for their concert attendance. If their score is a 180 or 190 out of 200, this means that they were either out of uniform, late, or talking excessively.  A score of "0" is due to an unexcused absence or a missing make-up assignment. Please double check and verify that your student's grade is correct for these performances.

On Wednesday, I will announce a video practice log that will allow students to show a practice strategy and apply it to a piece of music. This will be due on the Friday before spring break.

Have a great week!

-Mr. Jacques-