Winter Concert FAQs

Dear Parents,

We are almost there!  Our winter concert is on Tuesday evening, Advanced Band has 2 elementary school concerts, the Jazz Band performs in the commons on Friday, and then we're done! 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 18

Q: Wait...where is this concert again?
A: Carson Middle School Cafeteria

Q: Why isn't it at the Community Center this year?
A: The Community Center is closed because they are putting in new seats. If we were to have the concert there, we would have had to have it in late November or the first week of December. 

Q: Can we come early to help set up?
A: Yes, as long as it's no earlier than 5:00 PM and you are with your parents. Bring your baked goods and decorations, and we will be happy to have you help.

Q: When is call time?
A: 5:30 PM for Beginning Band, 5:45 PM for Concert Band, 6:00 PM for Jazz Band, 6:45 for all others.

Q: Where do I go?
A: For the first part at 6:00, Beginning Band members will go to the stage, Concert Band members will sit with their families, and Jazz Band members will sit on stage.  For the second part at 7:00, Intermediate Band will sit on stage and Advanced Band will sit with their families.

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 with black dress pants, black socks, and black dress shoes.
• Jazz Band: Tuxedo outfit issued to your student, including vests/jackets, along with black socks and black marching/dress shoes.
• Intermediate Band, Advanced Band: Complete tuxedo outfit or dress issued to your student, including black socks, marching shoes, dress shoes, or flats (if you are wearing a dress).  *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 each bag for $1. 

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: Part 1: Beginning Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band. Part 2: Intermediate Band, Advanced Band

Q: What time does the concert end?

A: Part 1 should finish around 6:45 PM and part 2 should finish around 7:45 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 band room, halls, or restrooms when anyone is playing. 

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

See you all Tuesday night!  

-Mr. Jacques-

Week 3 of 4...

Dear Parents,

We are now approaching our third week of holiday preparation and fun in the band world. We are also quickly approaching wither break, and with that, the end of the semester. Please read through this update for the latest in upcoming events, grade updates, and more.

LAST WEEK'S CHOIR CONCERT
Last Wednesday, half of the Advanced Band performed with the choir at their winter concert. The students played in the background for the choir with an arrangement of Cartoon Christmas. They were absolutely wonderful, and it was a hit with the choir students, Ms. Valley, and the audience.
A full recording of the performance of Cartoon Christmas on the Carson Middle School Bands Facebook page.

LAST WEEK'S EMPTY BOWLS PERFORMANCE
Last Friday, the entire Advanced Band traveled to the Carson Mall to perform at the Empty Bowls fundraiser.  Their 9 song set went over well and they played beautifully.  Several students also showed off their ugly sweaters:

A full recording of the entire performance is on the Carson Middle School Bands Facebook page.

HONOR BAND RESULTS
The results are in, and a record 26 students made it into honor band this year. Our students comprise almost half of the entire honor band!  18 students from Advanced Band, 6 students from Intermediate Band, and believe it or not, 1 student from Beginning Band are now members of honor band. CMS once again has the most students participating in the Northern Zone Honor Band!

FINAL GRADES
Last Friday, I assigned a traditional practice chart on their Google Classroom that outlines what to practice each day, with a total of 35 boxes (goals) possible.  This is due on Friday.  Later this week, students who have not completed playing tests throughout the semester will perform those during class. Students may also make up any playing tests they choose during lunch or by appointment after school. The cutoff for make-up playing tests is Thursday, December 20.

EVENTS THIS WEEK

ADVANCED BAND TOUR: MARK TWAIN
Students will wear their spirit "it's cool" t-shirts, along with festive hats and decorated instruments, leave CMS at 9:30 AM, and head to Mark Twain Elementary School to perform for their students. We will return around 11:00 AM. Since this will take place during Advanced Band's long class period, students will only miss a few minutes of their 5th period.

UPCOMING AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSAL
December 11: Concert Band, 2:30-4:30

UPCOMING EVENTS
December 12: Mark Twain Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 18: Winter Concert in gym (ALL ENSEMBLES)
December 19: Bordewich Bray Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 20: Fritsch Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 21: Jazz in the Commons (Jazz Band)

Winter Concert - December 18
The winter concert is quickly approaching! I uploaded a inter concert flyer in your student's Google Classrooms and emailed home an attachment. Students should be preparing their music and checking to see if they have all their concert attire (we are working on fitting Adv. and Int. band students into their tuxedos/dresses this week). The concert starts on 12/18 at 6 PM and will end by 8 PM. Check out the information flyer on top of this page for more details. Please sign up here: http://signup.com/go/vrbRytF

Time for another fun and festive week!

-Mr. Jacques-

Week 2 of 4...

Dear Parents,

Happy Decemburrr!  Along with the cold and snowy weather, we have a few amazing things to celebrate from last week.  We are now approaching week 2 of 4 as we head towards winter break, and once again, we have another round of holiday events coming up.

SPARKS CHRISTMAS PARADE WRAP-UP
On Saturday, we had quite a wonderful day of rehearsing, marching, shopping, and celebrating a wonderful marching season. The students performed quite well and even made it in the news once again: http://www.ktvn.com/story/39572773/snow-clears-in-time-for-sparks-hometowne-christmas-parade





We also made it in Reno Gazette-Journal!







Additional videos, including a live stream of a performance with Eagle Valley Middle School, are posted on our Facebook page.

CAPITAL CITY COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT
Thank you to all students and parents for coming out to support our very own Capital City Community Band winter concert!  Students who attended the entire event have had their lowest practice log score dropped.  Watching great bands is an excellent way to improve your own individual musical skills, and their time watching us on Sunday was time well spent.

PRACTICING
Now that video practice logs and the make-up playing tests are finished, you can see your student's scores on Infinite Campus. This week, we will have an in-class playing test for each student, based off material they've been asked to practice during the week. On Friday, I will assign a traditional practice chart on their Google Classroom that will outline what to practice each day, with a total of 35 boxes (goals) possible.

HONOR BAND RESULTS
Honor Band results should be posted on Friday or during this weekend. As your student eagerly awaits their fate, I reminded them that they should be proud of going the extra mile to prepare the audition.  I'll post results as soon as we receive them.

EVENTS THIS WEEK

ADVANCED BAND TOUR: FREMONT
Students will wear their spirit "it's cool" t-shirts, along with festive hats and decorated instruments, leave CMS at 9:30 AM, and head to Fremont Elementary School to perform for their students. We will return around 11:00 AM. Since this will take place during Advanced Band's long class period, students will only miss a few minutes of their 5th period.

CMS CHOIR CONCERT
Volunteers from Advanced Band will perform with the CMS choir at their concert on Wednesday night in the CMS cafeteria.  Call time for these students is 6:30 PM in their tuxedo or dress. The concert starts at 7:00 and they will be finished performing by 7:15 PM. Once everything is returned to the band room, students are dismissed.

EMPTY BOWLS PERFORMANCE
Advanced Band will perform at the Empty Bowls fundraiser on December 7 at 4:45 PM. To show their appreciation for our band, the organizers are letting the students eat free of charge!  We will begin with a rehearsal from 2:30-4:00 in the band room. Students will get a bus ride to the Carson Mall, and perform from 4:45-5:15 PM.  Attire is spirit shirts or ugly sweaters, plus any other holiday-themed fun hats. After the performance, students will be released to parents and eat delicious soups, listen to the other performing groups, and have a fun evening for a wonderful cause.

UPCOMING AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSALS
December 4: Advanced Band, 2:30-4:30
December 7: Advanced Band, 2:30-4:30 (part of the Empty Bowls gig)
December 11: Concert Band, 2:30-4:30

UPCOMING EVENTS
December 5: Fremont Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 5: CMS Choir Concert (optional performance for Advanced Band)
December 7: Empty Bowls Fundraiser Performance (Advanced Band)
December 12: Mark Twain Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 18: Winter Concert in gym (ALL ENSEMBLES)
December 19: Bordewich Bray Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 20: Fritsch Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 21: Jazz in the Commons (Jazz Band)

Winter Concert - December 18
The winter concert is quickly approaching! I will have additional information by Friday. Students should be preparing their music and checking to see if they have all their concert attire (we are working on fitting Adv. and Int. band students into their tuxedos/dresses this week and next). The concert starts on 12/18 at 6 PM and will end by 8 PM.

Time for another fun and festive week!

-Mr. Jacques-

Week 1 of 4

Dear Parents,

Now that the Thanksgiving break is over, we are officially in the holiday season.  For band students, this means we perform A LOT!  During each of the next 4 weeks, I'm going to be breaking down all the events for just that week, followed up with a reminder of everything else in the following weeks.

THANKSGIVING PRACTICE LOGS
The video practice logs were due on Sunday evening.  Students who did not complete these will have a playing test in class, where I will replace the "0" with their playing test score. The only exception is Advanced Band, who will all be playing their honor band audition music as a playing test.  Be sure to help remind students to continue taking their instruments home each day and practicing what we've worked on each day in class.

HONOR BAND AUDITIONS
Auditions will begin on Monday, November 26 and continue throughout the week at lunch and after school. Results will be posted next week.

11/27 MARCHING REHEARSAL
Marching Band will rehearse from 2:30-4:00. This is the LAST Tuesday marching band rehearsal of the school year.

11/30 JAZZ IN THE COMMONS
Jazz Band will be performing their winter concert music at 7:20 AM in the commons for all students and staff (as well as any parents who wish to attend).

12/1 SPARKS CHRISTMAS PARADE
This is our last parade of the school year. Call time is 9:00 AM for Advanced Band and 10:00 AM for all others. The parade begins at 1:00 PM on Victorian Avenue in Sparks.  Our entry number is 17.   Following the parade, we will celebrate with time in Meadowood Mall.  Students with a "4" in citizenship for the week will be allowed to explore the mall in groups of 3 or more.  Students with lower than a "4" in citizenship will remain in the food court with a chaperone. We will be back at CMS around 5:00 PM and dismissed once all uniforms are turned in and sorted.
We still need chaperones, uniform help, and a few other items. Sign up here!

12/2 CAPITAL CITY COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT
This concert is an optional event for students who wish to watch a wonderful community band performance!  I am this band's new conductor, and we will be performing holiday favorites, including movie themes from Home Alone and The Nightmare Before Christmas. The concert starts at 3:00 PM in the Carson City Community Center.  As an added bonus: students who attend this concert will have their lowest practice log score dropped from their grades! All they have to do is bring me the program next Monday to show me they were there.

UPCOMING AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSALS
November 27: Marching Band, 2:30-4:00
December 4: Advanced Band, 2:30-4:30
December 11: Concert Band, 2:30-4:30

UPCOMING EVENTS
November 30: Jazz in the Commons (Jazz Band)
December 1: Sparks Christmas Parade (Marching Band)
December 5: Fremont Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 5: CMS Choir Concert (optional performance for Advanced Band)
December 7: Empty Bowls Fundraiser Performance (Advanced Band)
December 12: Mark Twain Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 18: Winter Concert in gym (ALL ENSEMBLES)
December 19: Bordewich Bray Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 20: Fritsch Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 21: Jazz in the Commons (Jazz Band)

Winter Concert reminder
The winter concert is on December 18 and begins at 6:00 PM in the CMS Gym.  Be sure you save the date for this event, which is mandatory for all students in all groups. This event will also include a bake sale. Students may decorate their instruments or wear holiday-themed hats, and the entire evening is a lot of fun.

Have a great week!

-Mr. Jacques-

Being Thankful...

Dear Parents,

This week, I'm 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.

PRACTICING OVER BREAK
Students must take home their instruments on Tuesday.  Their video practice log will be due on Sunday, November 25. Directions are posted on their Google Classrooms.  They are also encouraged to play for families during the break. Whether you're visiting them or they're visiting you, be sure your student prepares to play some of their music to relatives.  What they do brings joy to so many people, so ask them to share that with everyone they can.  To help encourage practicing at home, here's a funny video taken from the instrument's perspective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3d0f8GoQhY

HONOR BAND AUDITIONS
Tuesday, November 20 is the last day for your student to sign up to audition for honor band. Auditions will begin on Monday, November 26 and continue throughout the week. Results will be posted during the first week of December. I encourage every student to take home the music, prepare it, and try out for this wonderful opportunity.

CLASS UPDATES
Beginning Bands have been working on Name That Christmas Carol. They also learned how to play with dynamics (loud versus soft) and began working on eighth notes.
Concert Band began working on their first song for the winter concert: Chopsticks for Christmas. Students who have not retested for an 80% or higher will receive music on Tuesday so they can begin practicing it over winter break.  Students who have not scored 80% or higher will have a chance each day at lunch and during class to practice, retake the test, and show me that they are ready for this more advanced music.
Intermediate Band received their 3rd song for the winter concert and is almost ready to perform 2 of their pieces if the concert was to be held this week!  They are becoming a solid band with a well-balanced sound.
Advanced Band has their 4 winter concert songs that are almost ready to perform if the winter concert was to be held this week! They are now ready for their other songs that will be included for their performances at elementary schools, the Empty Bowls fundraiser, and our school assembly.
Jazz Band has been doing a wonderful job on their 3 songs, including their more ambitious piece: A Chili Pepper Christmas. They will be performing these new songs at the next Jazz in the Commons on Friday, November 30.
Marching Band is one rehearsal away from marching through their new parade song from memory. We have a marching rehearsal on Tuesday from 2:30-4:00 PM. 

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Between Marching Band, honor band auditions, and upcoming winter performances, we have a complex schedule. Please read below and mark the dates that apply to your student.
November 20: Marching Band, 2:30-4:00
November 26-29: Honor Band auditions (students have signed up for a time in the band room)
November 27: Marching Band, 2:30-4:00
December 4: Advanced Band, 2:30-4:30
December 11: Concert Band, 2:30-4:30

UPCOMING EVENTS
November 30: Jazz in the Commons (Jazz Band)
December 1: Sparks Christmas Parade (Marching Band)
December 5: Fremont Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 7: Empty Bowls Fundraiser Performance (Advanced Band)
December 12: Mark Twain Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 18: Winter Concert in gym (ALL ENSEMBLES)
December 19: Bordewich Bray Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 20: Fritsch Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 21: Jazz in the Commons (Jazz Band)

Winter Concert reminder
The winter concert is on December 18 and begins at 6:00 PM in the CMS Gym.  Be sure you save the date for this event, which is mandatory for all students in all groups. This event will also include a bake sale. Students may decorate their instruments or wear holiday-themed hats, and the entire evening is a lot of fun.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week!

-Mr. Jacques-

Honor...

Dear Parents,

Sometimes, we have an overrunning theme in our week of band. This week, it's "honor."  From honoring our veterans last week, to honor band auditions in 2 weeks, "honor" is an everyday part of band. Students use the honor system when they practice, we strive to all get along in band and work together by honoring one another, and by doing so, we continue to make big strides in not just how students play, but also in how they approach life.

VETERANS DAY WRAP-UP
The Veterans Day Parade was, once again, a huge success.  Even with 12 absences, the students who attended were prepared and contributed well to the overall sound of the band. We received many compliments, as well as news coverage! A clip of the band occurs at 21 seconds in:
http://www.ktvn.com/clip/14685278/veterans-day-parade?fbclid=IwAR3v8jYmpPUAs4ZEmvEJcIzOESWTgIh3bOxClVplSXIaJeJSf844z_X6EpI
There's also a great picture of the band on Channel 4, KRNV:
https://mynews4.com/news/local/veterans-day-parade-honors-service-men-and-woman-in-downtown-reno?fbclid=IwAR0JBHT1NejheVWbv-SYo6_UxugoQmrHMzd8rzK37uQ5Mu9x91RAuiF9PTU

Thank you to all the parents who brought water, breakfast items, braided hair, helped out with uniforms, and chaperoned.  It truly takes a village and I couldn't have done it all without you.

CLASS UPDATES
Beginning Bands received their first official sheet music!  Name That Christmas Carol is a 3 minute long medley of holiday tunes. Students take turns playing melodies, harmonies, and rests, making it the first time that they will be reading different parts at the same time. It's going to be an exciting week as students put this together for the first time.
Concert Band received their 3 winter concert songs if they scored an 80% or higher on the playing test. Students who have not scored 80% or higher will have a chance each day at lunch and during class to practice, retake the test, and show me that they are ready for this more advanced music. These students will also have an after school rehearsal on December 11 from 2:30-4:30 to put together these songs.
Intermediate Band received their 2nd song on Friday and will receive their 3rd song this week. The set is ambitious for an intermediate band, but these students have shown me time and time again that they can do it!
Advanced Band has their 4 songs and they are ready to start reading down their easy songs that will be added for elementary school tours, which will begin the first week of December. They will also have an after school rehearsal on December 4 from 2:30-4:30 to put this all together.
Jazz Band has been doing a wonderful job on their 3 songs, including their more ambitious piece: A Chili Pepper Christmas. They are continuing their trek towards becoming a powerhouse of a band in the spring.
Marching Band just finished their second parade. Since the next parade is the Sparks Christmas Parade, they will be working on their new Christmas music, Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.  Please note: rehearsals will now end at 4:00 PM.

VIDEO PRACTICE LOGS
Since we have 2 weeks in a row without 5-day weeks, we are placing extra emphasis on practicing. We will be doing another round of video practice logs that begin on Wednesday, November 14, and end on Sunday, November 25.  I will give directions to students in class and post it online in their Google Classroom.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Between Marching Band, honor band auditions, and upcoming winter performances, we have a complex schedule. Please read below and mark the dates that apply to your student.
November 13: Marching Band, 2:30-4:00 (note the earlier end time)
November 20: Marching Band, 2:30-4:00
November 26-29: Honor Band auditions (students will sign up for a time in the band room)
November 27: Marching Band, 2:30-4:00
December 4: Advanced Band, 2:30-4:30
December 11: Concert Band, 2:30-4:30

UPCOMING EVENTS
December 1: Sparks Christmas Parade (Marching Band)
December 5: Fremont Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 7: Empty Bowls Fundraiser Performance (Advanced Band)
December 12: Mark Twain Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 18: Winter Concert in gym (ALL ENSEMBLES)
December 19: Bordewich Bray Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)
December 20: Fritsch Elementary School Performance (Advanced Band)

Winter Concert reminder
The winter concert is on December 18 and begins at 6:00 PM in the CMS Gym.  Be sure you save the date for this event, which is mandatory for all students in all groups. This event will also include a bake sale. Students may decorate their instruments or wear holiday-themed hats, and the entire evening is a lot of fun.

Have a great rest of your week!

-Mr. Jacques-

November News...

Dear Parents,

I have a short, but information-packed update that includes an update from the Dolan Auto Group fundraiser, a new practice method, and some fun events.

DOLAN GIVES BAND $5,000!
Thank you to everyone who voted and spread the word about our Dolan Auto Group class project! They are giving us $5,000 to go towards new cabinets for instruments and uniforms. The presentation of the check will take place during Advanced Band sometime this week.

NEW PRACTICE METHOD
This month, we are trying a new practice method. Rather than having weekly practice charts, students are going to have weekly playing tests in class.  The playing tests will take place on Wednesday-Thursday. Material will be chosen from things the band has rehearsed in class during the week.  Students will use all the practice strategies learned from the online practice charts and apply those to specific items discussed in class that day. If you ask your student, "What are you supposed to practice tonight?" they should have a specific song and specific sections marked. If they reply with, "band music," you may want to remind them to pay more attention in class. :)

VETERANS TRIBUTE CONCERT - November 8 at 9:00 AM
This performance is mandatory for all Intermediate and Advanced Band students.  During class on November 8, these students will join the choirs for a special performance at CMS for area veterans. They'll be released from class at 8:45 AM And return by 10:15 AM. If you would like to come watch, the concert begins at 9:00 AM.  Concert attire is the royal blue band t-shirt with khakis, black pants, or jeans.

VETERANS DAY PARADE - November 11 at 11:30 AM
This performance is mandatory for all Marching Band students.
On November 11, the Marching Band will participate in the Veterans Day Parade.  We are entry #17 and the first band!  Call time is 8:00 AM (new time), the parade begins in downtown Reno at 11:30 AM, and students are typically back home and dismissed by 1:00 PM.  As always, we need volunteers to help this event run smoothly.  Please sign up here!

HONOR BAND AUDITIONS
Honor band auditions will take place on the week of November 26. I will continue signing up students this week. We have two more sectionals planned:

• Flutes: Wednesday at lunch.
• Percussion: Wednesday from 2:30-4:30 PM

LOOKING AHEAD: Winter Concert
The winter concert is on December 18 and begins at 6:00 PM in the CMS Gym.  Be sure you save the date for this event, which is mandatory for all students in all groups. This event will also include a bake sale. Students may decorate their instruments or wear holiday-themed hats, and the entire evening is a lot of fun.

Have a great rest of your week!

-Mr. Jacques-