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-