Winter Concert FAQs

Dear Readers,

With the concert coming up, and the inevitable questions that I receive from students, I have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions.  If your question is not answered here, feel free to send me an email!

Q: When is the concert?
A: Tuesday, December 19

Q: Wait...where is this again?
A: Carson City Community Center

Q: Can we come early to help set up?
A: Yes, as long as it's no earlier than 4:30 PM and you are with your parents.  Bring decorations or lights and we may even use them as part of our concert!

Q: When is call time?
A: 5:45 PM for Beginning Band, Handbells, and Concert Band. No later than 6:45 PM for everybody else. In more than 1 ensemble? Arrive at the earlier of the two call times.

Q: What if I forget my instrument or music at CMS?
A: Beg your parents to take you back to school for whatever you forgot, and beg a custodian to let you into the band room. There's no guarantee that you'd make it back in time for your group's performance. Your best bet is to bring home everything you need that afternoon.

Q: What do we wear?
A: Parents may wear whatever they want!!  But seriously, here's the concert attire for each group:

• Beginning Band, Concert Band: Blue CMS Band polo or SSA polo with black dress pants, black socks, and black dress shoes.
• Handbells: Festive/Christmas-like attire.
• Intermediate Band, Advanced Band, Jazz Band: Tuxedo outfit issued to your student, including blue cummerbund, bow tie, vests (certain Jazz Band members) and black marching shoes or dress shoes.  *Remember to take your garment bags home*

Q: Can we decorate our instruments or ourselves?

A: Absolutely!  Holiday hats are encouraged.  If you decorate instruments, make sure the decorations do not get in the way of the functionality of the instrument or damage the lacquer.

Q: Can I bring baked goods without signing up online?

A: Sure!  Just show up with your favorite individually packaged cookies, fudge, brownies, or anything else and we will sell it.

Q: What time does the concert start?

A: The concert starts at 6:00 PM. Part 2 starts at 7:00 PM.

Q: What is the order of groups: 
A: Beginning Band, Handbells, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Intermediate Band, Advanced Band

Q: What time does the concert end?

A: The entire event should finish around 8:00 PM. 

Q: Where do students sit when they don't perform?

A: They will sit with their families in the audience. They will also be required to stay in the audience whenever someone is performing. No students should be in the lobby or restrooms when anyone is playing. 

Q: How much is admission?
A: My concerts are always FREE!

See you all Tuesday night!  

-Mr. Jacques-

'Twas the Week Before the Concert...

Dear Parents, 

'Twas the week before the concert, when all through the town,
All the students were stirring up excellent sounds.
The songs were rehearsed in the band room with care, 
In hopes that Mr. Jacques will know we're prepared. 

That's right, folks! The winter concert is 1 week away, and I cannot wait for a fun evening in the Community Center with some of my favorite people. We also have our final playing tests and practice logs due on Friday.

December 15: Elementary School Winter Assembly Tours
On Friday, Advanced Band will finish their week-long tour to various elementary schools to perform a concert for all students and staff. These visits have been taking place during Advanced Band's rehearsal time. This tradition began last year, and it greatly helped our band program grow. We have also been receiving outstanding publicity for the band program. Check out the video that Fremont Elementary School produced after our visit:

Check out these pictures from Monday's stops at Seeliger and Bordewich Bray:

A HUGE thank you to Michelle for chaperoning and taking photos, as well as all teachers/administrators for supporting this new tradition.

December 19: Winter Concert (MANDATORY for all students in all groups)
The concert is just a few days away! Click here for a digital copy. This concert begins at 6:00 PM in the Community Center.  Here's a to-the-minute schedule:

• 4:30 PM: Parents and students who signed up to help set up and decorate will meet.
• 5:00 PM: Stage hands who signed up to help backstage will meet.
• 5:45 PM: Call time for Beginning Band, Handbells, Concert Band. 
• Beginners will warm up on stage, while all others will sit in the audience.
• 6:00 PM: Beginning Band performs to open part 1
• 6:20 PM: Handbells perform
• 6:30 PM: Concert Band performs
• 6:45 PM: Intermission
• 7:00 PM: Jazz Band performs to open part 2
• 7:20 PM: Intermediate Band performs
• 7:40 PM: Advanced Band performs
• 8:00 PM: Approx. end of concert. Students need to help clean up before they leave. 

We need your help with the following items/services:

• Decorating: Arrive around 4:30 pm and bring decorations from home. This can include plastic Christmas trees, lights, poinsettias, empty boxes that are wrapped up and disguised as gifts, etc. Or, if unable to decorate at that time but you want to let us borrow some decorations, you may drop them off at the community center earlier in the day.
• Stage hands - You'll help students in the back-of-the-house with setup, set changes, handbell tables, lights, and tear down at the end. There are 2 shifts.
• Baked goods (anything pre-packaged and not too messy to be sold for $1 each). 
• Light booth tech: You will run various slides on a Powerpoint and project an animation in the background of one of Jazz Band's selections.

Able to help in any of these areas? Please sign up here! See the flyer for additional details such as concert dress, student expectations, etc. 

*Your Jazz Band, Intermediate Band, and Advanced Band students will be fitted into their concert dress that includes tuxedo shirts, black dress pants, cummerbund, and bow tie within the next week. This uniform will be allowed to go home.

Final Grades
The end of the semester is only 2 weeks away. Can you believe it?  Students in all classes will have their final practice log due on December 15. Beginning Band had their final playing test last week, and all other classes will be completing theirs on video by Friday of this week.  The last day to retake any playing tests will be Wednesday, December 20.  After that, all scores will be final as grades will be due for the first semester.

After School Rehearsals
We are finished with after school rehearsals for the 1st semester!  Thank you so much to all parents for making it possible for students to have this extra time after school when we needed it most. Looking ahead, here are the extra rehearsals in January:
January 9: Honor Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM
January 16: Jazz Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM
January 23: Jazz Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM
January 30: Jazz Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM

Have a great week, and let me know if you have any questions!

-Mr. Jacques-

Marching Into December...

Dear Parents,

Congratulations to the Advanced Band on their performance as they helped support the Empty Bowls fundraiser. Also, a huge thank-you goes out to FISH for feeding the band!
Congratulations to the Marching Band as they performed in the Sparks Christmas Parade! What a nice way to finish out the marching band season!  Here is a video clip from the end of the parade:

WHAT'S NEXT? 

December 11, 13, 15: Elementary School Winter Assembly Tour
On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Advanced Band will visit the area elementary schools to perform a concert for all students and staff. These visits will take place during Advanced Band's rehearsal time. This tradition began last year, and it greatly helped our band program grow. Students who are participating in this were sent home with a flyer on Tuesday afternoon.

December 19: Winter Concert (MANDATORY for all students in all groups)
Students were sent home with a flyer last week. Click here for a digital copy. This concert begins at 6:00 PM in the Community Center.  Here's a to-the-minute schedule:

• 4:30 PM: Parents and students who signed up to help set up and decorate will meet.
• 5:00 PM: Stage hands who signed up to help backstage will meet.
• 5:45 PM: Call time for Beginning Band, Handbells, Concert Band. 
• Beginners will warm up on stage, while all others will sit in the audience.
• 6:00 PM: Beginning Band performs to open part 1
• 6:20 PM: Handbells perform
• 6:30 PM: Concert Band performs
• 6:45 PM: Intermission
• 7:00 PM: Jazz Band performs to open part 2
• 7:20 PM: Intermediate Band performs
• 7:40 PM: Advanced Band performs
• 8:00 PM: Approx. end of concert. Students need to help clean up before they leave. 

We need your help with the following items/services:

• Decorating: Arrive around 4:30 pm and bring decorations from home. This can include plastic Christmas trees, lights, poinsettias, empty boxes that are wrapped up and disguised as gifts, etc. Or, if unable to decorate at that time but you want to let us borrow some decorations, you may drop them off at the community center earlier in the day.
• Stage hands - You'll help students in the back-of-the-house with setup, set changes, handbell tables, lights, and tear down at the end. There are 2 shifts.
• Baked goods (anything pre-packaged and not too messy to be sold for $1 each). 
• Light booth tech: You will run various slides on a Powerpoint and project an animation in the background of one of Jazz Band's selections.

Able to help in any of these areas? Please sign up here! See the flyer for additional details such as concert dress, student expectations, etc. 

*Your Jazz Band, Intermediate Band, and Advanced Band students will be fitted into their concert dress that includes tuxedo shirts, black dress pants, cummerbund, and bow tie within the next week. This uniform will be allowed to go home.

Final Grades
The end of the semester is only 2 weeks away. Can you believe it?  Students in all classes will have their final practice log due on December 15. Beginning Band had their final playing test last week, and all other classes will have theirs next week.  The last day to retake any playing tests will be Wednesday, December 20.  After that, all scores will be final as grades will be due.

After School Rehearsals
There is one more Advanced Band rehearsal for the semester. Looking ahead to January, mark your calendar if your student is in Jazz Band.
December 12: Advanced Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM
January 16: Jazz Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM
January 23: Jazz Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM
January 30: Jazz Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM

Have a "band"tastic week!

-Mr. Jacques-

It's The Holiday Season...

Dear Parents,

It's that time of year where the music helps bring the holidays alive!  You'd think that as a band director, teaching and rehearsing holiday music year-after-year would turn into cruel and unusual punishment, yet here we are. It's my favorite time of the year and we take full advantage of that with all our upcoming events.  Please note that these events are mandatory for the performing groups involved.

December 1: Empty Bowls fundraiser - Part of the tree lighting festivities
This event features the Advanced Band as they perform Christmas music at City Hall as part of the Empty Bowls fundraiser.  We will rehearse after school until 5 PM, be fed at City Hall from 5:15-6:00, watch the tree lighting together, and perform from approximately 6:15-6:45 PM.  I encourage students to wear an ugly Christmas sweater, decorate their instruments, and HAVE FUN!

December 2: Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade
This event features Intermediate Band and Advanced Band.  Call time for students is 9:00 AM in the band room.  The parade begins at 1 PM on Victorian Ave. in Sparks.  Following the parade, students will be given time to explore Meadowood Mall before returning to CMS by approximately 5 PM. Download a copy of the handout by clicking on the link above this page.  Sign up here to help out!

December 11, 13, 15: Elementary School Winter Assembly Tour
On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Advanced Band will visit the area elementary schools to perform a concert for all students and staff. These visits will take place during Advanced Band's rehearsal time. This tradition began last year, and it greatly helped our band program grow. We will be playing for all 5 elementary schools that feed to CMS! Let me know if you're available mid-morning on these days and you'd like to chaperone. We need 2-3 extra sets of hands to help with setup, moving equipment, etc, along with the added joy of hearing your child perform!

December 19: Winter Concert
This concert features all performing groups: Beginning Band, Concert Band, Intermediate Band, Advanced Band, Jazz Band, and Handbells.  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 8:00 PM. I will send an email with all pertinent details by Friday.

*Your Jazz Band, Intermediate Band, and Advanced Band students will be fitted into their concert dress that includes tuxedo shirts, black dress pants, cummerbund, and bow tie within the next 2 weeks. This uniform will be allowed to go home.

Practice Logs
Practice logs will be due by Friday, December 2, for all classes (except CTE music). There will be 1 more practice assignment for the semester as we begin the final push towards the winter concert.

After School Rehearsals
There is one more marching band rehearsal.  We will be continuing the Tuesday rehearsal tradition for the Advanced Band to help them prepare for the winter assemblies.

November 28: Marching Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM
December 1: Advanced Band Rehearsal, 2:30-5:00 PM (leads directly into dinner/performance that night)
December 5: Advanced Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM
December 12: Advanced Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM

Have a fantastic week!

-Mr. Jacques-

Giving Thanks...

Dear Parents,

This week, I have been reminding all students in all ensembles how thankful I am to have them in my classes.  I have been pushing your student to be their best, not only in how they play, but in terms of teamwork, camaraderie, leadership, time-management, integrity, and respect. I am pleased to say that each of these ensembles has become more than just a class; they are now a community  Your kids are truly amazing, and the results you'll hear in the next month will showcase exactly that.  I'm so thankful for this wonderful job, amazing kids, and very supportive parents.

Honor Band Results
Every year during this time, we have honor band auditions and the results are in. 17 students from CMS were invited to join the honor band!  1/4 of the Advanced Band made it into this group, as well as 3 members from Intermediate Band, 1 from Concert Band, and believe it or not, 1 from Beginning Band!  This year, out of all area middle schools, CMS has the most students participating in the Northern Zone Honor Band!

We have four events coming up that will involve all performing groups.  Please note that these events are mandatory for the performing groups involved.

December 1: Empty Bowls fundraiser - Part of the tree lighting festivities
This event features the Advanced Band as they perform Christmas music at City Hall as part of the Empty Bowls fundraiser.  We will rehearse after school until 5 PM, be fed at City Hall from 5:15-6:00, watch the tree lighting together, and perform from approximately 6:15-6:45 PM.  I encourage students to wear an ugly Christmas sweater, decorate their instruments, and HAVE FUN!

December 2: Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade
This event features Intermediate Band and Advanced Band.  Call time for students is 9:00 AM in the band room.  The parade begins at 1 PM on Victorian Ave. in Sparks.  Following the parade, students will be given time to explore Meadowood Mall before returning to CMS by approximately 5 PM.  Sign up here to help out!

December 11, 13, 15: Elementary School Winter Assembly Tour
On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Advanced Band will visit the area elementary schools to perform a concert for all students and staff. These visits will take place during Advanced Band's rehearsal time. Let me know if you're available mid-morning on these days and you'd like to chaperone.

December 19: Winter Concert
This concert features all performing groups: Beginning Band, Concert Band, Intermediate Band, Advanced Band, Jazz Band, and Handbells.  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 8:00 PM.  I'll have a signup posted after our parent meeting.

*Your Jazz Band, Intermediate Band, and Advanced Band students will be fitted into their concert dress that includes tuxedo shirts, black dress pants, cummerbund, and bow tie within the next 2 weeks. This uniform will be allowed to go home.

Practice Logs
All students have their new practice charts with what needs to be looked over during the break. This is a great time of the year for your student to perform for families that may be coming in from out of town.  Encourage them to show off their winter concert music and give everyone in the family something else to be thankful for!

After School Rehearsals
There is one more marching band rehearsal.  We will be continuing the Tuesday rehearsal tradition for the Advanced Band to help them prepare for the winter assemblies.

November 21: Advanced Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM
November 28: Marching Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM
December 1: Advanced Band Rehearsal, 2:30-5:00 PM (leads directly into dinner/performance that night)
December 5: Advanced Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM


It's time for the holiday season.  I look forward to a fun and festive few weeks.  Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Mr. Jacques

Onward and Upward...

Dear Parents,

Before I discuss upcoming events, I wanted to take a moment and share last week's successes with you.

UNR Brass Quintet Clinic
On November 8, the UNR Brass Quintet performed for and worked with Concert Band.  These college students are working on becoming music educators and they put on a wonderful show for our students.  The students in Concert Band were incredible hosts.  One of the members of the ensemble shared this: "The Nevada Manzanita Brass Quintet had an awesome gig at Carson Middle School!  I've never been so inspired or loved by a group of over-enthusiastic 6th graders in my life!" Way to make such a positive impression on these soon-to-be music educators!

CMS Veterans Concert
On November 9, Advanced Band performed as part of the Veterans Tribute Concert in the cafeteria. They received many compliments from fellow parents and teachers about their sound and their behavior in the bleachers. They were role models for all the students in attendance, and their positive behaviors did not go unnoticed.  I posted a video of this performance on our Facebook page.  

Veterans Day Parade
On Saturday, the Marching Band performed in downtown Reno, marching up Virginia Street as they played Tribute to America.  This is the 4th time we've marched in this parade, and the 4th time we have made it in the news!  Here's a picture of us from the Reno Gazette-Journal:

The band performed alongside Reno High School's band while waiting for the parade to begin!

We also made it on KTVN's lead story for a 3rd year in a row! Check it out here!  Congratulations on a job well done!

WHAT NOW?
It's time for individual class updates!

Jazz Band is hard at work on their 4 selections for the winter concert. They'll have a playing test on Friday. Practice logs are also due on Friday.
Advanced Band is making final preparations for the honor band auditions, as well as beginning the process of learning all their winter concert and assembly tour selections. Those not auditioning will still be performing the honor band music as a playing test by Friday.  Practice logs are also due on Friday.
Concert Band is working on building confidence as they work into more challenging music. They will have their first video playing test to record on Google Classroom, and practice logs are due on Friday.
Intermediate Band is also working on building confidence with more challenging music. They will have their first video test, as well, on Google Classroom. Practice logs are due on Friday.
Beginning Bands are building on the basics and beginning to work on their first piece of sheet music. They had a playing test last Friday, and students may come in at lunch to improve their scores. Practice logs are due on Thursday.
CTE Music has learned their first song on handbells!  They have also made it to their purple "recorder karate" belts, with only 3 more belts to go. 


WHAT'S NEXT?

November 14: Marching Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM
November 21 (new): Advanced Band Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM
November 28: Marching Rehearsal, 2:30-4:30 PM
December 1 (new): Advanced Band Empty Bowls Rehearsal/Concert, 2:30-6:30 PM (details forthcoming)
December 2: Sparks Christmas Parade, All Day (details forthcoming)

Thank you for keeping your student on track with everything at home. Onward and upward!

-Mr. Jacques-

Marching Into November...

Dear Parents,

Time for a long overdue update.  Before I share this week's announcements, a congratulations is in order to our marching band for their performance at the Nevada Day Parade. They played amazingly and marched with pride.  A huge thank you to all parent volunteers, including Raynell, who spent countless hours getting all these students into their uniforms. Congratulations to all!

Honor Band Auditions
Thursday is the last day to sign up for honor band auditions! These auditions are open to any band student, and they will be recorded playing 4 short excerpts. Auditions will be after school on 11/7, 11/8, 11/14, and 11/15, or at lunch on 11/14 or 11/15. Results will be posted in early December.  I have also posted listening examples on your student's Google Classroom.

Marching Rehearsal - November 7
This is our standard after school marching band rehearsal from 2:30-4:30 PM. Attendance is required unless I have received a note excusing them. This will be our only rehearsal before the Veterans Day Parade.

UNR Brass Quintet To Visit - November 8
On Wednesday at 12:00 PM, the University of Nevada's Brass Quintet will be performing for the Concert Band! All other band students are welcome to come listen to this performance, but they will need permission from their teachers. Parents are invited! Check in at the front office if you would like to attend.

Veterans Tribute Concert - November 9
On Thursday, Advanced Band students will be performing for part of the annual Veterans Tribute Concert in the cafeteria. The concert begins at 1:00 PM, and students will all be excused from half of their 7th and 8th period classes for this event.  Parents are invited. Check in at the front office if you would like to attend.

Veterans Day Parade - November 11 (Mandatory for Intermediate and Advanced Band)
On Saturday, the Marching Band will be performing at the Veterans Day Parade in Reno. We will be the first marching band in this event, as well as the only Carson City band and the only middle school band! Here are the details:

• Call Time: 7:30 AM in the band room
• Depart CMS: 9:30 AM
• Arrive in Reno: 10:30 AM
• Parade Starts: 11:11 AM
• Depart Reno: 12:00 PM
• Return to CMS: 1:00 PM
• Dismissed by approximately 1:30 PM

Thank you to everyone who has been able to help support our students! If you'd like to help, you may sign up here!

LOOKING AHEAD

December 1: Jazz in the Commons

December 1: Advanced Band performance for Empty Bowls, Evening TBA.

December 2: Marching Band performance at Sparks Christmas Parade, 9 AM-5 PM

December 11, 13, 15: Advanced Band elementary school assemblies

December 19: Winter concert for ALL ensembles, 6:00 PM at the Community Center

We will also be having a parent meeting during the third or fourth week of this month. Stay tuned for details.  Here's to a great (and short) week!

-Mr. Jacques-