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-