Dear Parents,
I love this time of year. It may not feel like fall with the recent warmth, but the signs of fall are everywhere. In our world, marching bands reign supreme during these months. Parades are right around the corner, and high school bands all around the country are preparing for their marching competitions.
At CMS, we have a couple fun events coming up: the fall football game and the Damonte Marching Invitational.
Fall Football Game is for all Advanced Band members and any 8th graders in Intermediate Band. Call time is officially 5 PM this Friday in the front of Carson High School. Dress is blue jeans and any CMS or CHS spirit wear. Students will be playing the National Anthem and the School Song, as well as possibly playing Tribute to America. A flyer will be sent home soon with more information. Participation is highly encouraged, but not mandatory. As such, there will be no official chaperones and no transportation provided. Students playing with the band will have their admission waived but parents and siblings will need to purchase a ticket at the gate (game starts at 7 pm).
Damonte Marching Invitational is on for October 17, and I only have 14 spots left! 5 dollars buys your ticket to this field show tournament. A handout with more details will be available to all participating students by the end of this week. All parents are welcome to attend with their student for an additional 5 dollars.
Jazz in the Commons was a huge success! We had over 200 students come to watch the jazz band perform their first two pieces of music at 7:30 AM. Due to its amazing success, this is now the beginning of a tradition. Students will perform once per month and create an even warmer and more inviting atmosphere for students and teachers at our school. See a picture from Friday's performance here!
Our student teacher, Amber Vedova, begins working with us on Monday. Beginning this week, she will be part of some of the newsletters, and she'll have a chance to tell you a little more about her at that time.
Upcoming Events
October 28: Fall Concert
October 31: Nevada Day Parade
November 11: Veterans Day Parade
I'll be posting more later this week, including a quick progress report on all ensembles.
-Mr. Jacques-
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Monday, September 21, 2015
Open House
Dear Parents,
It's time to update you on your student's ensemble progress, as well as upcoming events. This newsletter includes:
Jazz Band received their 2nd piece of music. On the last Friday of each month, the Jazz Band will perform in the commons area for the school. The first "Jazz in the Commons" performance will be this Friday!
Concert Band received their first piece of music, First Concert March, which they will begin rehearsing this week. We had over 80% of students turn in their practice logs last week. Our goal: 100%. These 6th graders are sounding really good.
Intermediate Band is sounding better and better on Tribute to America, and they're ready too begin memorizing for next week. For the first time in the 3 years I've been here, we also had 100% of students turn in practice logs this week!
Beginning Band can play their first 3 notes with a great tone, and they're beginning to read music. We are moving forward into their first songs, as well as more complicated rhythms. They're so enthusiastic and eager to play. We had over 80% of students turn in their practice logs last week. Our goal: 100%.
Advanced Strings can now play 3 pieces of music, and they're so great at reading beyond the notes/rhythms. We also gained a cello player from Texas. We had 94% of students turn in their practice logs last week.
Advanced Band has partially memorized the Star Spangled Banner and Tribute to America, and will be ready to perform both on Wednesday at Open House! They will be receiving some new music shortly. For the first time in the 3 years I've been here, we also had 100% of students turn in practice logs this week!
Beginning Strings learned to use their bows last week. They're so excited and enthusiastic every single day! We also had around 80% of students turn in their practice logs last week. Our goal: 100%. This class is really sounding great.
Introducing...Our Student Teacher!
Starting on September 28 and continuing through the end of the semester, we will have a student intern working with us. Her name is Amber Vedova and she will be finishing her degree in Music Education this fall. Her final assignment is to teach classes and learn from a teacher who has experience. She will be conducting the fall concert, as well as rehearsing 100% of classes from mid October into early November. During that time, I will be observing her and playing along with the students in each group.
Open House: September 23
Advanced Band students will have their first performance at Open House on Wednesday. Call time is 5 PM in the Band room. Students should wear their blue polo, black pants, black socks, and black shoes. We will perform at exactly 5:28 PM and be finished by 5:45 PM and students will be free to visit classes with their parents.
Optional Field Trip: October 17
Students who are participating in the Marching Band are encouraged to attend the Damonte Marching Invitational on October 17. Call Time is 12:00 PM to load the bus, and we will return around 6:00 PM. Students will be able to listen to all the area high school marching bands. The cost is $5 and it's open to the first 30 students who sign up.
Other Upcoming Events
October 28: Fall Concert
October 31: Nevada Day Parade
November 11: Veterans Day Parade
That is all for this week!
-Mr. Jacques-
It's time to update you on your student's ensemble progress, as well as upcoming events. This newsletter includes:
- Ensemble progress
- Introducing our student intern: Amber Vedova
- Open House
- Marching band field show trip
- Other upcoming events
Jazz Band received their 2nd piece of music. On the last Friday of each month, the Jazz Band will perform in the commons area for the school. The first "Jazz in the Commons" performance will be this Friday!
Concert Band received their first piece of music, First Concert March, which they will begin rehearsing this week. We had over 80% of students turn in their practice logs last week. Our goal: 100%. These 6th graders are sounding really good.
Intermediate Band is sounding better and better on Tribute to America, and they're ready too begin memorizing for next week. For the first time in the 3 years I've been here, we also had 100% of students turn in practice logs this week!
Beginning Band can play their first 3 notes with a great tone, and they're beginning to read music. We are moving forward into their first songs, as well as more complicated rhythms. They're so enthusiastic and eager to play. We had over 80% of students turn in their practice logs last week. Our goal: 100%.
Advanced Strings can now play 3 pieces of music, and they're so great at reading beyond the notes/rhythms. We also gained a cello player from Texas. We had 94% of students turn in their practice logs last week.
Advanced Band has partially memorized the Star Spangled Banner and Tribute to America, and will be ready to perform both on Wednesday at Open House! They will be receiving some new music shortly. For the first time in the 3 years I've been here, we also had 100% of students turn in practice logs this week!
Beginning Strings learned to use their bows last week. They're so excited and enthusiastic every single day! We also had around 80% of students turn in their practice logs last week. Our goal: 100%. This class is really sounding great.
Introducing...Our Student Teacher!
Starting on September 28 and continuing through the end of the semester, we will have a student intern working with us. Her name is Amber Vedova and she will be finishing her degree in Music Education this fall. Her final assignment is to teach classes and learn from a teacher who has experience. She will be conducting the fall concert, as well as rehearsing 100% of classes from mid October into early November. During that time, I will be observing her and playing along with the students in each group.
Open House: September 23
Advanced Band students will have their first performance at Open House on Wednesday. Call time is 5 PM in the Band room. Students should wear their blue polo, black pants, black socks, and black shoes. We will perform at exactly 5:28 PM and be finished by 5:45 PM and students will be free to visit classes with their parents.
Optional Field Trip: October 17
Students who are participating in the Marching Band are encouraged to attend the Damonte Marching Invitational on October 17. Call Time is 12:00 PM to load the bus, and we will return around 6:00 PM. Students will be able to listen to all the area high school marching bands. The cost is $5 and it's open to the first 30 students who sign up.
Other Upcoming Events
October 28: Fall Concert
October 31: Nevada Day Parade
November 11: Veterans Day Parade
That is all for this week!
-Mr. Jacques-
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Giant Steps
Dear Parents,
I hope you're all enjoying your weekend and making the most out of it, despite all the smoke. Included are some quick updates about ensembles, reminders about practicing, and our our first upcoming events.
Jazz Band finished learning their first song! We will add soloists and learn a second song this week.
Concert Band continues to work on fundamentals, and they're already much different sounding band than last month! They will receive their first sheet music this week.
Intermediate Band has learned their parade song. Their next step is phrasing and memorization, as well as continued progress in the method book. They are also welcoming 4 new members from Concert Band!
Beginning Band knows their first 3 notes and they're ready to begin learning their first songs. Keep reminding them about how to practice correctly. This is the most critical point in their music education. If they practice well, it will set them up to be outstanding musicians.
Advanced Strings can now play 3 songs and they're cruising through the method book! I think they need harder music. :-)
Advanced Band is memorizing the parade piece and working on a lot of fundamentals. Their next step: receiving winter concert and Band-O-Rama music (yes, it's still September).
Beginning Strings learned how to play their first song this week! Keep reminding them about how to practice correctly. This is the most critical point in their music education. If they practice well, it will set them up to be outstanding musicians.
Practicing
Students in each class will have weekly playing tests. Practicing at home ensures their success. Here are some helpful tips for parents and students:
Students in beginning groups and Concert Band receive weekly practice charts that clearly describe all the steps necessary to be productive and efficient. Make sure these students are covering all the items listed for a solid foundation. Once they cover all the items on the practice chart, they may move on to anything that they'd like to do for fun.
Students in the upper groups will receive weekly goals to complete. They should always begin with a warm up that includes long tones, breathing exercises, lip slurs, and technical rhythm studies (from the back of the book). Then, they should work on the materials from class. Once they've achieved the class goals, then they are welcome to play whatever they'd like for fun.
Upcoming Events
October 2: Fall Football Game (Advanced Band and other 8th grade band members)
October 28: Fall Concert (Concert Band, Beginning Band, Beginning Strings, and Advanced Strings)
October 31: Nevada Day Parade (Intermediate Band and Advanced Band)
That is all from this week!
-Mr. Jacques-
I hope you're all enjoying your weekend and making the most out of it, despite all the smoke. Included are some quick updates about ensembles, reminders about practicing, and our our first upcoming events.
Jazz Band finished learning their first song! We will add soloists and learn a second song this week.
Concert Band continues to work on fundamentals, and they're already much different sounding band than last month! They will receive their first sheet music this week.
Intermediate Band has learned their parade song. Their next step is phrasing and memorization, as well as continued progress in the method book. They are also welcoming 4 new members from Concert Band!
Beginning Band knows their first 3 notes and they're ready to begin learning their first songs. Keep reminding them about how to practice correctly. This is the most critical point in their music education. If they practice well, it will set them up to be outstanding musicians.
Advanced Strings can now play 3 songs and they're cruising through the method book! I think they need harder music. :-)
Advanced Band is memorizing the parade piece and working on a lot of fundamentals. Their next step: receiving winter concert and Band-O-Rama music (yes, it's still September).
Beginning Strings learned how to play their first song this week! Keep reminding them about how to practice correctly. This is the most critical point in their music education. If they practice well, it will set them up to be outstanding musicians.
Practicing
Students in each class will have weekly playing tests. Practicing at home ensures their success. Here are some helpful tips for parents and students:
Students in beginning groups and Concert Band receive weekly practice charts that clearly describe all the steps necessary to be productive and efficient. Make sure these students are covering all the items listed for a solid foundation. Once they cover all the items on the practice chart, they may move on to anything that they'd like to do for fun.
Students in the upper groups will receive weekly goals to complete. They should always begin with a warm up that includes long tones, breathing exercises, lip slurs, and technical rhythm studies (from the back of the book). Then, they should work on the materials from class. Once they've achieved the class goals, then they are welcome to play whatever they'd like for fun.
Upcoming Events
October 2: Fall Football Game (Advanced Band and other 8th grade band members)
October 28: Fall Concert (Concert Band, Beginning Band, Beginning Strings, and Advanced Strings)
October 31: Nevada Day Parade (Intermediate Band and Advanced Band)
That is all from this week!
-Mr. Jacques-
Friday, September 4, 2015
Practice Makes Perfect
Dear Parents,
As we all head into a much-deserved 3 day holiday weekend, I thought I'd update you on your student's progress, as well as introducing practicing, a skill that they will use for the rest of their lives in music. Here's how each group is doing:
Jazz Band is well on their way towards learning their first piece of the year, as well as improving over the blues scale. I could still use more trombone players, but all the other sections are in really good shape! I will be auditioning the percussion section later this month. I appreciate everybody's diligence in making it on time to a 7 AM rehearsal.
Concert Band is reviewing fundamentals. There's a lot to remember: sitting properly, breathing, pressing down the right keys, maintaining a proper embouchure, listening while watching the director, all while making sure that the tongue starts the note properly. There's a reason why it's a proven fact that students who take music are the best kids ever!
Intermediate Band has learned most of their parade piece, and it's week 3! They have also played their first test and learned how to march. We had 75% attendance at our last marching rehearsal and their enthusiasm is contagious!
Beginning Band has learned how to put together their instruments, put them away, take care of them, sit properly, breathe correctly, hold instruments correctly, play their first note, and...they have began learning their second and third notes. As I said before...best kids ever!
Advanced Strings has learned their first song, and they received two more to begin working on over the weekend. They're fundamentals are really strong, so they sky is the limit with them.
Advanced Band could put on a concert and sound really great on their parade piece. They took their playing test for chair placements and are eagerly awaiting the results to be announced Tuesday. Their next step: memorization. They will also receive the Star Spangled Banner to learn next week. They're off to such a strong start.
Beginning Strings has learned the parts of their instrument, instrument care, posture, playing position, their open strings, and note names. They also successfully performed their first playing test. Next up for them: their first songs.
Practicing - Young Groups
Students will begin practicing today. I have given Beginning Band, Concert Band, and Beginning Strings a sheet that maps out everything they need to do. Feel free to look this over with the kids. I'll be sending out a digital copy soon if they ended up misplacing them. They will have an online practice log to complete between September 10 and 11. They will get more information on this next week, but if you want a sneak preview, click the practice log link on the CMS Bands homepage.
Practicing - Experienced Groups
For Intermediate Band, Advanced Band, and Advanced Strings, practice logs will be very similar to last year. The only difference is that it is goal-based and not time-based. Students are free to practice as long as it takes to complete their weekly goals, even if it's less than 100 minutes total. Please ensure that they still have their instruments home for at least 4 days. Practice logs will be submitted online between September 10 and 11 on the CMS Bands homepage.
That is all for now. Enjoy your long weekend!
-Mr. Jacques-
As we all head into a much-deserved 3 day holiday weekend, I thought I'd update you on your student's progress, as well as introducing practicing, a skill that they will use for the rest of their lives in music. Here's how each group is doing:
Jazz Band is well on their way towards learning their first piece of the year, as well as improving over the blues scale. I could still use more trombone players, but all the other sections are in really good shape! I will be auditioning the percussion section later this month. I appreciate everybody's diligence in making it on time to a 7 AM rehearsal.
Concert Band is reviewing fundamentals. There's a lot to remember: sitting properly, breathing, pressing down the right keys, maintaining a proper embouchure, listening while watching the director, all while making sure that the tongue starts the note properly. There's a reason why it's a proven fact that students who take music are the best kids ever!
Intermediate Band has learned most of their parade piece, and it's week 3! They have also played their first test and learned how to march. We had 75% attendance at our last marching rehearsal and their enthusiasm is contagious!
Beginning Band has learned how to put together their instruments, put them away, take care of them, sit properly, breathe correctly, hold instruments correctly, play their first note, and...they have began learning their second and third notes. As I said before...best kids ever!
Advanced Strings has learned their first song, and they received two more to begin working on over the weekend. They're fundamentals are really strong, so they sky is the limit with them.
Advanced Band could put on a concert and sound really great on their parade piece. They took their playing test for chair placements and are eagerly awaiting the results to be announced Tuesday. Their next step: memorization. They will also receive the Star Spangled Banner to learn next week. They're off to such a strong start.
Beginning Strings has learned the parts of their instrument, instrument care, posture, playing position, their open strings, and note names. They also successfully performed their first playing test. Next up for them: their first songs.
Practicing - Young Groups
Students will begin practicing today. I have given Beginning Band, Concert Band, and Beginning Strings a sheet that maps out everything they need to do. Feel free to look this over with the kids. I'll be sending out a digital copy soon if they ended up misplacing them. They will have an online practice log to complete between September 10 and 11. They will get more information on this next week, but if you want a sneak preview, click the practice log link on the CMS Bands homepage.
Practicing - Experienced Groups
For Intermediate Band, Advanced Band, and Advanced Strings, practice logs will be very similar to last year. The only difference is that it is goal-based and not time-based. Students are free to practice as long as it takes to complete their weekly goals, even if it's less than 100 minutes total. Please ensure that they still have their instruments home for at least 4 days. Practice logs will be submitted online between September 10 and 11 on the CMS Bands homepage.
That is all for now. Enjoy your long weekend!
-Mr. Jacques-
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Marching Forward
Dear Parents,
Two weeks are officially in the books! Here are the highlights from last week:
Two weeks are officially in the books! Here are the highlights from last week:
- Beginning Band learned their first note and they can all play with a good tone.
- Beginning Strings learned their open strings and parts of their instrument.
- Concert Band is sounding great, playing through an exercise I wrote while we wait for more method books to arrive. They will receive sheet music this week.
- Intermediate Band has learned how to march and will be learning their parade piece this week.
- Advanced Band has learned their parade piece and will begin marching with it this week.
- Advanced Strings received their first sheet music last week and will learn another piece this week.
Car Wash Wrap-Up
Our profit from this year's car wash was an outstanding $1,300! Some of this money has gone to new instruments for our students who cannot afford them on their own. Thanks to a successful car wash, combined with some outstanding offers from pawn shops, we are very close to being able to supply all students in need with school-owned instruments. We have now added 3 flutes, 1 alto sax, 2 trumpets, and 2 trombones to our school inventory.
After School Rehearsals
Students in Intermediate and Advanced Bands will have after school rehearsals every Tuesday from 2:30-4:30 PM. This is where students will learn how to march and play as a group in preparation for the fall parades. Please do your best to not schedule doctor's appointments or other conflicts during this time. If for any reason your student cannot make it to a rehearsal, just send me a note and they will be excused.
Concert Band - After School Rehearsals
Any Concert Band members who would like to learn to march are welcome to attend the same Tuesday rehearsal from 2:30-4:30 PM. Once I see what they can do, I'll invite some of them to have the honor of either playing in the parades or holding the banner in front of the band.
Practicing
Practicing is a very important part of your student's success in band/strings. If students do not practice at home, they will not remember what they learned in class and they will not progress. At a very minimum, students should be practicing a minimum of 15-30 minutes per day. Beginning after Labor Day, I will begin having students keep online practice records. With laptops available to all students, this requirement will be a convenient and paper-free way to track their progress. More on this next week.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: we are off to a GREAT start! Thank you all.
-Mr. Jacques-
After School Rehearsals
Students in Intermediate and Advanced Bands will have after school rehearsals every Tuesday from 2:30-4:30 PM. This is where students will learn how to march and play as a group in preparation for the fall parades. Please do your best to not schedule doctor's appointments or other conflicts during this time. If for any reason your student cannot make it to a rehearsal, just send me a note and they will be excused.
Concert Band - After School Rehearsals
Any Concert Band members who would like to learn to march are welcome to attend the same Tuesday rehearsal from 2:30-4:30 PM. Once I see what they can do, I'll invite some of them to have the honor of either playing in the parades or holding the banner in front of the band.
Practicing
Practicing is a very important part of your student's success in band/strings. If students do not practice at home, they will not remember what they learned in class and they will not progress. At a very minimum, students should be practicing a minimum of 15-30 minutes per day. Beginning after Labor Day, I will begin having students keep online practice records. With laptops available to all students, this requirement will be a convenient and paper-free way to track their progress. More on this next week.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: we are off to a GREAT start! Thank you all.
-Mr. Jacques-
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Records
Dear Parents,
It has been a great first week! This year, we have an incredible school record to celebrate. At 200 students, we officially have more students enrolled in band and strings than ever before. Thank you for helping them be part of this great activity that we all do together. Here are some other highlights from week 1:
It has been a great first week! This year, we have an incredible school record to celebrate. At 200 students, we officially have more students enrolled in band and strings than ever before. Thank you for helping them be part of this great activity that we all do together. Here are some other highlights from week 1:
- Students in Advanced Band and Advanced Strings began playing on Tuesday.
- Students in Intermediate Band began playing on Wednesday.
- Students in Concert Band began playing on Thursday.
- Students in Beginning Band and Beginning Strings have chosen their instruments and will begin playing next week.
- We have set a date for our car wash fundraiser: August 29. See below for more information.
Announcements
- Forms were due Friday. Please get these in ASAP so I can finish dealing with paperwork. :-)
- Fees are due as soon as you're able. I appreciate those who have paid or communicated with me about when you can. I'll be sending out bills/receipts later this week.
- All students need method books and instruments beginning Monday.
- Beginning Band and Concert Band: The rest of the school instruments will be given out on Monday.
- Beginning Strings: Students will be receiving instruments throughout the week from Sue Jesch if they chose to rent through the Carson City Symphony. Everyone needs instruments by Friday.
CMS Car Wash
The 3rd annual CMS Bands Car Wash fundraiser is on Saturday, August 29, from 9 AM-1 PM at Grocery Outlet. This car wash will help us purchase instruments and take care of other expenses throughout the fall. All students in Advanced Strings, Advanced Band, and Intermediate Band were given at least 3 tickets to sell. I also offered Concert Band a chance to take tickets if they wanted to help out. There will be prizes for the top sellers, and students will have a chance to help wash cars on Saturday. I'll have sign-ups for students on Monday. This event is always a lot of fun for the students and parents.
Jazz Band
Jazz Band begins Monday at 7 AM! Anyone is able to attend and try it out. They will be able to make great music that the whole school enjoys each morning. As we get into the spring semester, this becomes a competitive group that performs at festivals and competitions. Students who participate in Jazz Band become better musicians because of the extra time they are able to put towards playing their instruments.
After School Rehearsals
Students in Intermediate Band and Advanced Band will begin rehearsing on Tuesdays from 2:30-4:30 PM beginning September 1. These rehearsals are extremely important because students have a chance to march and play as a combined group. After we memorize our music and become proficient at marching, we will begin marching through the neighborhoods around the school. Parents are welcome to come and watch.
Let's have a great week 2!
-Mr. Jacques-
Jazz Band
Jazz Band begins Monday at 7 AM! Anyone is able to attend and try it out. They will be able to make great music that the whole school enjoys each morning. As we get into the spring semester, this becomes a competitive group that performs at festivals and competitions. Students who participate in Jazz Band become better musicians because of the extra time they are able to put towards playing their instruments.
After School Rehearsals
Students in Intermediate Band and Advanced Band will begin rehearsing on Tuesdays from 2:30-4:30 PM beginning September 1. These rehearsals are extremely important because students have a chance to march and play as a combined group. After we memorize our music and become proficient at marching, we will begin marching through the neighborhoods around the school. Parents are welcome to come and watch.
Let's have a great week 2!
-Mr. Jacques-
Thursday, August 13, 2015
In the Beginning...
Dear Parents,
I'm very excited to welcome you all back to another great year of band and strings at CMS! This year, the possibilities are endless and I cannot wait to begin working with all your wonderful musicians.
I need your help taking care of a few items so that the students can get off to a successful start:
I'm very excited to welcome you all back to another great year of band and strings at CMS! This year, the possibilities are endless and I cannot wait to begin working with all your wonderful musicians.
I need your help taking care of a few items so that the students can get off to a successful start:
- Handbook Contract/School Instrument Use Form - Handed out at Sneak Preview nights, and on Monday to your students, or available here. Click here to read the handbook and return this by Friday, August 21.
- Instrument Rentals - Use the above form to be considered for a school-owned instrument, or visit any of the other music shops. Click here to see a list of local stores that rent instruments. All students must have instruments by no later than Monday, August 24.
- Field Trip Form - Handed out at Sneak Preview nights and on Monday to your students. I need this form returned to me so that students may travel to festivals, parades, and other trips throughout the year. Please return this by Friday, August 21.
- Method Book - Available for purchase from Play Your Own Music beginning Friday, August 14. Click here to see which method book your student needs. Students must have their method book by Monday, August 24.
- Lab Fee: $20 - This fee covers specific items that your students will need throughout the year. Click here for details. Please pay by Friday, August 21.
On Monday, we will not need instruments. Their first day of playing is entirely dependent on how quick the students are to take care of the above items. In the past, the upper groups have been known to start playing as early as Wednesday. Young groups usually begin with instruments on the second week of school.
Feel free to email me if you have any further questions. Thank you for getting your students "up and running!"
-Mr. Jacques-
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