Honor Band, Jazz Band, and Valentine Grams (oh my)

Dear Parents,

There is a lot going on this week for folks in Jazz Band and Honor Band.  Students will have a substitute on Thursday and Friday, and should bring their instruments.  Here's what each class has been up to this past week:

Concert Band has been working on all Band-O-Rama music, including sight reading the mass piece, March from "First Suite."  Students are also learning and passing a test on their B-Flat major scale.
Intermediate Band has sight read Whale Warriors and March from "First Suite."  Many individuals are having difficulties with counting and entrances in Festivo.  Please make sure they're practicing at home and let me know if they aren't, or if they need extra help.
Advanced Band has learned all music for Band-O-Rama and they are beginning to work on Festival music.  They are making great progress and continue to show a strong work ethic.
Advanced Strings students have been putting together Fantasia 2000 and Concerto Grosso.  It has been great working on all of Fantasia with these students.  We may be performing at a festival in March, with more information to be announced.
Beginning Band is working towards being able to play Imperium straight through.  They will be receiving March from "First Suite" this week, so they will have all Band-O-Rama songs by Wednesday.
Beginning Strings has made it through half of Classic Bits and Pieces.  We are working on learning the second half, along with music from the method book.

Last week, we had the Jazz Extravaganza, which featured our Carson Middle School Jazz Band, along with Carson High School's Jazz Band and the Mile High Jazz Band.  In addition to a great performance, we had a raffle drawing that raised $100.

Practice Logs 

Practice logs are due on Tuesday for band members and Friday for strings members.

Valentine Grams

Advanced Band has taken over Valentine Grams this year! To help with their Spring Trip costs, each member is running the booth and helping sell the grams. Parents - if you wish to purchase a valentine for your student, you can send payment to Mr. Jacques and the gram will be delivered to your student in their Encore class. All details are available here. Please include what gram and option you want to purchase.

Upcoming Events

February 5-6: Honor Band, All Day in Fallon.  All honor band students will need to be at CMS by 7:00 AM both mornings for the bus. To cover participation fees and dinner on Friday, please send $15 with your student.  We will rehearse in Fallon all day that Thursday, arriving back home around 5:30 PM (revised time).  On Friday, students will stay in Fallon all day, with the concert at 7 PM.

February 7: Jazz in the Schools Festival, 10:30 AM-5 PM, UNR.  Jazz Band students will be performing at UNR with other Northern Nevada middle and high school jazz bands.  Following their performance, they will have a feedback clinic/workshop.  This event is mandatory for jazz band. Students received a flyer with all information - ask them for it!

February 26: Band-O-Rama, 7 PM. Mandatory for all band members.  There will be a rehearsal from 7:30-10:30 AM that day at Carson High School. Please drop off students no earlier than 7:15 AM at CHS that day.  They will get transportation back to CMS at the conclusion of rehearsal. This is a mandatory rehearsal, so please ensure your student has a ride to CHS that morning.

March 27: Chili Bingo Night, 6 PM-8 PM, CMS Cafeteria  After meeting with Mr. Sadler, the band will be running this event exclusively!  Let me know if you can help out with this event either by sending me an email or signing up here: Sign Up Genius We will be holding a meeting shortly to go over details. Also, we have mailed out donation letters to all businesses that donated last year. If you frequent or own a business, a donation letter (as well as a list of businesses we have asked already) is available here.

May 7-10: Spring Trip (Advanced Band) First payment of $150 is due February 16th. 

What Should Your Student Practice?

Concert Band: Dramatico, Imperium, Band-O-Rama March from "First Suite," Sound Innovations #142
Intermediate Band: Lip Benders 3, Festivo, Whale Warriors, March from "First Suite."
Advanced Band: Festivo, Whale Warriors, Band-O-Rama, A Childhood Hymn, Sound Innovations Fanfare, Shackelford Banks.
Advanced Strings: Janie Be Good, Fantasia 2000, Concerto Grosso (ensemble sections)
Beginning Band: Dramatico, Imperium, Band-O-Rama, March from "First Suite," Sound Innovations #100-102.
Beginning Strings: Abigail's Tune, Classic Bits and Pieces, anything in Sound Innovations book.
Jazz Band: Manteca, All Blues, Go Tell It On The Mountain

Charms Office Assistant
New this year, we are using Charms Office Assistant to keep track of all financial transactions, inventory items, and events. This is a special program designed for music programs to help keep parents informed. Your student will be getting a flyer with instructions on how to update personal information soon, but you can also use this link: https://www.charmsoffice.com/charms/parents.asp?username=CarsonMusic. If the district allows, we hope to be able to accept credit cards (through PayPal) using this website in the future.

Extravaganza

Dear Parents,

The Jazz Workshop was a great success.  18 CMS students participated and we even had three high school musicians join us. Students had an opportunity to learn from and play along with professional musicians.  We then got together and rehearsed for the Jazz Extravaganza that will be held on Tuesday.  Thank you to everyone who participated!

Practice Logs 

After seeing an increase in percentages, I am going to continue the trial period of changing practice log due days.  For bands, they are due on Tuesdays, and for strings, they are due on Fridays.  Thank you for your flexibility.

Upcoming Events

January 27: Jazz Extravaganza, 7:00-9:00 PM, Community Center.  This event features the Mile High Jazz Band, Carson High School Jazz Band, and the CMS Jazz Band, all under one roof.  This event is mandatory for jazz band.  Call time is 6:15 PM for jazz band members.  The concert begins at 7:00 PM.  We need help running a raffle table, which we are holding in conjunction with the Carson City Band Boosters. It would be ideal for these parents to not have jazz students performing so they can watch the concert. Please email me if you are able to help (and receive free admission into the last half of the concert!). Admission is free for students and $12 for adults.  Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Carson High School Jazz Band and raffle drawing sales benefit our own CMS Jazz Band.

February 5-6: Honor Band, All Day in Fallon.  All honor band students will need to be at CMS by 7:00 AM both mornings for the bus.  We will rehearse in Fallon all day that Thursday, arriving back home by 5 PM.  On Friday, students will stay in Fallon all day, with the concert at 7 PM.

February 7: Jazz in the Schools Festival, 10 AM-4 PM, UNR.  Jazz Band students will be performing at UNR with other Northern Nevada middle and high school jazz bands.  Following their performance, they will have a feedback clinic/workshop.  This event is mandatory for jazz band.

February 26: Band-O-Rama, Details TBD. Mandatory for all band members.

March 27: Chili Bingo Night, 6 PM-8 PM, CMS Cafeteria  After meeting with Mr. Sadler, the band will be running this event exclusively!  Let me know if you can help out with this event either by sending me an email or signing up here: Sign Up Genius We will be holding a meeting shortly to go over details.

May 7-10: Spring Trip (advanced band) This weekend we got the fantastic news – because of our great sounding recording from the winter concert and strong application, Disneyland has decided to invite us back!  Advanced Band parents will be receiving an email, as well as a flyer from their students, with more information.  

What Should Your Student Practice?

Concert Band: Dramatico, Imperium, Band-O-Rama, Sound Innovations #133-144
Intermediate Band: Lip Benders 3-4, Rhythm Chunks, Festivo, Whale Warriors.
Advanced Band: Festivo, Whale Warriors, Band-O-Rama, Sound Innovations Fanfare.
Advanced Strings: Janie Be Good, Fantasia 2000, Concerto Grosso
Beginning Band: Dramatico, Imperium, Band-O-Rama, Sound Innovations #94-99
Beginning Strings: Abigail's Tune, Classic Bits and Pieces, anything in Sound Innovations book.
Jazz Band: Manteca, All Blues, Go Tell It On The Mountain

As we progress on these pieces, I will start to include specific measures and sections of each song in each ensemble as focal points.  In addition to telling them in class, I will post those here.

Charms Office Assistant
New this year, we are using Charms Office Assistant to keep track of all financial transactions, inventory items, and events. This is a special program designed for music programs to help keep parents informed. Your student will be getting a flyer with instructions on how to update personal information soon, but you can also use this link: https://www.charmsoffice.com/charms/parents.asp?username=CarsonMusic. If the district allows, we hope to be able to accept credit cards (through PayPal) using this website in the future.

Practicing, Jazz, and Chili

Dear Parents,

Things happen fast here!  First of all, I have important information on a change in practice logs, details of upcoming events, and a date as well as possible details for Chili Bingo Night.

Practice Logs 

After some student feedback, we are trying something new for practice logs. All band students will now have practice logs due on Tuesday night.  Strings students will still have theirs due on Friday.  Remind your band students to get them in by Tuesday night.  I'm looking for an improvement in percentages.  If there is a positive change in how well they do on Tuesdays, this will become a permanent change for the remainder of the semester.

Upcoming Events

January 24: Jazz Workshop, 9 AM-1 PM, CMS.  This event is sponsored by the Mile High Jazz Band and features clinics from three guests jazz educators in our area: David Bugli, Larry Engstrom, and Lee Warner.  This event is mandatory for jazz band.  Anyone else interested in jazz should also attend.  The event is completely free

January 27: Jazz Extravaganza, 7:00-9:00 PM, Community Center.  This event features the Mile High Jazz Band, Carson High School Jazz Band, and the CMS Jazz Band, all under one roof.  This event is mandatory for jazz band.  Call time is 6:15 PM for jazz band members.  The concert begins at 7:00 PM.  We need help running a raffle table, which we are holding in conjunction with the Carson City Band Boosters. Anyone is welcome to watch!

February 5-6: Honor Band, All Day in Fallon.  All honor band students will need to be at CMS by 7:00 AM both mornings for the bus.  We will rehearse in Fallon all day that Thursday, arriving back home by 5 PM.  On Friday, students will stay in Fallon all day, with the concert at 7 PM.

February 7: Jazz in the Schools Festival, 10 AM-4 PM, UNR.  Jazz Band students will be performing at UNR with other Northern Nevada middle and high school jazz bands.  Following their performance, they will have a feedback clinic/workshop.  This event is mandatory for jazz band.

February 26: Band-O-Rama, Details TBD.

Chili Bingo Night

After meeting with PTA, we have tentatively set the date for March 27.  There is a possibility that the band may be running this event exclusively.  If that happens, we will need to have all hands on deck!  I'll have more information as soon as possible.

Spring Trip

As we await confirmation from Disneyland, I am still collecting payments of $450 if you'd like to pay in full, or three easy payments of $150.  I will set up a payment schedule once we receive confirmation from Disneyland and have a firm date and itinerary.

What Should Your Student Practice?

Concert Band: Dramatico, Imperium, Band-O-Rama (receiving this week), Sound Innovations #133-144
Intermediate Band: Lip Benders 3-4, Rhythm Chunks, Festivo, Whale Warriors (receiving this week)
Advanced Band: Festivo, Whale Warriors, Band-O-Rama
Advanced Strings: Janie Be Good, Fantasia 2000, Concerto Grosso
Beginning Band: Dramatico, Imperium, Band-O-Rama, Sound Innovations #89-99
Beginning Strings: Abigail's Tune, Classic Bits and Pieces
Jazz Band: Manteca, All Blues, Go Tell It On The Mountain

As we progress on these pieces, I will start to include specific measures and sections of each song in each ensemble as focal points.  In addition to telling them in class, I will post those here.

Hittin' the Ground Running

Dear Parents,

We're back!  Did you miss us?  It's time to begin the second half our students' music education with a few reminders and yes, even a couple events.  Also included is a new segment: "What Should Your Student Practice?"

After going to the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, I had a lot to share with the students, and this first week back gave me a chance to share stories and introduce new warm-ups.  I was also reminded through numerous speakers at the clinic that the #1 indicator of student success is how well they practice these skills at home.  Yes, practicing.  This simple, sometimes loathsome task has such an influence on their growth as musicians.  Parents, I appreciate everything you do at home to help your students succeed in their music education.  Your support never goes unnoticed.

Upcoming Events

January 24: Jazz Workshop, 9 AM-1 PM, CMS.  This event is sponsored by the Mile High Jazz Band and features clinics from three guests jazz educators in our area: David Bugli, Larry Engstrom, and Lee Warner.  This event is mandatory for jazz band.  Anyone else interested in jazz should also attend.  The event is completely free

January 27: Jazz Extravaganza, 7:00-9:00 PM, Community Center.  This event features the Mile High Jazz Band, Carson High School Jazz Band, and the CMS Jazz Band, all under one roof.  This event is mandatory for jazz band.  Call time, concert dress, and other details will be discussed shortly.

February 5-6: Honor Band, All Day in Fallon.  All honor band students will need to be at CMS by 7:00 AM both mornings for the bus.  We will rehearse in Fallon all day that Thursday, arriving back home by 5 PM.  On Friday, students will stay in Fallon all day, with the concert at 7 PM.

February 7: Jazz in the Schools Festival, 10 AM-4 PM, UNR.  Jazz Band students will be performing at UNR with other Northern Nevada middle and high school jazz bands.  Following their performance, they will have a feedback clinic/workshop.  This event is mandatory for jazz band.

February 26: Band-O-Rama, Details TBD.

March TBD: Chili Bingo Night - I am attending the PTA meeting this week to get more information, which I will pass on to you shortly.


What Should Your Student Practice?

Concert Band: Dramatico, Imperium, Band-O-Rama, Sound Innovations #133-144
Intermediate Band: Lip Benders 3-4, Rhythm Chunks, Festivo
Advanced Band: Festivo, Whale Warriors, Band-O-Rama
Advanced Strings: Janie Be Good, Fantasia 2000
Beginning Band: Dramatico, Imperium, Band-O-Rama, Sound Innovations #89-99
Beginning Strings: Abigail's Tune, Classic Bits and Pieces
Jazz Band: Manteca, All Blues, Go Tell It On The Mountain

As we progress on these pieces, I will start to include specific measures and sections of each song in each ensemble as focal points.  In addition to telling them in class, I will post those here.

Have a great week!

2014: Year in Review

As we say farewell to 2014 and hello to 2015, I'd like to take a moment and remember everything that shaped our music program.

January
The Royal Blue Jazz Band performed for the first time with the Mile High Jazz Band during the Jazz Extravaganza.
February
The Royal Blue Jazz Band traveled to UNR to perform at the Jazz in the Schools Clinic.
20 band members proudly represented Carson Middle School in the Northern Zone Honor Band.
The annual Band-O-Rama event was held at Carson High School.
March
For the first time in the program's history, the CMS String Orchestra traveled to Reno to perform in the Washoe County Orchestra Festival, earning "Superior" and "Excellent" ratings.
For the first time in the program's history, the CMS Advanced and Intermediate Bands traveled to Reno to perform in the Washoe County Band Festival, earning "Superior" and "Excellent" ratings.
The Bingo Chili Night fundraiser generated around $5,000 that will go towards the purchase of new storage cabinets.
April
All band students earned "Superior" and "Excellent" ratings at the Northern Zone Band Festival.
The Royal Blue Jazz Band met my inspirational figure in my life, Chuck Wackerman, and performed a clinic with his jazz band.  Then, we watched the top bands in the country compete in the Reno Jazz Festival.
May
Advanced Band took their annual spring trip, performing in Disneyland.
All groups performed their spring concerts in the Cafeteria, signaling an end to the 2013-2014 school year.
August
It was announced that there would be two strings classes this year.
7th and 8th grade students helped run the 2nd annual car wash fundraiser.  Over $1000 was generated, going towards cleaning and embroidery of new marching band uniforms.
September
Marching Band students debuted their new uniforms that were donated by Carson High School.
October
The Dolan Automotive Fundraiser generated $5,030 towards the purchase of new instrument storage cabinets.  Contributions from over 20 generous donors resulted in us being the most successful fundraiser out of all programs that participated in the region.
November
The CMS Marching Band celebrated Nevada's 150th year as a state by performing "Battle Born" in the Nevada Day Parade and the Veterans Day Parade.
21 band members were selected to represent CMS in the 2015 Northern Zone Honor Band.
December
The Advanced Band performed for part of the tree lighting festivities in downtown Carson City.
The CMS Marching Band performed "We Need A Little Christmas" in the Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade.
Students ended their year with the winter concert at the Community Center.


Winter Concert Videos
Click the links below to view songs from the winter concert.  Thank you to Joe Choat and Jennifer Simkins for uploading these recordings.

Jazz Band
Louie Louie
Dr. Noel
Advanced Strings
Wizards in Winter
Countdown to Jingle Bells
Intermediate Band
Winter Frolic
Still, Still, Still
Snow Day
We Need A Little Christmas
Advanced Band
A Carol Countdown
Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head
The 3-Minute Nutcracker
Santa Meets Sousa


Thank you for a very memorable 2014.  I look forward to another amazing year of doing what I love.  

-Mr. Jacques-

Closure

Dear Parents,

After quite an activity-filled few months, we can now breathe a deep sigh and revel in the accomplishments that our students achieved.  What a great semester this has been!  As I leave for Chicago for my music educators conference, I wanted to leave you with a few items.

• Thank you for an INCREDIBLE concert last Thursday.  Students all performed their best and showed me amazing amounts of excellence. 
• Mrs. Heaton is going to substitute for all classes this next week, Monday-Friday.  She will be working on new music for the festival season, as well as fundamentals.
• There will be no jazz band this week.  
• Three classes achieved their practice log goals, and they do not need to do practice logs over the winter break: Advanced Band, Advanced Strings, Intermediate Band.  They will have a chance to submit practice logs for extra credit between Jan. 1-4 if they wish.
• Three classes did not hit their practice log goals, and they must complete practice logs over winter break: Beginning Band, Beginning Strings, Concert Band.  These will be able to be submitted between Jan. 1-4. 
• Here are the percentages: 
• Advanced band: 83%
• Advanced strings: 80%
• Beginning band: 61%
• Beginning strings: 56%
• Concert band: 69%
• Intermediate band: 91%
• Tomorrow, I will be finalizing grades.  Please check PowerSchool on Tuesday or Wednesday and email me if you have any questions or concerns.  The last day that I can adjust grades is Thursday.  I'll be checking my emails in Chicago, so feel free to contact me.

I will be posting again sometime between Christmas and New Years Day with highlights from this year.  I will also include videos from the winter concert.  

Have a fun and relaxing winter break with your families.  Until next time, 

-Mr. Jacques-

Home Stretch

Dear Parents,

That's right! It's the home stretch for the semester!  First and foremost, this is my last week at CMS...until next year.  I'm going to be in Chicago for a music educator conference from December 15-19. For that reason, all make-up tests and those that want to improve a grade on a playing test are due by Friday, Dec. 12.  

We have a lot to celebrate over the past week:

• The winter concert, featuring all young groups, went very well, with an outstanding audience and many compliments.
• Advanced Band played Christmas carols on Friday in Telegraph Square to a large and enthusiastic crowd.
• Marching Band put on a great Christmas parade in front of thousands of fans, followed by some fun times in the mall.  Thank you so much for the overwhelming support from chaperones!

Upcoming Event

December 11: Winter Concert, Part 2

This concert features Advanced Strings, Intermediate Band, Advanced Band and Jazz Band.  Call time is 5:30 PM for Advanced Strings  and 6:00 PM for everybody else at the Carson City Community Center.  The concert begins at 6:00 PM and should end by 7:30 PM.  Additional details may be found HERE  I encourage everybody from Concert Band, Beginning Band, and Beginning Strings to attend.  They will be in these groups next year.  

Weather permitting, Advanced Band may go to the Governor's Mansion to perform for the Share Your Christmas food drive on Friday, December 12.  If this happens, I'll let you know.

Practice Logs

This week, practice logs were abysmal.  I talked with each class, stressing the importance of not just practicing, but practicing smart.  With 3 days before a concert for some of our students, I had two groups play: the group who practiced and the group who didn't practice.  There was a really noticeable difference.  No matter what happens, the concert on Thursday will be very good, but I worry that students might rely on the hard work of those who practice.  Everybody needs to contribute equally.

Concert Band: 58%

Intermediate Band: 37%

Advanced Band: 59%

Advanced Strings: 60%

Beginning Band: 57%

Beginning Strings: 44%

Overall, I couldn't be prouder.  We have had an incredible fall semester filled with amazingly successful events that highlight the very best from your children.  I love my job!

See you Thursday!

-Mr. Jacques-