SmartMusic

Dear Parents,

On Friday, I rolled out SmartMusic, our new (and improved) way to track student progress on their instruments! I'll be discussing the basics of this new practicing platform, along with upcoming after school activities and a grade update.

SMARTMUSIC

Students joined SmartMusic on Thursday and Friday of last week. This program will completely transform the way students practice, and once they get used to using it, you'll see a dramatic improvement in how they play. I encourage you to ask your student how the program works and have them demonstrate it for you by playing their instrument into the program.  To access the website, you'll go to https://admin.smartmusic.com and students will enter their username and password. Usernames are their student ID and passwords are what they use to access their Chromebooks. Once there's in, they will search for music. Once they have found and opened what they'll be practicing, here's what you'll see:

• Accompaniment: Students can change how loud the other parts of the band are in the piece.
• My Part: Students can choose to hear how their part is supposed to sound while they play.
• Metronome: Students are encouraged to keep this on for now. This clicks the tempo, or pulse, of the piece so they are playing into it at the correct speed.
• "80" is the tempo. The plus and minus signs change the tempo that the student plays into the recording.
• The mic icon allows students to calibrate the microphone. This is the part that must be functioning for a student to record into the program.
• The fork is the tuner. I will post a separate update on how to tune later.
• The number (4) is the countoff in beats that the program will give before the student enters. Increase this number if a student plays a larger instrument and needs more time to get ready.
• Play button: This allows the student to hear how the song sounds. 
• Record button: This is where the magic happens. The program counts you in, and you'll play through the exercise. Right notes and rhythms will show up green and wrong notes and rhythms will show up in red.

Students are required to log at least 30 minutes of recorded practice time this week, due Friday.  Just be sure that students are pressing the red "record" button when they're playing in order for their time to count. 

Assignments

Each class also has an assignment.  Assignments are pieces that must be recorded for a grade.  The grade is calculated as a percentage of how accurately the student played the notes and rhythms. Students may record as many times as they want before submitting the assignment. The assignments are: 

Beginning Band: Our First Note, Our Second Note, Our Third Note (3 different exercises)

Concert Band: Scaling New Heights

Intermediate Band: B-Flat Major Scale (Exercise 188)

Advanced Band: Chromatic Scale (Exercise 21) 

All assignments are due this Friday at 11:59 PM. This will be your student's first "benchmark assessment" grade.

Students who are having technical difficulties may come in at lunch to troubleshoot with me or a friend.  Students without internet at home may borrow mobile hotspots from school for the weekend and practice in my room during lunch.

AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSALS

Tuesday, September 10: Marching Band, 2:30-4:30 PM  *All are still welcome to attend, even if they missed last week's rehearsal.
Wednesday, September 11: Trumpet Boot Camp, 2:30-4:00  *All trumpet playing band students should plan to attend.
Tuesday, September 17: Marching Band, 2:30-4:30 PM
Wednesday, September 18: Low Brass Boot Camp, 2:30-4:00 *All tuba, trombone, and euphonium playing students should plan to attend.

CHILI BINGO NIGHT PLANNING UPDATE
We had a planning meeting last Wednesday, and attendance was quite low. This is our big fundraiser of the year and it takes a lot of parent support to ensure this event's success.  If you were unable to attend the meeting and want to help, we are currently looking for volunteers to call/Facebook message businesses or go visit in person to ask for donations.  Please email me: njacques@carson.k12.nv.us if you are able to contact a few businesses.

I'll post another update this weekend once we see how our rehearsals and our SmartMusic rollout goes. Let the practicing begin!

-Mr. Jacques-

Week 3

Dear Parents,

I hope you all had a relaxing and restful Labor Day weekend. Can you believe we're already on to week 3?? Well, here we are.  Beginning Band students are getting ready to make their first sounds, and all other classes are reviewing fundamentals. Concert Band, Intermediate Band, Advanced Band, and Jazz Band are receiving their first pieces of music. Marching Band had their first rehearsal today. Later this week, we will be introducing the new way our band students will be practicing.

GRADE NEWS

I've updated all your student grades.  When you sign on to InfiniteCampus, you'll notice a few things:

• Handbook Contract - Worth 10 points. If you have not completed this, please read the "CMS Band Handbook 2019-2020," sign it by clicking the above link ("Handbook Agreement Form") and I'll update your student's grade.
• Cases Labeled - Worth 10 points. With about 250 students in band and 60 in strings, we have a lot of cases in the band room. Students must have their cases labeled with their name, address, and phone number to receive credit.  Have a personal or store-rented instrument? Please also complete this form so we have you student's instrument information on file in case we ever need it.
• Rehearsals - Worth 10 points per day (30-40 points per week). Students receive full points for having their instrument, any music, and a pencil. They must also be actively participating during class.
• Any assessment with the word "Formative" - These are non-graded pre-assessments. These will be followed by a graded version later on in our "unit" when students have mastered the concept. These two scores can then be compared to show growth. 
• Citizenship - These scores are entered on a rubric from 1-4, with 4 being the highest.  To receive a 4, students must not have any missing work and be on their best behavior during all parts of all rehearsals.

Practicing

All students should be taking their instruments home each day. Beginning Band students need to practice sustaining sound for as long as they can on one breath while properly holding their instruments. All other classes have their first pieces of music, and will be receiving more throughout the week. Once we receive our school license for SmartMusic, I'll have more information on our new and improved at-home practice methods. Until then, check on how they're doing with old-fashioned sheet music. I'll send out more details about how students should be practicing later this week.

Band Fees
Thank you to everyone who has paid their band fees. All band fees were due on Friday, August 30. Please pay your band fees as soon as possible, unless you've made prior arrangements with Mr. Jacques.

Band Shirts and Polos
Band polos and t-shirts are out of stock until at least September 19. I will let you know as soon as our new orders arrive.

MUSIC ACTIVITIES

Marching Band
Marching band had its first rehearsal on Tuesday, and 85 students showed up, making this the largest Marching Band we've ever had at CMS!  With the size of the band, we do not have quite enough brass players. If your student plays trumpet, trombone, euphonium, or tuba, we could use a few more from those sections. Marching Band continues on Tuesdays from 2:30-4:30 PM (2:30-5:00 PM for percussion) and meets on the following dates:

• September 10
• September 17
• September 24
• October 1
• October 8
• October 15
• October 19 - Saturday morning rehearsal and barbecue
• October 22
• October 26 - Nevada Day Parade
• November 5
• November 11 - Reno Veterans Day Parade
• November 12
• November 19
• December 3
• December 7 - Sparks Christmas Parade

Jazz Band
Our award-winning Carson Middle School Jazz Band is still looking for a piano player. Any students with experience that can also take private lessons should consider joining!

Instrument Boot Camps
Presenting: Instrument boot camps!  All students are highly encouraged to attend these special sessions that focus on specific techniques unique to these instruments. Students will also meet others in all ensembles who play the same instruments. All boot camps will go from 2:30-4:00 on Wednesdays. Each section meets on the following day:
Trumpet - September 11
Low Brass - September 18
Flute - September 25
Clarinet and Saxophone - October 2

Chili Bingo Night Planning Meeting
We have our first planning meeting on Wednesday, September 4, at 6:30 PM in the CMS Band Room.  All parents are welcome to attend. We need all available volunteers to begin asking local businesses for donations as we plan our major fundraiser for the school year.

Onward!

-Mr. Jacques-

The Fundamentals

Dear Parents,

Week 1 has come and gone, and in any band program, the first week is filled with excitement, enthusiasm, and anticipation of the incredible memories that we will make throughout the rest of the year. This week was also filled with the logistical side of life as a music teacher: collecting payments and contracts, renting instruments, issuing concert attire, assigning lockers, and distributing music folders. With week 2 underway, it's on to the fun part: making music!  Here are a few reminders and announcements as we move into our next phase: making music.

Handbook Agreement Form
Be sure you and your student have read through the Band Handbook located at the top of this page and filled out the Handbook Agreement Form, due Friday, August 30.

Band Fees
Thank you to everyone who has paid their band fees. All band fees are due on Friday, August 30.  If you are on a monthly payment plan or need financial assistance, speak with Mr. Jacques to discuss a method that works best for you and your family.

Band Shirts and Polos
Due to our overwhelmingly high numbers of students in band, several sizes of polos and t-shirts are out-of-stock. We will be purchasing more of these and they will be back in stock by the middle of September.

MUSIC ACTIVITIES

Percussion Workshop on August 27
On Tuesday, I will have a percussion workshop from 2:30-4:00 PM. This workshop is for all percussionists and will include a review of fundamentals, what items they need to be a successful percussionist, and for those participating in marching band, a chance to try the marching instruments.

Marching Band
On Tuesday, September 3, all students with at least 1 year of experience on their instrument are invited to try out Marching Band. We will rehearse after school until 4:30 PM. If your student is interested and able to attend all future rehearsals (always on Tuesdays), I will give them additional information and music.

Jazz Band
Our award-winning Carson Middle School Jazz Band is looking for piano players, trombone players, and trumpet players!  If your student plays any of these instruments and is able to make it to school by 7:00 AM, they are invited to come give it a try.  Let Mr. Jacques know if your student will be attending.

Chili Bingo Night Planning Meeting
This year's family Chili and Bingo Night will be on Friday, November 22.  That's right...this event will now take place in the fall!  We have our first planning meeting on Wednesday, September 4, at 6:30 PM in the CMS Band Room.  All parents are welcome to attend. We need all available volunteers to begin asking local businesses for donations as we plan our major fundraiser for the school year.

I hope that your student is having a wonderful start to the school year and that band is something that they are looking forward to each day.  I will send another update this weekend with information about SmartMusic and practicing. Have a great week!

-Mr. Jacques-

Welcome Back!

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to school! We are gearing up for what is going to be another fantastic year of music making. This year, we will be providing this amazing experience to over 250 students, a new record for student enrollment in the Carson Middle School band program.  Please read through the following important announcements:

Band Handbook *Please click here to read before coming to Sneak Peak* - Contains all essential information about the 2019-2020 Carson Middle School band program, including student expectations, grades, fees, instrument info, event calendar, and more. Please read through this with your student and complete the agreement form by Friday, August 30.

CMS Sneak Peak/Band Fees - Come meet Mr. Jacques and pay your band fees (with cash or check) in the band room during CMS Sneak Peak on August 14 and 15 from 4:00-6:00 PM. Mr. Jacques will also be available after 6:00 PM for any other questions following the CMS Sneak Peak.

Instrument Rental Night - On Thursday, August 22, Blue Note B's Horn Shop will be having an instrument rental night at Carson Middle School from 6:00-8:00 PM. They offer rental and rent-to-own options and will also have supplies available for purchase.

You are also free to check out my list of other area music stores and comparison shop if you'd prefer. This night is also when students can pick up their school instruments if they have filled out an Instrument Rental Application and have been notified by Mr. Jacques that there is an instrument available. I highly recommend renting from Blue Note B's if you are able.

Jazz Band - All students who are interested in Jazz Band should plan to attend our open rehearsals starting on the first day of school at 7:00 AM in the band room.  The first 2 weeks of the class will be open to anyone registered in another band class, with auditions taking place during the second week of school.

First day with instruments:

• Jazz Band: Monday, August 19
• Concert, Intermediate, and Advanced Band: Wednesday, August 21
• Beginning Band: Monday, August 26

Let me know if you have any other questions, and welcome back!

-Mr. Jacques-

Wrapping It Up...

Dear Parents,

The spring trips and spring concert are behind us, and what a performance our bands had! We are now wrapping up the school year with final playing tests, Advanced Band auditions, and various uniform/instrument check-ins.

ADVANCED and JAZZ BAND SPRING TRIP
The 2019 Spring Trip took place last weekend and students had the time of their lives. Advanced Band performed in California Adventure on Thursday, and Jazz Band performed in the park on Saturday. Both bands performed with a local middle school where I first learned how to play saxophone as a 4th grader. We also had a clinic with Dr. Betancourt, the director of bands at Cerritos College. Along with making amazing music, students had a beach party, pool party, and 2 days in the theme parks to make memories that will last a lifetime.  A special thank you to all chaperones who helped make this trip so successful!  I uploaded pictures from this trip at the bottom of this post.  I also have live streams of both group's performances on our Facebook page: Carson Middle School Bands.

SPRING CONCERT
On Tuesday, all bands participated in their final concert of the school year. I am proud of all the students and all the groups for their fantastic performance. If you were unable to attend, a recording of this entire performance is also on the CMS Bands Facebook page. I am proud of all the musical accomplishments of our students this year, and the spring concert celebrated everything that took place, from successful fundraisers, to successful festivals, and everything in between.

FINAL PLAYING TEST
On Wednesday, I assigned a final playing test to all students in all classes. The link to this assignment with all the directions is at the top of this page. This will also be your student's final week of official citizenship grades.  I will begin finalizing grades next week, and will leave just 1 grade left for some groups: 8th grade promotion.

8TH GRADE PROMOTION PERFORMANCE
On June 5, 6th and 7th grade students from Intermediate and Advanced Band will perform for the 8th grade promotion.  This is mandatory for students in those bands and optional for all others. In addition, 8th grade students in Advanced Band will set up their instruments before lining up for promotion. During the ceremony, they will be invited to go to their instruments to perform 1 final song with the band.  Call time will be 12:30 PM in the band room. The ceremony begins at 1 PM and the students will be dismissed once all instruments and borrowed uniform items have been returned.

UNIFORM RETURNS
Advanced, Intermediate, and Jazz Band students will need to clean and return all machine washable uniform parts by Monday, June 3.  Keep all washed items hung up in the garment bag separate from the dry clean only items.

INSTRUMENT RETURNS
All students must return their school-owned instruments on Wednesday, June 5 unless they are participating in Summer Pops or Jazz Camps.

SUMMER POPS CAMP
Is your student wishing for more band after the school year is over? Wouldn't it be great to only have band each day and not have to balance it out with 6 other classes?  Well, you're in luck. I'm pleased to announce the inaugural Capital City Summer Pops! This ensemble will be put on by the Capital City Community Band and conducted by Mr. Jacques. Students will learn fun movie themes, marches, and pop selections. Rehearsals will be June 11-14 and 18-21 from 10:30 AM-12:00 PM each day, with a concert on the afternoon of Sunday, June 23. This camp is open to anyone who has been a member of their school's band program. For more information and to register your student, CLICK HERE.

SUMMER JAZZ CAMP
Are you also interested in a summer jazz band opportunity? Well, don't feel left out! The 5th annual Jazz Camp is also on June 11-14 and 18-21, and meets from 8:30-10:00 AM each day. Jazz Camp students must have at least 1 year of playing experience on their current instrument. No prior jazz band experience is necessary.  Students will also have the opportunity to be in both Jazz Camp and the Summer Pops bands.  For more information and to register your student, CLICK HERE.

Again, congratulations to all groups on fantastic festival performances, trips, and of course, the spring concert!  Thank you for helping me close up shop for the summer.  Enjoy the pictures from the spring trip!

-Mr. Jacques-

The final events...

Dear Parents,

What a year it has been!  What started with record enrollment has become a huge year with very successful students.  We will celebrate all their successes at our annual spring concert, which is so big this year that we're holding it in multiple parts. Read below for more information.

SPRING CONCERT

Our CMS Band spring concert will be on Tuesday, May 21 in the CMS Cafeteria.  Attendance is mandatory for all groups.  New this year: we will have 4 mini-concerts.  Students are required to attend their portion of the concert and may stay for any other portion that they would like.  Here are the performance details:

5:30 – Call time for Beginning Band and Concert Band in band room
5:45 - Beginning Band and Concert Band take stage

6:00 – Part 1: Beginning Band and Concert Band

6:00 – Call time for Intermediate Band in audience
6:25 - Percussion Ensemble, Intermediate Band takes stage

6:30 – Part 2: Intermediate Band

6:30 – Call time for Jazz Band in audience
6:55 - Clarinet Choir, Jazz Band takes stage

7:00 – Part 3: Jazz Band

7:00 – Call time for Advanced Band in audience
7:25 - Advanced Band takes stage

7:30 – Part 4: Advanced Band

8:15 – Approx. end of concerts. Please help clean up cafeteria before going home to celebrate!

Students will receive full credit for being in their correct concert dress, showing up on time, being prepared, and having professional performance and audience etiquette. We will also be celebrating the successes of all our students at each concert by presenting awards. 

FINAL GRADE NEWS
Students will have until May 30 to make up any tests or complete their final. This year's final will be posted on Google Classroom by Wednesday morning, and it will be due at the end of the day on Thursday, May 30. With the exception of the 8th grade promotion performance, this will be your student's last grade. Students auditioning for Advanced Band or Jazz Band must complete it as a video in order to be considered. 

8th GRADE PROMOTION
Band students who are not graduating will participate in 8th grade promotion on June 5 at 1:00 PM. This event is mandatory for all 6th and 7th grade band members. Call time will be immediately after school in their blue band polos and black dress pants. Students will be dismissed as soon as everything has been returned to the band room and any school instruments are turned in.

SUMMER POPS CAMP
Is your student wishing for more band after the school year is over? Wouldn't it be great to only have band each day and not have to balance it out with 6 other classes?  Well, you're in luck. I'm pleased to announce the inaugural Capital City Summer Pops! This ensemble will be put on by the Capital City Community Band and conducted by Mr. Jacques. Students will learn fun movie themes, marches, and pop selections. Rehearsals will be June 11-14 and 18-21 from 10:30 AM-12:00 PM each day, with a concert on the afternoon of Sunday, June 23. This camp is open to anyone who has been a member of their school's band program. For more information and to register your student, CLICK HERE.

SUMMER JAZZ CAMP
Are you also interested in a summer jazz band opportunity? Well, don't feel left out! The 5th annual Jazz Camp is also on June 11-14 and 18-21, and meets from 8:30-10:00 AM each day. Jazz Camp students must have at least 1 year of playing experience on their current instrument. No prior jazz band experience is necessary.  Students will also have the opportunity to be in both Jazz Camp and the Summer Pops bands.  For more information and to register your student, CLICK HERE.

That's it for now. See you all on Tuesday evening.

-Mr. Jacques-

The Final Festivals

Dear Parents,

We just completed our final run of festivals, and what a rewarding few days it has been!

• Last Friday, the Jazz Band participated in the Reno Jazz Festival, and earned straight "Excellent" ratings, as well as placing 9th in the middle school band division! After beginning to attend this jazz festival 5 years ago, this is the first time we have placed in the top 10.  Congratulations!
• Last Tuesday, the Beginning Band and Concert Band classes combined and performed their first festival in Fernley, earning straight "Superior" ratings! What a way to start their lives in band.
• Last Wednesday, the Jazz Band performed at the Northern Zone Jazz Festival.  This festival was a showcase of area bands and was not judged. 

I also want to give a special "thank you" to all the chaperones who attended and helped support these trips. If you were unable to attend, I have recordings on our "Carson Middle School Bands" Facebook page. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

May 11 - Intermediate Band Spring Trip 

May 15-19 - Advanced Band/Jazz Band Spring Trip

May 21 - CMS Band Spring Concert

UPCOMING REHEARSALS

May 6 - Advanced Band, 1:30-4:00

May 7 - Jazz Band, 2:30-4:30

May 8 - Advanced Band, 2:30-4:30

May 10 - Intermediate Band, 2:30-4:30

May 13 - Advanced/Jazz Band, 1:30-4:00

May 14 - Advanced/Jazz Band, 1:30-4:00

GRADE NEWS
This week, students are turning in their final practice log of the school year.  Heading into testing, students should be feeling confident on their parts with minimal stress so they can focus on testing. After we finish testing, I will assign a final playing test that doubles as the Advanced/Jazz Band audition. Just a reminder: students can make up any playing tests up until the last week of school.

SUMMER POPS CAMP
Is your student wishing for more band after the school year is over? Wouldn't it be great to only have band each day and not have to balance it out with 6 other classes?  Well, you're in luck. I'm pleased to announce the inaugural Capital City Summer Pops! This ensemble will be put on by the Capital City Community Band and conducted by Mr. Jacques. Students will learn fun movie themes, marches, and pop selections. Rehearsals will be June 11-14 and 18-21 from 10:30 AM-12:00 PM each day, with a concert on the afternoon of Sunday, June 23. This camp is open to anyone who has been a member of their school's band program. For more information and to register your student, CLICK HERE.

SUMMER JAZZ CAMP
Are you also interested in a summer jazz band opportunity? Well, don't feel left out! The 5th annual Jazz Camp is also on June 11-14 and 18-21, and meets from 8:30-10:00 AM each day. Jazz Camp students must have at least 1 year of playing experience on their current instrument. No prior jazz band experience is necessary.  Students will also have the opportunity to be in both Jazz Camp and the Summer Pops bands.  For more information and to register your student, CLICK HERE.

Have a great weekend, and best of luck to your students during testing week!