Update Time...

Dear Parents,

This week, I'm announcing some changes to help the band program run more efficiently. I also have the profit from our car wash fundraiser.

Car Wash
Congratulations to all who participated in this year's car wash fundraiser! We had the car wash on a chilly Saturday Morning with several hard-working students from the Advanced Band. We raised a record $1,840 in profit!  We couldn't have done this without all the wonderful parent volunteers who donated time and materials to make this car wash a success.

A Few Changes

I think it's safe to say that this year's switch to block schedule has had an affect on all of us in one way or another.  As a teacher, it has put a noticeable strain on me. Working with record enrollment combined with seeing your students half as often presents a few challenges.  My goal is to streamline things a bit so I can put more focus into what matters most: your students. After researching some ideas, we are going to switch some of our routines up a bit: 

• Practice logs will now be due every 2 weeks. They will still be submitted online during class time, and due by 3 PM on Friday. This will also allow them more time to put focused effort into their practice goals.
• Due this Friday, September 29: Concert Band, Intermediate Band, and Advanced Band
• Due next Friday, October 6: Beginning Bands
• Playing tests will always take place if the class meets on a Friday.  
• Make-up playing tests will be allowed up to the time of the next test. Once a new playing test occurs, the score your student earns from the previous test will be final. Within that window between playing tests (typically 2 weeks), students are always welcome to replay the test during lunch or after school for a better score. 
• I highly recommend that students always practice on days that they do not have band.  This step should help your student retain everything learned in class so less time is spent in class reviewing and reteaching. This should also help them focus time and effort on their other academic classes so their grades don't suffer.

Adjusting these items will open up considerably more time for me to get to the most important part of our time together in class: getting to know and work with your kids and helping them become great musicians. They will also have more time to cover all the goals in their practice charts.

Marching Rehearsals
Marching rehearsals continue every Tuesday!  Advanced Band can already play through the entire parade piece from memory, and Intermediate Band should be able to play the entire song with minimal mistakes by Friday. Students in Concert Band are invited to join and give marching band a shot. We rehearse every Tuesday from 2:30-4:30 PM.

Honor Band
Advanced Band students received honor band audition music last week. Students in Concert Band and Intermediate Band are welcome to copies of this music, and may practice it once they've mastered the content in their practice charts. Auditions will take place in mid-November.

Fall Concert
Can you believe our fall concert is only 1 month away?  We will have our concert on the evening of October 25 in the gym. I'll have more details next week.

If I have any additional updates, I'll let you know. Have a great week!

-Mr. Jacques-

A Week of Firsts...

Dear Parents,

This past week was a big week in terms of what your students were able to accomplish. We had our first playing tests, submitted our first practice logs, and either accomplished our first notes or our first songs. Students are also selling tickets for their first band fundraiser of the year.

Jazz Band just finished learning their 2nd song of the school year, and they're moving on to harder music next week! We are also happy to have several new "recruits" trying out the trumpet parts. They will audition into the band shortly and we will have an even more swingin' group!

Advanced Band is well on their way to memorizing Tribute to America. They have also received their first song for the fall concert. With how well they're playing, we are just about ready to begin tackling Nightmare Before Christmas!
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.
Intermediate Band has finished their first playing test, and they are starting the process of learning Tribute to America. I have also handed them their fall concert music, and they are making decent progress.
Beginning Bands have been introduced to their first 3 notes, and have just completed their first ever playing test! I'd say that in another week, they will be ready for their first song. Keep practicing!

Marching Rehearsals

After school marching rehearsals continue 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 19, 2:30-4:30
September 26, 2:30-4:30
October 3, 2:30-4:30
October 10, 2:30-4:30
October 17, 2:30-4:30
October 24, 2:30-4:30
October 28: Nevada Day Parade
November 7, 2:30-4:30
November 11: Veterans Day Parade
November 14: 2:30-4:30 PM
November 21: 2:30-4:30 PM
November 28: 2:30-4:30 PM
December 2: 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 23
The car wash will be held from 9 AM-2 PM at Grocery Outlet. Spread the word, and check your email to see how you can sign up to help.

-Mr. Jacques-

Practicing and Fundraising

Dear Parents,

This week's newsletter includes an intro to practicing, our first fundraiser, and our upcoming rehearsals.

Practicing

I get it...many students do not like to practice. It's like musical homework! Yuck!

The key to successful practicing is consistency! Helping your child set aside a regular, dedicated time for practice over these initial months of band can have a dramatic effect on their trajectory as a musician!

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.  If they cannot take their instruments home daily, my room is always open at lunch so they can come in and work on their goals. 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 and show you how their instrument works. Your interest and support at home will go a long way towards their success.

Also, every two weeks 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 more consistent 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 each day at lunch and after school most Wednesdays for extra help. They are always welcome to come in and work on their music, even if they do not have any specific questions for me. 

Car Wash Fundraiser

Advanced Band students have been sent home with 5 car wash tickets each and all other classes except concert band have been sent home with 2 car wash tickets each. The car wash is on September 23 from 9 AM-2 PM at Grocery Outlet. The money raised from this annual CMS Bands tradition goes towards offsetting fees for those needing financial assistance and the Intermediate/Advanced/Jazz Band's spring trips. 

Upcoming Rehearsals/Events
September 12: Marching Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM (Intermediate and Advanced Band; optional for Concert Band)
September 19: 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-2 PM.

That is all for this week!

-Mr. Jacques-

Getting Started...

Dear Parents,

Two weeks down and a much-needed 3 day weekend behind us! It's time to announce our first after school rehearsals, update you on your student's class progress, and introduce practicing, a skill that students will use for the rest of their lives in music.

Class Progress

Jazz Band has reviewed fundamentals, including the blues scale and sight reading. They have their first two songs and are off to a solid start.

Advanced Band is off to a great start, but is that a surprise to anyone? We have reviewed fundamentals, sight read the parade piece, and began introducing marching. Once again, this band is destined to be one of the best bands in the state of Nevada if they work as hard as I know they can!

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!  Students need to have their instruments and books by September 5, unless other arrangements were made with Mr. Jacques.

Intermediate Band is in the process of reviewing fundamentals and reacquainting themselves with their instruments. This class is the "melting pot" of the band program, with students in all 3 grades and students from several different schools. Once everyone is caught up and at the same level, the sky's the limit for this group!

Beginning Band is learning 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!  Students need to have their instruments and books by September 5, unless other arrangements were made with Mr. Jacques.

After School Rehearsals

• September 5: 2:30-4:30 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.  Intermediate and Advanced Band percussionists will be tried out on the various marching instruments and audition for their favorite instrument in the parade.
• September 12: 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 invited to come watch or participate.

Practice Logs Begin

Students will be familiarized with practicing this week, with the first practice assignments beginning on Thursday/Friday. At CMS, their practicing is based on goals accomplished, not minutes practiced. This means that their time may vary from as little as 10 minutes to as much as 30+ minutes, depending on what each student needs. They will have an online practice log to complete on their last class of the week, 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.  I will update these by the end of the week.

That is all for now!

-Mr. Jacques

A New Beginning...

Dear Parents, 

We are just about ready to start making music, but before we do that, I wanted to take a moment and share this information with you.

Everything you need to know about band program will be posted on www.cmsbands.org and updated regularly.  Here's a rundown of band fees, required materials, and important due dates. 

Every student is responsible for providing the following as soon as you are able: 

1) Class Contract, signed by both parent and student. 

2) Required Fees for your student's ensemble.

3) Optional Fees: 

• School Instrument Rentals
  • $100 to rent through CMS, applications due ASAP (we are almost out of instruments)
  • You may rent through a local music store, and may of them have "rent-to-own" programs. A complete list of local music stores is available online.
  • If you order an instrument online, please talk to me first so I can help you with price/quality of instruments available.

*If any of these fees create a financial hardship on your family, I accept late payments and we can even work out payment plans. 

Every student is responsible for providing the following supplies by Tuesday, September 5:

1) Instrument

2) Band book: Sound Innovations (make sure to get the book that matches your instrument) 

3) Portable Music Stand (for practice at home) 

4) Pencil (keep a pencil in your instrument case, we will use them daily!) 

5) Accessories for individual instrument: 

• Flute -Cleaning rod (normally included with instrument) -Swab for rod (any rectangular piece of cotton is fine) -Polishing cloth 
• Clarinet/Saxophone -Reeds (1 box, Rico brand- minimum size 2.5) -Cleaning Swab -Cork Grease -Neck Strap (sax only) -Polishing cloth (sax only)*
• Trumpet/Baritone -Valve Oil -Slide Grease -Polishing Cloth*
• Trombone -Slide Cream/Oil -Mini Water Spray Bottle -Polishing Cloth*
• Percussion -Bell Kit for practicing at home (I have a limited supply available for rental), drum sticks.

*I have limited quantities of reeds, cork grease, valve oil, and slide cream available for sale. Students may purchase these items through me if it is difficult for you to make it to a local music store.

Feel free to email me if you have any questions. I check it regularly throughout the week.  I look forward to working with you all!

-Mr. Jacques

CMS Sneak Peak

Dear Students and Parents, 

You are receiving this email because your student is signed up for Beginning Band at Carson Middle School.  My name is Nick Jacques and I'd like to welcome you to our school's award-winning band program!  With over 200 students registered for band this year, we have record enrollment and this year promises to be the best year yet.  I have a few quick items I would like to share with you as we approach the first days of school:

• The band room will be open during the CMS Sneak Peak, and I welcome you all to come in and meet me!  Times are Wednesday, August 16 from 4-6 PM for 6th grade students, and Thursday, August 17 from 4-6 PM for 7th and 8th grade students.  I will also be collecting fees, selling method books, and accepting instrument rental applications during this time. 
• Absolute Music will be renting instruments and other supplies in the band room on Wednesday, August 16, during the 6th grade Sneak Peak, for your convenience.  Feel free to come visit them, even if you are in 7th or 8th grade.
• Our website is www.cmsbands.org. I also post a weekly band newsletter, and you'll receive an email each time it's updated.  Feel free to take a minute and read through the following pages between now and the first day of school. The answers to many of your questions will be found here:
• 2017-2018 calendar of events 
• Ensemble information
• Band uniform information 
• Fees  - Total fees will be $37 for percussionists and $34 for all others. 
• Local music stores - These local businesses rent instruments, sell supplies, and have knowledgeable staff on hand to answer any other questions.
• I also have a limited number of school-owned instruments available for a low price of $100 for the entire school year ($75 for those on free or reduced lunch). I will have rental applications available at the Sneak Peak. Those who wish to rent high-demand school instruments (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, percussion) will be given priority based on financial need. School instruments will be distributed by Friday of the first week of school. Those who do not get a school instrument will be fully refunded and offered additional time to obtain one from a local music store.
• Jazz Band auditions will continue during the first week of school. If your student is interested, we will meet each day at 7 AM (Jazz Band's class time). We will finish auditions by Friday, August 25 and have the final roster posted over that weekend. Keep practicing!
• We need parent help! If you're interested, let me know during Sneak Peak.

If you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to ask. I look forward to meeting you all at Sneak Peak!

-Mr. Jacques-

That's All, Folks!

Dear Parents,

We did it!  Another outstanding school year is in the books.  I wanted to first talk about promotion:

• This year, approximately 100 band students performed at promotion.
• Every year, I time the performance of Pomp and Circumstance, and it has ranged between 6 and 15 minutes. This year's was 14 minutes, and the students never sounded tired. 
• Everybody helped out with cleaning and organizing the band room, saving me hours of time.

I have NEVER had such a GREAT sounding band at promotion.  When we performed some festival music at the end of the ceremony, the 7th grade Advanced Band members were sight reading!  Oh, did I mention that these were all 6th and 7th graders??  The future looks very bright for our band program!

To all the 8th graders: Don't think I forgot about you!  You played Star Wars extremely well, and the thunderous applause at the end is proof of that.  Your hugs, positive comments, and genuine excitement made me even more sad to say goodbye.  But again, don't think of it as goodbye. Think of it as "See you later!" It has been quite a journey seeing you all grow both as human beings and musicians. Best of luck at CHS!

Hair We Go

Each year's Advanced Band is different. What sets this year's band apart is how quickly they were able to learn music. In February, I made a deal with them. After Bandorama, we had only 2 weeks to learn 3 new songs for our band festivals. Usually, we have over a month, and it pushed this band harder than any other band I've had. As a result, the deal was that I'd dye my hair blue if they were able to earn straight "superior" ratings at the festivals. Well, they did just that. As a matter of fact, they were 1 of only 3 schools to earn "superior" ratings at that festival.  I am so happy that they did well and that I was able to live out the promise I made with them.

The "before" and "after" shot by our very own band parent and stylist, Tracy Caraway, as she gives me a look that you'll never be able to un-see!

The 3rd annual Jazz Camp begins on Wednesday, June 7!  We still have spaces available. The explorer's session will introduce jazz to any student on any instrument. The ensemble session is for experienced jazz musicians. I have a fun set planned, including "25 or 6 to 4," "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," and "Soul Bossa Nova," as well as 1-2 other songs. Sign up now, and pay registration on the first day of camp. See you Wednesday!

Thank you for a great year, everybody.  Parents: I could not have done all this without you. Have a great summer!

-Mr. Jacques-