A Great Start

Dear Parents,

I found this newsletter to be a great success last year, so I'm continuing the newsletter as a way to keep you informed about everything we do in your student's band or strings class.  With that said, welcome to a great year at CMS!  The school has made some exciting changes to improve school culture and student success.  As I begin my 3rd year of teaching at Carson Middle School, I'm feeling a great sense of enthusiasm, excitement, and positive morale from every single class.  Here's what we accomplished during the first week:

• Took care of forms and fees
• Rented almost every school instrument in my inventory
• Demonstrated instruments to the beginning ensembles
• Began playing instruments and sight reading
• Intermediate and Advanced bands began marching and have also been fitted for uniforms

Band and Strings Handbook

This year, the handbook has gone digital!  You may view it on the CMS bands page.  Hard copies will still be available upon request.  

Calendar of Events

This year's new calendar of events is now complete.  All events for the listed groups are mandatory with the exception of the car wash, the fall football game, and Sierra Band Crusade.  Check out the complete Fall 2014 Calendar for yourself!

Upcoming Event: Marching Rehearsals

All intermediate and advanced band members will participate in marching rehearsals, which will take place on Tuesdays from 2:45-4:30 PM through November.  Please ensure your student has a change of clothes, sunscreen, and a water bottle to make sure they're comfortable. 

Upcoming Event: Car Wash Fundraiser

Grocery Outlet has been gracious enough to allow us to use their parking lot again to hold a car wash on September 6 from 9 AM-1 PM. All 7th and 8th grade students are being asked to help sell tickets.  They will also have the option to help run the car wash if they wish.  I'll be sending kids home with a handout and tickets ($5 each) next week.  Last year, we raised over $1200 to go towards a band trip. This year, funds generated from this event will go towards band uniform and polo shirt embroidery.  We also have a design for the new upcoming CMS music polos (there will be one that says "strings" too):

These polos will be part of concert attire for beginning band, beginning strings, and concert band, and they're included with your band fee.  I will also have these available for sale in the near future for those of you who do not have students in those ensembles.  They will cost $15 each.








After School Rehearsals

• Monday, August 25: Percussion Workshop (int/adv band) - 2:30-4:00 PM
• Tuesday, August 26: Marching Rehearsal (int/adv band) - 2:45-4:30 PM *Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and a change of clothes each Tuesday*

Jazz Band

Jazz band begins on Monday at 7:00 AM.  I'd like to see all interested students come to the first few rehearsals, even if they take the bus and arrive late.  During the week, I will introduce the students to what we do in jazz band and see who can play the music.  Although jazz band typically only uses saxes, trombones, and trumpets, I will consider other instruments and make a final decision by the end of the week.

Stay tuned for next week's update.

Preview Nights and New Information

Updated 7/21/14

CMS Band "Orientation"
The band room will be open for for all 6th grade band and orchestra students on August 13 from 4:00-6:00 PM, and for all 7th and 8th grade band and orchestra students on August 14 from 4:00-6:00 PM (during the CMS preview nights). I encourage all parents and students to attend so we can accomplish the following:

Instrument Rentals
Method Book Distribution
Uniform Fitting
Paperwork and Fees

New This Fall!

With the new school year just around the corner, you will notice several "new" things in the CMS Band and Orchestra experience from last year. Here's what will be new this fall:

1. New Method Book!! We are now using the Sound Innovations Book published through Alfred Publishing. For beginning and concert band: This book CANNOT be bought in stores!! It must be bought through the school. It is a specially edited book that will last the beginning and concert band students all year. I am very excited to be switching to this book. Students in intermediate and advanced bands as well as orchestra will also be switching method books.

2. SMART Music! We are following in the footsteps of other successful music programs as we begin to use a computer program to help students practice and take assessments all while having a great time!! After having played on this program and learned all I can about it, this program is a HUGE asset to your student's music education and, if at all possible, should be considered greatly for purchase of the home use ($40 for entire year). Students will be required to take some of their playing tests through this program and must arrange a time before or after school if a home purchase is not possible. Please see the "SMART Music" link for more information.

3. 6th grade/beginning band karate!! All 6th grade and beginning band students will have the opportunity to participate in this inaugural year of Band Karate. While not required for a grade, it is expected that all students will participate. They will be earning "belts" by achieving certain milestones and benchmarks throughout their first year in middle school band.

4. Updated CMS Band and Orchestra Handbook. This handbook, though long, has EVERYTHING that all parents and students need to know about the expectations, supplies needed, band opportunities, etc. It is designed to give everyone the basic information from the beginning of the year. To save trees this year, the handbook will be available online by August 13th. A hard copy may also be obtained by request. Please make sure to read through it and ask any questions that may come up.

5. Band Binders required! Last year, too many students forgot or lost music and/or handouts. Over the summer, I decided that a band binder is the best way for students to both learn organizational skills in addition to actually keeping all their things passed out to them. Please be sure to help keep your kids on track with this. It will make their lives much easier in the long run!! :)

6. Jazz Band as a class! Thanks to the hard work of our students who came in every morning at 7 AM last year, jazz band was a huge success, and it will now be offered as a class during the day! I'm excited to be offering a class that will be teaching America's music to our next generation. Although I will consider any instrument, I have an extra need for saxes, trombones, trumpets, and rhythm instruments. This is an amazing opportunity to have your student perform in multiple ensembles here at CMS!

I'm extremely excited to see our returning 7th and 8th grade students as they prepare to learn and progress in their musical studies. I'm also very excited to meet the incoming 6th grade and beginning band members as we embark together on this new and exciting musical adventure! I hope all students are excited. Best of luck and please feel free to ask any questions you may have. I check my email frequently (njacques@carson.k12.nv.us) and will be available during the preview nights. A fun year of music is about to begin for all!

Best,

Mr. Jacques

Final Advanced Band Results / Reminders

Dear Parents,

One more quick note here before we hit the last day of school.  I just wanted to remind you that we have the 8th grade promotion, which begins on Thursday at 12:30 in the gym for all participating band members.  Call time is 12:00.  Please have students dress in something nice.  We should be done between 1:30 and 2 PM.  I need all school instruments or summer rental forms by 2:30 PM Thursday. 

Please have your students take home all personal belongings from their storage cubbies.  This also includes store-rented instruments and personal instruments. There will be no access to the band room after 3:00 PM on Thursday (even I am having to check in my keys).

I will be handing out some of next year's festival and band-o-rama music to all returning band members.  I encourage them to use this as a way to keep them playing their instruments over the summer.  The parts are fun, yet challenging, so any work they can put into it over the summer will go a long way in allowing us to hit the ground running in August.

Here is the final list, by instrument, of the advanced band members for the 2014-2015 school year.  Congratulations to everyone who tried out.  A big thank you goes out to the students who auditioned and then volunteered to learn a new instrument over the summer.

Flute
Jaelyn Young
Cindi Redus
Alondra Gomez
Maryn Myler
Kealey Meyers
Clarinet
Max Fontaine
Cierra Randall
Fiona McDonald
Rachael Cuellar
Josephine Payan
Alto Saxophone
Nathan Tooley
Lindsay Chowanski
Valeria Martinez
Julene Snyder
Tenor Saxophone
Jacob Richetta
Trumpet
Jordan Turner
Luke Bowler
Adelynn Puett
Kate Torres (switching from flute)
Alex Wall (switching from percussion)
French Horn
Regan Lowe
Trombone
David Barrientos
Baritone
Cory Bill
Kincaid Peternell (switching from clarinet)
Tuba
Buddy McDonald
Percussion
Syrena Chowanski
Jacob Sullivan
Tara Eustis


Finally, one shameless personal plug that I must put in.  I own pet rats, and they just had a litter.  Rats are social, intelligent small animals and they are easy to care for.  Before I sell them to anyone else, I'd like to offer them to my students, so I am asking you, the parents, if there's anyone who would like pet rats.  I have 8 available, and it's preferable that they are sold in pairs.  For my students, they're free to a good home.  Parents: let me know if you would like a new pet, first come, first served.  We can make arrangements for delivery this weekend.

Advanced Band Audition Results

Results are in!  Thank you to everyone who auditioned.  The following people have been accepted as members of the CMS Advanced Band for the 2014-2015 school year (in no particular order):

Josephine P.
Jordan T.
Jaelyn Y.
Cindi R.
Alondra G.
Julene S.
Alex W.
Jacob R.
Kate T.
Luke B.
Rachael C.
Fiona M.
Cierra R.
Regan L.
Buddy M.
Val M.
Tara E.
Jacob S.
Syrena C.
Lindsay C.
Kealey M.
Maryn M.
Adelynn P.
Max F.
Nathan T.
Cory B.

A final list with instruments will be posted tomorrow.  Congratulations!

End of the Year Reminders

Greetings!

Another 3 school days until summer for your students!  I have uniform turn in reminders, school instrument information, and our final performance of the year.

Advanced Band Auditions
Tuesday is the last day to audition for advanced band. I have been hearing some great auditions and I'm already excited for next year.  I will definitely need more trumpets and low brass, so I encourage those students to try out. I may also be inviting certain students to switch instruments as needed.

Uniform Turn In
For all classes except beginning band, students will need to turn in their cummerbund and bow tie as soon as possible.  If you checked out tuxedo pants (mostly intermediate and advanced band), they need to be returned too.  For those of you who purchased black shoes, you can keep them for next year, or donate them.  Carson High School marches with white shoes.  You may also trade in for a larger size, as long as the old shoes are in acceptable condition.

School Instrument Returns
Unless you are not performing at promotion on Thursday, school instruments will be collected immediately following the promotion performance on Thursday afternoon.  If you're not performing at the promotion, I will collect school instruments on Wednesday.

Summer Rentals
New this year, you may keep your school instrument over the summer for no charge as long as you show a receipt stating that you took it into a reputable shop for a basic maintenance.  I will be handing out rental contracts on Tuesday. Please bring them back with your kid by Thursday so we can carry over your rental through the summer.

Final Concert: 8th Grade Promotion 
After talking to your band members, an overwhelming majority from each class was interested in performing at promotion, so this last concert is now open to all band classes.  I will let students hang out in my room after our minimum day release and provide snacks/water.  Call time is 12:00 PM with a 12:30 performance.  Promotion should last about an hour.  This is also an optional performance, so if there are any circumstances that keep your child from playing, let me know and there will be no problem excusing them.  Dress will be anything semi-formal (black or khaki pants, nice polo or dress shirt, and dress shoes).

I'll send out one final note Thursday evening to wrap everything up.  Thank you for your help in getting everything wrapped up for the summer.

Final Reminders

Dear Parents,

Last week's concerts were a great success.  The students did well and they had the opportunity to perform in front of a full audience.  Thank you so much for coming out and supporting these kids and all their hard work.  The inaugural Carson City Orchestra Festival was well received by all who attended, including our school district superintendent, Richard Stokes.  He made it a point to come up to me, shake my hand, and tell me how good the CMS orchestra students sounded.  In addition, concert band and intermediate band performed for their grade level award assemblies, giving the students at CMS an opportunity to see and hear their school bands.

Now, on to our final events!

Intermediate and Advanced Band Spring Concert - May 20

Our final spring concert will be on Tuesday night at 6:00 PM in the CMS cafeteria.  Call time for all intermediate and advanced band students is 5:30 PM in the band room in full concert dress.  Concert information flyers will be given out to students on Monday during their classes.  We will also have a bake sale.  Please bring a baked good or snack item to the concert if possible, or plan to indulge in some delicious treats at the concert.  The concert should be over around 7:00 PM.

8th Grade Awards Assembly - May 22

The Advanced Band, as well as all intermediate band players who participated in the spring trip, will perform at this assembly.  Call time will be 5:30 PM in the band room in full concert dress and the assembly begins at 6:00 PM.  The band will be featured at various points throughout the assembly and anybody is welcome to come watch.  The assembly should conclude around 7:30 PM.

8th Grade Promotion - May 29

Although I do not have times yet, I wanted to share this information.  This performance will feature all 6th and 7th grade band members in intermediate and advanced band and it should take place during the school day.  

Final after school rehearsals

Intermediate band + those in advanced band helping out: Monday, May 19, 2:30-3:30 PM
Intermediate and advanced band 6th and 7th graders: Tuesday, May 27, 2:30-3:00 PM

Advanced Band Auditions

On Friday, all interested students received the advanced band audition materials.  I will have a sign up sheet for advanced band auditions, with time slots that will take place before school and after school beginning on Wednesday.  If your student is unable to audition during those times, have them come see me so we can arrange something else. I will remind students in class.

Uniform Check-Ins

Uniform check-ins will take place all this week.  I need all borrowed uniform parts, including all cummerbunds and bow ties, rented tuxedo pants, tuxedo shirts, and uniform bags.  8th graders may donate their black marching shoes if they wish (they will use white marching shoes at Carson High School).

School Instrument Returns and Summer Rentals

For all groups except the performers for 8th grade promotion, school instrument returns will take place on Friday, May 23.  If you are returning to CMS next fall, you may choose to keep your instrument over the summer, for no charge. An additional contract will be required  and needs to be signed by both the student and parent before summer break. The caveat is that I need you to provide a receipt from a repair shop in Reno or Carson City that shows that the instrument was cleaned and given basic maintenance before the start of the next school year.  Traditionally, I take all instruments to the shop over the summer for this maintenance and cleaning, so your help in making this happen for my summer rentals is greatly appreciated, and your gift from me is no rental fee!

We're on the home stretch of another great year.  I'll keep you updated as always.

-Mr. Jacques-

Concert Schedule and Auditions

Summary 

• Beginning and Concert Band Concert on May 14
• Strings Concert on May 14
• Intermediate Band and Advanced Band Concert on May 20 - venue change
• Exact Schedule for assemblies will come out by Wednesday. 
• Advanced Band and Jazz Band auditions
• No jazz band this week or next week (we may meet and/or perform for students the last week of school).

Beginning and Concert Band Performance - May 14 (at CMS)

Hopefully students sent home the information flyer with the details about our spring concert.  They have all worked very hard and will be performing 5 songs each.  I'm excited to show off these great young groups.  Call time will be 5:00 PM for all students with a start time of 5:30 PM. Please either bring a baked good or drink, or come and purchase some to help raise funds for the new storage cabinets.  I will need flyers supplied by the students by Wednesday morning.

Strings Performance - May 14 (at EVMS)

Strings has an exciting performance that includes Fantasia 2000 and a world premiere performance of Home Means Nevada, written for multiple experience levels that will be played together.  Also featured at this concert will be the Eagle Valley Middle School and Carson High School orchestras.  Call time for students is 6:30 PM with the performance beginning at 7:00 PM.  

Intermediate and Advanced Band Performance - May 20 (at CMS)

This performance will now be held in the CMS cafeteria.  Each of these groups will present 4-5 pieces that will show off their progress throughout the school year.  Call time will be 5:30 PM with the concert beginning at 6:00 PM.  I will be giving out information flyers in class tomorrow.  Also, I will be holding a bake sale and snack bar to help raise funds for the new storage cabinets.  Once I give out the flyers, feel free to bring them back within the next week so I know what items to expect.  

Auditions

Unlike last year, students are only going to have to audition for advanced band and jazz band.  For all other ensembles, I will simply sign students up based on their interest and abilities.  I will be giving out audition materials for the other ensembles within the next two days.  Auditions will take place beginning on Wednesday, May 21 during class and after school and results will be posted by Tuesday, May 27.  For 8th graders, please email wjzabelsky@hotmail.com for wind ensemble audition materials at CHS.  

I hope to see you all at our final concerts of the school year!