It's Concert Week!

Dear Parents,

This is a big week! In just a few days, students will put on their first concert of the school year.  The fall football game and Nevada Day Parade will also be taking place later this week.  Also, there are no practice assignments this week.

Fall Concert - October 26
Take a quick look at the details below. This is just a reminder for your students that this is a mandatory, graded performance. Concert Dress is: Band polo shirts or plain blue polo shirts, black dress pants, black socks and black dress shoes.  See your student's handout for more information.

• 5:30 PM: Dinner service begins. Concert Band/Beginning Band members sign in and grab instruments from band room.
• 5:45 PM: Beginning Band and Concert Band members in seats ready to play. Intermediate Band/Advanced Band members sign in and grab instruments from band room. 
• 6:00 PM: Call time for Intermediate and Advanced Bands in the audience. Concert begins with Beginning and Concert Bands and dinner service pauses.
• 6:20 PM: Intermission - dinner service resumes.
• 6:40 PM: Concert resumes with Intermediate and Advanced Bands. Dinner service ends.
• 7:00 PM: Approximate end of concert.  Parents help clean kitchen. Students are not dismissed until they put away instruments and help with clean-up in cafeteria/band room.

Thanks again for being able to bring the following items! If you're bringing sauce, spaghetti, or dessert, please get these to me by Tuesday, if possible.

o   Beginning Band: Dessert Item

o   Concert Band: Bag of salad or loaf of garlic bread

o   Intermediate Band: Box of spaghetti

o   Advanced Band: A can/jar of sauce

Marching Rehearsal Update

After school marching rehearsals continue for Intermediate and Advanced Students on Tuesday afternoons from 2:30-4:30 PM.

Marching Rehearsal/Parade Schedule
October 25, 2:30-4:00 (NEW END TIME)
October 27, 2:30-4:30 (CANCELLED; now a football game music rehearsal)
October 29: Nevada Day Parade
November 8, 2:30-4:30
November 11: Veterans Day Parade
November 15: 2:30-4:30 PM
November 22: 2:30-4:30 PM
November 29: 2:30-4:30 PM

December 3: Sparks Christmas Parade

Fall Football Game - October 27
Here's the timeline for the football game:

• 2:45 PM: Rehearsal in CMS Band Room
• 3:45 PM: Pizza and break (Thank you to Bruce for providing the pizza)
• 4:30 PM: Rehearsal in CHS Band Room (must provide own transportation)
• 6:30 PM: Pregame performance with combined HS and MS band members in stadium.
• 7:00 PM: Kickoff! MS and HS students perform together in the stands
• 8:30 PM (approx): MS students watch halftime show and are dismissed.

Students are dismissed after halftime but they may stay longer if accompanied by a parent. Dress warm with Carson spirit wear. See your student's handout for more information. 

Nevada Day Parade - October 29

Read below for official entry information from the parade organizers. Also, don't forget to RSVP to our After Nevada Day Party (slips go to Mr. Jacques or Jasmine).

• 8:00 AM: Call time in the Band Room to change into uniforms, take a photo, and load the bus
• 9:00 AM: Arrive at staging area for warm-ups. Staging location is on East Adams Ave.
• 10:00 AM: Parade begins.  We are entry #81.
• 12:00 PM: Return to CMS to change.
• Approx. 1:00 PM: Dismissal.
• 2:00 PM: Start time for After Nevada Day Party at Justine's house.

This is the week where all your student's hard work and dedication pays off! Thanks for all that you do.

-Mr. Jacques-

A Quick Update...

Dear Parents,

Mr. Jacques here!  It's time for the weekly update. I've reposted all concert, football game information, and Nevada Day Parade information. I also have a new weekly class update. Please note: there are some changes to marching rehearsals next week.

Class Progress:

Jazz Band has been sight reading winter concert music and can now work their way through 3 of our songs. They'll get another one by Friday and continue working in their method book at home. Listen for them playing along to the CD in their book. It's a lot of fun!
Intermediate Band has most of Tribute to America memorized and they're working on their fall concert music. This is the final push to the concert, so please help by encouraging practicing at home.
Beginning Band: Students can now play their first 6 notes, rhythms that include 8th notes, and they're sounding so great that they could put on their concert tomorrow. I'm currently challenging them with sheet music, which they are handling like champs! Just wait until you hear them after another week of preparation!
Concert Band can play through all their songs and sound pretty decent. They are on the verge of being ready for their fall concert, and with a week remaining, they will sound better than you've ever heard them before!
Advanced Band is well on their way to playing the most challenging fall concert music ever attempted in the years I've taught here.  They are preparing two "grade 2" songs, the parade piece, and a couple of songs that they'll play with Intermediate Band. They're going to be unstoppable! 

Marching Rehearsal Update

After school marching rehearsals continue for Intermediate and Advanced Students on Tuesday afternoons from 2:30-4:30 PM.  THANK YOU FOR THE EXTRA TIME! Students marched over 1 mile through the neighborhood today, and they're building stamina for the long parade in just 10 days.  Justine is hosting a party after the Nevada Day Parade for all students who have 0 unexcused absences from after school rehearsals! Party handouts were given to all eligible students today. Take a look at these and have students bring RSVP slips back as soon as they know. All students must continue to attend all remaining rehearsals and the parade.

Parade song run-through for parents at end of 10/18 rehearsal.

Marching Rehearsal/Parade Schedule - Revised 10/18
October 25, 2:30-4:00 (NEW END TIME)
October 27, 2:30-4:30 (CANCELLED; now a football game music rehearsal)
October 29: Nevada Day Parade
November 8, 2:30-4:30
November 11: Veterans Day Parade
November 15: 2:30-4:30 PM
November 22: 2:30-4:30 PM
November 29: 2:30-4:30 PM

December 3: Sparks Christmas Parade

Fall Concert - October 26
I have some details about the fall concert on October 26 in the CMS cafeteria.  This event is mandatory for all ensembles except for Jazz Band. All students are expected to remain for the entire concert.  There will also be a spaghetti feed.  Here's the timeline for the evening:

• 5:30 PM: Dinner service begins.
• 5:45 PM: Beginning Band and Concert Band members in seats ready to play.  
• 6:00 PM: Call time for Intermediate and Advanced Bands. Concert begins with Beginning and Concert Bands and dinner service stops.
• 6:20 PM: Intermission - dinner service resumes.
• 6:40 PM: Concert resumes with Intermediate and Advanced Bands. Dinner service ends.
• 7:00 PM: Approximate end of concert.  Students are not dismissed until they put away instruments and help with clean-up.

            We are asking all members to bring one item for the spaghetti feed:

o   Beginning Band: Dessert Item

o   Concert Band: Bag of salad or loaf of garlic bread

o   Intermediate Band: Box of spaghetti

o   Advanced Band: A can/jar of sauce

Concert Dress: Band polo shirts, black dress pants, black socks and black dress shoes.  See your student's handout for more information.

Fall Football Game - October 27
All students who have been involved with the middle school marching band are now invited to the fall football game at Carson High School!  We will rehearse from 2:30-4:00 in the CMS band room. They will have a 2nd call time in the CHS band room at 4:30. They will learn their music, perform it on the sidelines for pregame, play in the stands with the band, and watch the high school band perform their halftime show. This fun event is absolutely free, even for parents who come in with the band! See your student's handout for more information.

Nevada Day Parade - October 29

Here is what I know about the Nevada Day Parade on October 31:

• 8:00 AM: Call time in the Band Room to change into uniforms, take a photo, and load the bus
• 9:00 AM: Arrive at staging area for warm-ups.
• 10:00 AM: Parade begins.  Entry number TBA
• 12:00 PM: Return to CMS to change and eat lunch.
• Approx. 1:00 PM: Dismissal.

Students will receive handouts with further details in class as soon as we know our entry number and staging details (yes, as of 10/18, we're still awaiting these details from the organizing committee).

-Mr. Jacques-

It's Already October??

Dear Parents,

Can you believe it's already October?? Time flies when we're having fun! It's strange when the mind thinks it's September, the weather thinks it's November, and in actuality, it's October.  What a month it will be! I'll outline all October events below, as well as our class progress.

OCTOBER EVENTS 

Jazz Band @ Open House - October 4
This year, the principal invited the Jazz Band to open for the Open House on Tuesday night.  Call time for students is 5:30 PM in SSA. If you're attending, the band will begin performing at 5:45 PM in the gym with the open house officially starting at 6:00.  This will be their debut performance of the year for parents, and we're all excited to perform this special event for our school/community!

Fall Concert - October 26

We are a little over 3 weeks away from our first official concert of the year! The fall concert will take place on October 26 at 6:00 PM in the CMS cafeteria. This concert features all groups, so it is a mandatory, graded performance for your students.  I will have more information on the spaghetti dinner fundraiser, volunteer positions needed, and other details, sometime this week.

Fall Football Game - October 27 
This event is a fun annual tradition for anyone in Advanced Band, as well as 8th graders interested in seeing what marching band at the high school is all about. We will meet at Carson HS around 5:00 PM. Students will have a behind-the-scenes look at how the high school band prepares their halftime shows. They will then have a chance to perform with the band in the stands and watch their show at halftime! This event is FREE for students and their parents. More information on this will follow in the upcoming weeks.

Nevada Day Parade - October 29
This parade is mandatory for all Intermediate and Advanced Band members, and you will need to be available from at least 8:00 AM-1:00 PM.  More information, including exact call times and line-up information, will be available once I receive details from the parade committee. Until then, save the date!

Class Progress

Jazz Band has performed a 2nd Jazz in the Commons concert, and they're prepared to perform on Tuesday night in the gym for Open House.

Intermediate Band has been able to play through half of their parade piece and they have received all their fall concert music. The next step is to practice and perfect their music for the fall concert and the Nevada Day Parade.
Beginning Bands can now play their first song, Hot Cross Buns! They have also learned their first 5 notes! This week is all about them learning the traditional "first songs" that every beginning band around the country is currently starting to learn. What a fun rite of passage for these talented kids.
Concert Band can play through their first two pieces of sheet music. They are also digging deeper into the method book.  The next step is to practice and perfect their music for the fall concert. Students who want an added challenge have received the parade music and honor band music.
Advanced Band is working more deeply with the honor band music, as well as fall concert music. The parade music is sounding great. Just wait 'till you hear them!

Marching Rehearsals

After school marching rehearsals continue for Intermediate and Advanced Students on Tuesday afternoons from 2:30-4:30 PM. Attendance is expected for all Intermediate and Advanced Band students. If they cannot attend, I need a note or email from parents in advance in order to excuse them.  Justine, the same parent who hosted the After Car Wash Barbecue, is hosting a party after the Nevada Day Parade for all students who have 0 unexcused absences from after school rehearsals! Also, students in Concert Band are still invited to join in. If they do not wish to learn the music, I have positions available for banner carriers and flags in the back. If they want to march, I will do my best to include them.

Marching Rehearsal/Parade Schedule
October 4, 2:30-4:30
October 11, 2:30-4:30
October 18, 2:30-4:30
October 25, 2:30-4:30
October 27, 2:30-4:30 (Fall Football Game with CHS band that evening)
October 29: Nevada Day Parade
November 8, 2:30-4:30
November 11: Veterans Day Parade
November 15: 2:30-4:30 PM
November 22: 2:30-4:30 PM
November 29: 2:30-4:30 PM
December 3: Sparks Christmas Parade

-Mr. Jacques-

Weekly Update

Dear Parents,

Another great week is upon us, and what a week it was! This is a big week with a lot of news, including:

• Class progress
• Note reading research project
• Marching rehearsal update
• Car wash wrap-up
• Fall Concert news

Class Progress

Jazz Band has begun working on two new songs, and within the next week, they will have a grand total of 6 songs under their fingers and ready to perform at events like Jazz in the Commons and school assemblies.

Intermediate Band has completed the chromatic scale test and are now working on putting together their parade song. This week, they will be improving their marching and working on fall concert music. All students in this class are capable of learning honor band music, and I will give any interested student a copy and help them learn it. Ask and they will receive!
Beginning Bands can now play their first 3 notes with different rhythms, all with great tone and technique. This week, they will be learning their first songs, their 4th and 5th notes, and some new tools for how to practice.
Concert Band finished learning their first song for the fall concert last week! They are also continuing to learn more ways to practice and play with their best sound. They have come very far in just one week. They will be starting work on their second song this week. I also offered them copies of the parade music if they are up for a challenge.
Advanced Band has memorized most of the parade song. They are also working on honor band music and two additional songs that they will perform at the fall concert.  This week, we'll be sight reading more music for Band-O-Rama and band festival, along with their first shot at marching while playing at the same time.

Note Reading Research Project

Read the note from my partner-in-crime, Jennifer Simkins, who is working on finishing her master's degree in curriculum planning. She has a plan that will help your students work on their note reading skills. 

Hi Parents! As Mr. Jacques said, I'm completing my final semester towards earning a master's in Curriculum and Instruction. Part of the requirements is completing a capstone project; mine is called "Take Note! Increasing Musical Literacy by Teaching 
Note Names Using Differentiated Instruction". In a nutshell, I want to see how different methods of instruction (worksheets, SmartBoard activities, etc.) help your students remember their note names.

Tomorrow, all students will receive an Informed Consent document that outlines the entire project. You may also view it here. Even though all scores are anonymous, a parent & student signature is required for your student's data to be used. Please sign and return this form ASAP so we can get started on the fun activities to teach note names! Thank you!!!

Marching Rehearsals
After school marching rehearsals continue for Intermediate and Advanced Students on Tuesday afternoons from 2:30-4:30 PM. Attendance is expected for all Intermediate and Advanced Band students beginning this Tuesday. If they cannot attend, I need a note or email from parents in advance in order to excuse them.  After the October 27 rehearsal, any student with 0 unexcused absences will be invited to a special reward event following the Nevada Day Parade! Also, students in Concert Band are still invited to join in. If they do not wish to learn the music, I have positions available for banner carriers and flags in the back. If they want to march, I will do my best to include them.

Marching Rehearsal/Parade Schedule
September 27, 2:30-4:30
October 4, 2:30-4:30
October 11, 2:30-4:30
October 18, 2:30-4:30
October 25, 2:30-4:30
October 27, 2:30-4:30 (Fall Football Game with CHS band that evening)
October 29: Nevada Day Parade
November 8, 2:30-4:30
November 11: Veterans Day Parade
November 15: 2:30-4:30 PM
November 22: 2:30-4:30 PM
November 29: 2:30-4:30 PM
December 3: Sparks Christmas Parade

Car Wash Wrap-Up
This year's car wash was a record-breaking event! We raised a grand total of $1,580! Advanced Band alone raised $1,090 in presale tickets, and the other classes combined for an additional $300.  The rest of the money was raised by people who came to the car wash without tickets and purchased snacks at the event.

Thank you to all student and parent volunteers that made this event possible! 

A huge thank-you to Justine, who donated her house for the volunteer barbecue and pool party! (yes, even Mr. Jacques took the plunge)

Fall Concert - October 26

We are now a month away from our first concert of the year! The fall concert will take place on October 26 at 6:00 PM in the CMS cafeteria. This concert features all groups, so it is a mandatory, graded performance for your students. You won't want to miss their debut concert of the year. There will also be spaghetti dinner available, with more information to come next week. 

Other Events

October 27 - Fall Football Game, Carson High School, 5:00-9:00 PM (Advanced Band and all 8th graders)

October 29 - Nevada Day Parade, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM (Advanced Band and Intermediate Band)

November 11 - Veterans Day Parade, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM (Advanced Band and Intermediate Band)

-Mr. Jacques-

A Week of Firsts

Dear Parents,

This past week was a big week in terms of what your students have learned. The week ahead is big in terms of what is coming up.  First, an update on all classes, and as you're about to see, it was a week of firsts for most of them!

Jazz Band performed their first Jazz in the Commons concert on Friday morning! Every month, the Jazz Band will put on a concert as students arrive at school, and we had at least 200 in attendance! We performed the classic Louie, Louie and the theme songs to James Bond and Peter Gunn.  This band has never performed this early in the school year, and I owe it to you, the parents, for getting them to school bright and early. Without you, this class would not be possible!

Intermediate Band is learning the chromatic scale and getting ready for marching rehearsals which will begin on Tuesday. They are also working out of the book and will be receiving their first concert music soon.
Beginning Bands can now play their first 3 notes with a good tone, count simple rhythms, and identify note names. They are ready for their first song this week!
Concert Band relearned their first 5 notes with a good tone, as well as basic rhythms. Some students are moving ahead and others are getting extra help from me. This band is coming together and shaping up to be a fine group.
Advanced Band has memorized the first half of the parade song and is well on their way to learning their first song for the fall concert. They're reviewing the chromatic scale and various major scales, as well. Their next step is to get ready to march with rehearsals beginning Tuesday.

Marching Rehearsals

After school marching rehearsals begin for Intermediate and Advanced Students on Tuesday afternoons from 2:30-4:30 PM. Students in these groups are expected be at all rehearsals. Also, students in Concert Band are invited to sit in and check out the music. If they do not wish to learn the music, I have positions available for banner carriers and flags in the back. If they want to march, I will do my best to include them.

Marching Rehearsal/Parade Schedule
September 20, 2:30-4:30
September 27, 2:30-4:30
October 4, 2:30-4:30
October 11, 2:30-4:30
October 18, 2:30-4:30
October 25, 2:30-4:30
October 27, 2:30-4:30 (Fall Football Game with CHS band that evening)
October 29: Nevada Day Parade
November 8, 2:30-4:30
November 11: Veterans Day Parade
November 15: 2:30-4:30 PM
November 22: 2:30-4:30 PM
November 29: 2:30-4:30 PM
December 3: Sparks Christmas Parade

Parades are our biggest events in terms of audience and publicity. We always strive for perfection in everything we do, and as a result, we have an outstanding reputation. Last year, we even had a clip of us featured on the news!

Car Wash: September 24
The car wash will be held from 9 AM-1 PM at Grocery Outlet. Spread the word!

-Mr. Jacques-

The Best Practice

Dear Parents,

Friday is upon us and that means one thing: another update! After a short week of classes, here's how each group is doing:

Jazz Band finished learning their 4th...yes, 4th song!  Next Friday, we will perform our first montly Jazz in the Commons performance from 7:20-7:40 AM. Feel free to come listen/watch this powerhouse of an ensemble. They will not disappoint!
Intermediate Band continues to work on fundamentals. They're beginning to sound like a band! We're starting our work on our parade song and they are eager to get outside and march.
Beginning Bands can now play their first note and read whole notes, quarter notes, and rests. 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.
Concert Band is a wonderful group of curious 6th graders who have such great questions. We're working together to improve their musical foundation and they are with me every step of the way. I helped them with practice techniques, note names, and rhythms this week and they received their first sheet music.
Advanced Band is memorizing the parade piece and beginning work on their honor band audition music. We have practiced sight reading by trying out music that I have planned for the fall concert, Band-O-Rama, and our spring festival season. This band will blow you away when you hear them!

Practicing

Students in each class will have weekly playing tests.  Practicing at home ensures their success. It's expected that they take their instruments home whenever possible (preferably daily), have their music out with their practice log right next to it, and go through all the goals for each day. Our mission is for them to always learn our parts at home so they can learn how everything fits together during class.  

If you haven't heard music at home yet, please ask your student how practicing works.  I also encourage you to take a minute, sit down with your student, and ask them what they need to practice this week.  Ask them to show you their music, how their instrument works, and how practicing works. Even if you know nothing about music, let them teach you.  If they can explain it, they're well on their way to having a solid foundation for a great year!  

Also on Fridays, we'll have in-class playing tests. They will play an excerpt from what they've practiced over the week and I will score them on certain goals (correct notes, rhythm, articulations, dynamics, etc). The better they are at practicing, the better they'll do on their in-class tests, and the better they'll be as a band.  All students are always welcome to come in and redo a playing test for a higher grade. 

I will also be open after school most Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays for any students who want extra help from me. I'll pull out an instrument and play alongside them, help them practice, and encourage them to always improve.

Upcoming Rehearsals/Events

September 13: Percussion Workshop, 2:30-4:00 PM (those trying out for Advanced Band will audition from 4:00-4:30)
September 20: Marching Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM (Intermediate and Advanced Band; optional for Concert Band)
September 24: Car Wash Fundraiser at Grocery Outlet, 9 AM-1 PM.

That is all for this week!

-Mr. Jacques-

Practice Makes Perfect

Dear Parents,

Two weeks down and a 3 day weekend ahead! I thought I'd announce some after school rehearsals, update you on your student's progress, and introduce practicing, a skill that they will use for the rest of their lives in music.

Class Progress

Jazz Band as a class...wow, what a difference! This time last year, Jazz Band didn't even meet yet, and this year so far, they have learned how to play 2 songs, and sight read a 3rd song today. They can all improvise on a simple blues scale, as well.

Intermediate Band has reviewed music fundamentals in class, and they have received their parade piece. We also went outside and learned some basic marching techniques. Their next step: learning the parade piece and receiving fall concert music. They have so much potential and I can't wait to see what they will be capable of in just a couple short months.

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 practice...phew! There's a reason why it's a proven fact that students who are in band are the best kids ever!

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. As I said before, best kids ever!

Advanced Band reviewed fundamentals, learned the parade piece, and sight read some music that we'll use later in the year. Their next step: mastering marching and memorizing Tribute to America. After working with them for just a few days, it's clear to me that they will continue to be one of the best middle school bands in the state of Nevada. They're a fine group of people and I have some big plans for them this year!

After School Rehearsals

• September 6: 2:30-4:00 PM, Percussion Workshop. This is open to any percussionist (yes, even beginners!) and we will introduce students to the exciting world of rudiments and other rhythmic fun.
• September 13: 2:30-4:00 PM, Percussion Workshop. Just like the first one, this is open to all percussionists. Intermediate Band percussionists will also have a chance to audition for the Advanced Band's percussion section at the end of this workshop. The top performer will receive the invitation.
• September 20: 2:30-4:30 PM, Marching Band Rehearsal for Intermediate Band and Advanced Band. These rehearsals will continue on a weekly basis (always on Tuesdays) until the Nevada Day Parade. Concert Band members are welcome to tag along and give marching band a try.

Practice Logs Begin

Students will begin practicing today.  I have given all groups except Jazz Band a sheet that maps out everything they need to do.  Feel free to look this over with the kids.  Digital copies are always available on the website.  Their practicing is based on goals accomplished, not minutes practiced. This means that their time may vary from as little as 5 minutes to as much as 30+ minutes, depending on each student's needs. They will have an online practice log to complete between September 8 and 9, and they will always have laptop time during band if they choose to use it. There is also extra credit available if they practice every day. They will get more information on this next week, but if you want a sneak preview, click "This week's practice assignment" link on the CMS Bands homepage.

That is all for now.  Enjoy your long weekend!

-Mr. Jacques