Fall is in the air...

Dear Parents,

Crisp mornings, leaves starting to change, pumpkin spice everything, caramel popcorn, marching band...yep, it's slowly but surely beginning to feel like fall.  We have a short update this week, with popcorn fundraiser reminders and class updates.

POPCORN FUNDRAISER UPDATE

We have just 5 more days for students to sell popcorn, and as of Friday, the fundraiser has surpassed the $3,000 mark! Here are some reminders to help you and students finish strong:

• Students must collect money at the time of the sale (checks are payable to CMS)
• Students need to bring me money with what they sold daily. 
• All orders and money are due this Friday, September 28. 
• Popcorn shipments will arrive and be distributed to students by the end of the month.

Don't like popcorn but still want to help the CMS band program? No problem! We always accept donations.  Every dollar counts, and we appreciate the ongoing support from our community.

PRACTICING
Overall, students are doing a significantly better job practicing at home. Thank you for all your support! Their next step: being sure they have a quiet place where they can sit with a great posture. I will also have folding music stands available for sale shortly.  Since their practice charts are online, they'll also need a place for their computer so they can track their goals. 

CLASS UPDATES

Beginning Band students have learned their first 3 notes, with many of them moving ahead of the class to learn not only their first 5 notes, but also their first songs!  This week, students will learn half notes and quarter notes, as well as their 4th and 5th note. This will set them up to start working on their first songs in the beginning of October.

Concert Band students are continuing to re-learn how to play like an ensemble. This includes how to sound good, how to work together, and how to practice. Students received their first fall concert song last week, and they have a structured guide to help them practice. This class is full of enthusiasm and fun every day!

Intermediate Band students can now play through American Spirit March. They will be receiving new music for the fall concert this week. This band is getting stronger and stronger, and they're playing better and better each day.

Advanced Band students have learned the rewritten version of American Spirit March, and many have already memorized it for the parade! Students are now working on Due North, honor band music, and Remember Me from "Coco."

Jazz Band has learned a whopping 4 songs! Students are working on playing with more confidence. Each student this band can play solos, too. Their first performance is this Friday, where they will perform at 7:15 AM in the commons for students and staff. This monthly tradition occurs on the last Friday of the month.

Marching Band is continuing to rehearse on Tuesdays from 2:30-4:30 PM.  Students have begun memorizing American Spirit March, and they will continue doing this next week. Several eighth grade students are trying out for drum major this week. CMS band alumni are also coming over weekly from the high school to help out.

Enjoy your week!

-Mr. Jacques-

Our Next Steps...

Dear Parents,

To start this update, it's time to share a brief history of the band program.  I started teaching here 6 years ago. When I started, we had 130 in the band and about 35 in the orchestra. The storage cabinets and school instruments were very old, but did the job. In fact, many were there since Kennedy was president. I found this out when some band members who I used to rehearse with told me about how everything looks the same as it did when they were students!  So, in 2013, Chili Bingo Night helped pay for some new instruments. In 2014, we embarked on a crowdfunding campaign. You can see the old cabinets in the background.

October 2014

That next year, we purchased new cabinets, which gave the room a huge upgrade for our then 140 band members and 40 orchestra members.

October 2016

In 2016 the school district gave us a huge grant for $40,000 in new instruments, many of which are currently rented out to our students. Our numbers exploded.  In 2017, we had 200 in band and 60 in strings, and now in 2018, we have 230 in band and 70 in strings!  Yes, that's a total of 300 students that walk in and out of my room EACH DAY! 

Our initial instrument and storage upgrades were for a band/orchestra program of 170-200 students, and now that we're sitting at around 300 in the program, we are in desperate need of more school instruments and places to store them. We currently do not have enough storage and instruments are left on the floor. Also, we were unable to give all beginners their first or second choices on instruments, resulting in about 10 students dropping band. With our current money in band fees going directly back to your student in the form of uniforms and music, it's time for a fundraiser like no other.

POPCORN TIME
On Friday, students had a presenter come and discuss the fundraiser, where students will have 2 weeks to sell as much popcorn as they can.  Each student has an order form and can go to friends, family, your co-workers, and anyone else that they know to see who can help out our band program. Just a little more information:

• Each class of students is divided into groups that are competing for prizes and incentives. 
• They are asked to go to people they know and NOT use the words "sell" or "buy" and use the words "help" and "support" instead.
• Students collect cash or check (payable to CMS) and return it to me daily during class.
• The fundraiser runs until September 28. 
• The popcorn will be distributed to students in class by the end of October.
• We receive over 50% profit, and our fundraising goal is $8,000.

Here are the flavors that you can choose from.

CLASS UPDATES

Jazz Band: The class can play through 3 songs and we are working to help students clean parts, become more confident on solos, and play with the correct style. Their first performance is Friday, September 28 at Jazz in the Commons!

Advanced Band: It's not often that a parade selection is too easy for a group, but that's exactly what happened. As a result, I wrote them a new arrangement of the same song, which fits cleanly with the old version that the students in other ensembles are playing.

Concert Band: As we are working through the book, we are finding out that the band needs a lot of review with rhythms and counting. We will be spending this week working on that, as well as continuing to build their tone. When you listen at home, ask them to explain rhythm and note lengths. If they can explain it, they definitely understand it better.

Intermediate Band: Students are starting to polish up the parade piece, while working on fundamentals in their book. This week, students will be able to earn their first fall concert song if they are keeping up with the at-home practicing. 

Beginning Bands: As of Friday, students were tested on their first sound, and they learned their 2nd and 3rd note. This week, they will learn how to count rhythm and put it together with their first sounds by reading the lines and spaces of a staff. If they can accomplish this, they might be able to learn their first song as soon as next week!

MARCHING BAND UPDATE

As you know, this year, our bands became so big that we had to hold auditions for non-Advanced Band members.  As a result, we only have the students who want to be in this band, as opposed to having a mix of interest levels, resulting in what has been the best start to marching season in my 7 years at CMS!  Even with the audition process, this is our biggest marching band ever, with 75 musicians! Just a reminder: rehearsals continue on Tuesdays.

• September 18, 2:30-4:30
• September 25, 2:30-4:30
• October 2, 2:30-4:30
• October 9, 2:30-4:30
• October 16, 2:30-4:30
• October 20, 9:00-4:00: Rehearsal and barbecue reward party.
• October 23, 2:30-4:30
• October 27: Nevada Day Parade
• October 30, 2:30-4:30
• November 6, 2:30-4:30
• November 11: Veterans Day Parade
• November 13, 2:30-4:30
• November 27, 2:30-4:30
• December 1: Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade

As always, let me know if you have any questions, and here's to another successful week!

-Mr. Jacques-

Marching Band, Practicing, and...Popcorn?

Dear Parents,

That's right! All three of these things relate to your student's week in band.  More on the third item later, but first: some reminders about practicing and marching band, a heads-up on our first playing test, and some class updates.

PRACTICING
On Friday, students submitted their first practice log of the school year. Although many students did well, a few students did not practice or did not accomplish many of their goals for the week. One of the most common mistakes is simply mis-reading the chart.  Each day, students are asked to accomplish 5-6 goals. We don't have a daily time requirement like many other schools. This is because each student has different needs, and it allows them the flexibility to do what it takes. On day 1 for example, students will look to the left to see what the item (practice element) is for the week, then read down the column to see how the goal should be accomplished. This means that each day has a total of 5 possible goals. If they practice each day of the week, they will earn a total of 35 goals, or "boxes" to enter into their weekly practice log (done in class). If they're stuck, all they have to do is use a "practice strategy" at the bottom of the page to help them through the rough spots.

If your student is still stuck, or they just want to practice during the school day, I'm open during my lunch. I also hold open practice sessions after school. This week, I'm offering it on Wednesday until 4:00 PM.

MARCHING BAND
Marching Band had a successful and productive first rehearsal last Tuesday, with many students showing up to try it out.  This Tuesday is once again open to all interested students who would like to try out. Concert Band and Intermediate Band students will play the parade piece passed out last week, and results will be posted after school.

• September 11, 2:30-4:30* Tryouts for those not in Advanced Band.
• September 18, 2:30-4:30
• September 25, 2:30-4:30
• October 2, 2:30-4:30
• October 9, 2:30-4:30
• October 16, 2:30-4:30
• October 20, 9:00-4:00: Rehearsal and barbecue reward party.
• October 23, 2:30-4:30
• October 27: Nevada Day Parade
• October 30, 2:30-4:30
• November 6, 2:30-4:30
• November 11: Veterans Day Parade
• November 13, 2:30-4:30
• November 27, 2:30-4:30
• December 1: Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade

CLASS UPDATES
Jazz Band has received their method books, as well as their second song. They also received their first practice chart on Friday. We are also looking for two more trombone players, 1 tenor sax player, and 1 guitarist. 

Advanced Band can play through their first festival selection, as well as their marching band song. As a matter of fact, I'm going to rewrite American Spirit March because the song is too easy for them! They're going to spend additional time this week on their hardest song.

Concert Band is relearning how to sit with a great posture, make their best tone, breathe correctly, read music, and practice.  Phew! Do you see why music students are some of the best students?

Intermediate Band has begun working on the parade song. Even though they will not all be marching in the parade, they will all be performing this song at a special in-school assembly.

Beginning Bands can play their first note and now, they're learning how to read music. This week, they will learn how to play their first three notes.

PLAYING TESTS
This week, students will take their first playing test. Since it is their first one, I will have them volunteer to play on their "block" day, and we will finish up with everyone else on Friday or Monday next week. Playing tests are worth 100 points, and I score them on tone quality, note accuracy, rhythm accuracy, articulations, dynamics, and tempo. Students are always welcome to retake these tests at lunch or after school when I'm open.  Here's what each class will be doing:

Jazz Band: Improvised solo using blues scale
Advanced Band: American Spirit March
Intermediate Band: #21 (chromatic scale)
Concert Band: #22 (first five note review)
Beginning Bands: First three notes

POPCORN
On Friday, our students will begin a popcorn fundraiser that will benefit the entire band program. I will share more information once we get through the week. The proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards much-need storage and instruments for the students as our program continues to grow. Have a great week!

-Nick Jacques-

Welcome to the Band!

Dear Parents, 

Welcome to the CMS band! You and your student are now part of an award-winning program that consistently earns some of the highest ratings and honors in the state! I update this throughout the school year as a quick reference to everything going on in the musical part of your student's life. I will always email you when I post an update. 

I will also include links to practice assignments and concert information, post pictures and videos, and provide links to other important resources on our website, www.cmsbands.org. 

THE BUSINESS OF MAKING MUSIC

Running a band program is a lot like running a business.  To get students started, we need to get them their method books, copy music, assign folders, assign instrument lockers, assign instruments themselves, order shirts and performance attire, and collect payments. The sooner this is all taken care of, the sooner we can get to the FUN part of making music. Although my goal is to get this all done by August 31, over half of our families have already made payments and well over half our students already have instruments. As a matter of fact, 4 of our 6 ensembles have already started playing! 

Our goal is to have all 240 band students either paid, on a payment plan, or sponsored, with an instrument to play, by this Friday.  For this to happen, please make sure the following has been taken care of by August 31:

• Read through the Band Handbook and complete the Handbook Agreement Form
• Pay the participation fee of $35 (includes method book, band shirt, band uniform except for shoes, sheet music, and folder)
• Please contact Mr. Jacques if this fee presents a financial hardship.
• Obtain an instrument
• ALL students who have already turned in a CMS instrument rental form by last Friday WILL get an instrument, but we almost out! Those who still need to rent from CMS will be offered anything that is left and may not receive their first or second choice.
• Rent from a local music store. 
• Purchase an instrument new or used - Please message me first if you choose this option and aren't purchasing from a local music store. 

LOOKING AHEAD

In the next newsletter, I will discuss instrument accessories, marching band (for experienced students), and practicing.  Feel free to email me if you have any questions. I check it regularly throughout the week.  I look forward to working with you all!

-Mr. Jacques

The Results...

Dear Parents,

Time for a long overdue update to share festival results from all groups, spring concert information, summer jazz camp news, and an update on grades.

FESTIVALS
Congratulations to all groups on their performances from mid-March through early May! Every single class received "Superior" (I) and "Excellent" (II) ratings, and here's how each group performed (scores out of 100):

Beginning Band
May 1: I (86), I (85)
Handbells
May 1: I (84), I (90)
Concert Band
April 25: II+ (82), II+ (85)
May 1: I (88), I (92)
Intermediate Band
April 21: II (84), II (88), first place in division, Esprit de Corps award
April 25: II+ (82), II+ (85)
Advanced Band
March 15: I (80), I (82), I (83)
Sight Reading: I (94)
April 25: I+ (97), I+ (97), highest rating at entire festival, highest rating earned by a CMS performing group in at least 3 decades
Jazz Band
April 27: I (86), II (84), I (85), 13th place overall (out of 30 groups)

For those of you who are new to how band festival rating systems work, here's a breakdown of scoring:

I - Superior, the very best performance.  The band executed all aspects of music making very well at all times.
II - Excellent, a great performance.  The band had some minor musical imperfections but was overall very good.
III - Good, an average performance.  The band had several mistakes, but songs are still recognizable.
IV - Fair, a below average performance.  Numerous errors in tone, notes and rhythms.  Songs sound bad and hard to recognize.
V - Poor, a performance where few, if any, students are able to play their music. Cruel and unusual punishment for audience, students, and the director.

The Beginning Band, Concert Band, and Handbell groups performed in Fernley and went out to pizza on the way back. The owners loved having us, and they took this picture to remember our visit. You have wonderful students.



CONCERTS
The students delivered an outstanding musical product at all festivals, and had fun in the meantime. Did you miss the festivals and want to hear how great they are?  It's not too late. Here's your chance! Our spring concerts are on May 22 and 23.

May 22: Part 1

• Concert starts at 6:00 PM and features the 5th grade band, Handbells, Beginning Band, and Concert Band.
• For the flyer I sent home with students, click here.

May 23: Part 2

• Concert starts at 5:30 PM and features the Jazz Band, Intermediate Band, and Advanced Band.
• For the flyer I sent home with students, click here.

This is just a reminder that these performances are mandatory for all students, but seriously, who would want to miss this??  I look forward to seeing you for final hurrah for the 2017-2018 school year.

JAZZ CAMP

The 4th annual Jazz Camp is right around the corner, on June 13-19. This event is available to any band students, regardless of instrument or experience level.  

• Sessions are on June 13, 14, 15, 18, and 19
• The first session is $25 and meets from 9:00-10:15 AM each day. This session is for students with little to no jazz experience.
• The second session is $40 and meets from 10:30 AM-Noon each day. This session is for students with jazz band experience, and includes a concert on the night of the 19th.
• This year's special guests are the US Navy's 32nd Street Jazz Band!  They'll be running a workshop for all camp participants from 9:00-12:00 on the 19th, and performing a concert with the Mile High Jazz Band and the Jazz Camp Ensemble (2nd session) that night.  
• Click here for a Jazz Camp flyer.
• Registration will open at the spring concerts and I will provide a link at the time. In the meantime, save the date!

GRADES

Just a few notes on grades as we start to wrap things up for the school year:

• Final practice logs are due May 23. I sent copies of these with your students, so be sure they're taking this time on our easy testing week to accomplish those goals.
• The final concerts are on May 22/23 (see above).  If your student arrives on time, in uniform, with a positive attitude, they will receive full credit!
• Final playing tests will begin after Memorial Day weekend. I will choose material from their final practice log and announce this information after the spring concerts.
• 6th and 7th grade students: Advanced Band and Jazz Band auditions will be the same material as the final playing tests in those classes.  I will also have this information after the spring concerst.
• The final performance of the year is the 8th grade promotion. All 6th and 7th grade Concert Band and Intermediate Band students are required to perform. This performance is on the afternoon of June 6. More information will be forthcoming.
• The last day make up any playing tests will be May 31. 

I'm off to Disneyland with the Advanced Band and Jazz Band classes! You may email me if you have any questions and I will respond by that evening.  Wishing your students the best as they complete testing, and I will see you at the concerts next week.

-Mr. Jacques-

3 Down, 1 to go

Dear Parents,

We have had 3 festivals in the past 8 days, and the results are impressive! There is one more band festival on Tuesday, followed by a bit of a break in performances until our spring concerts on May 22 and 23. The Advanced Band and Jazz Band will have their spring trip on May 16-20 with additional rehearsals after school to help them prepare.  Auditions for next year's ensembles will take place after the spring concerts.

Festival #1: Music in the Parks Festival

On April 21, the Intermediate Band and 14 Concert Band members participated in the first spring trip for this ensemble. These students were well behaved and worked so well together as a team. Not only that, but they took home "Excellent" ratings, 1st place in the middle school band division, and the Esprit De Corps award.  Only one of these awards is given at the festival, and our kids definitely earned it!  In addition, the Nevada Appeal ran a nice story about the band, including a link to help support the students whose instruments were stolen that night. Take a look here: https://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/carson-middle-school-band-deals-with-hardships-wins-awards/ 

Festival #2: NZNMEA Band Festival

On April 25, the Concert/Intermediate band classes combined to perform as a mass band at our festival. This was the sixth year that we've hosted the area middle schools, and once again, the students brought their "A" game.  The combined Concert/Intermediate Band earned 2 "Excellent" ratings (II+) and the Advanced Band earned 2 "Superior" Ratings (I+).  This is the 6th consecutive year in which the Advanced Band earned unanimous Superior ratings, and the 3rd consecutive year that they were "I+" ratings, the highest form of a "superior" rating possible. In the recorded comments, one of the judges said the following at the end of our performance: "I have nothing to say. You guys are awesome!"  To leave a judge speechless is incredible.  A huge thank you goes out to the parents that helped run this festival, as well.

Festival #3: Reno Jazz Festival

On April 27, the Jazz Band performed in their biggest festival of the year and took home their highest ratings in the history of the band! They earned 2 "Superior" ratings and 1 "Excellent" rating. At a festival that attracts about 30 middle schools from all over the west coast, they rated higher than about half the participating schools. You can see it for yourself with this comparison chart of all the participating schools.















LOOKING AHEAD

May 1 - Festival #4: Northern Zone Beginning Band Festival

This is our final festival of the year (phew), taking place on May 1 at Silverland Middle School in Fernley. All eligible students from Beginning Band, Concert Band, and Handbells are attending. They will take turns performing with other area middle school groups, and they perform at the following times:

• Beginning Band: 9:20 AM
• Concert Band: 10:00 AM
• Handbells: 10:40 AM

For more information, see the link for the handout on the top of this page.

Advanced Band Rehearsals/Spring Trip Prep
These rehearsals are mandatory for all who are participating on the spring trip on May 16-20. Those in Advanced Band that are not going on the spring trip should also plan to attend.

• May 1, 2:30-4:30
• May 8, 2:30-3:45
• May 10: 2:30-4:30
• May 14: 2:30-4:30
• May 15: 2:30-4:30
• May 15: Spring Trip Meeting/Uniform Check, 4:30-5:30 PM

May 22 - Spring Concert, Part 1

This is the final concert of the year where students will perform their spring music and celebrate all the major accomplishments over the school year. The concert begins at 6:00 PM and the following groups perform:

• Handbells
• Beginning Band
• Concert Band

May 23 - Spring Concert, Part 2

This is the final concert of the year where students will perform their spring music and celebrate all the major accomplishments over the school year. The concert begins at 5:30 PM and the following groups perform:

• Jazz Band
• Intermediate Band
• Advanced Band

After these spring concerts, there will be final practice logs, a final playing test, and auditions for the Advanced Band/Jazz Band classes for 2018-2019. More information on these items later in May.  Have a great week!

-Mr. Jacques-

Festival Season

Dear Parents,

That's right, we are now in the peak of "festival season!" This month is my favorite time of the school year (second only to December) because bands will achieve their peak of music making ability.  Not only that, but they will also have a chance to perform for and listen to bands from other schools. It makes for an incredibly busy few weeks.  Students will take huge musical risks that will be rewarded by the pride they receive by knowing they've played their hearts out. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the world.

As promised, I have detailed itineraries for all these festivals. In my efforts to make this crazy month as user-friendly as possible, I've linked each event to its accompanying flyer, which was sent home with students on Friday.

Beginning Band:

• Beginning Band Festival, May 1
• Spring Concert Part 1, May 22

Concert Band:

• Northern Zone Band Festival, April 25
• Beginning Band Festival, May 1
• Spring Concert Part 1, May 22
• 8th Grade Promotion, June 6

Intermediate Band:

• Music in the Parks/Six Flags Trip, April 21
• Northern Zone Band Festival, April 25
• Spring Concert Part 2, May 23
• 8th Grade Promotion, June 6

Advanced Band:

• Northern Zone Band Festival, April 25
• Spring Trip, May 16-20 
• Spring Concert Part 2, May 23
• 8th Grade Promotion, June 6

Jazz Band:

• Reno Jazz Festival, April 27 (previously April 28)
• Spring Trip, May 16-20
• Spring Concert Part 2, May 23

CTE Music:

• Beginning Band Festival, May 1
• Spring Concert Part 1, May 22

EVENT DESCRIPTIONS

See the accompanying flyers for the information about all band festivals. Save the date for these additional events: 

Spring Trip: May 16-20 - Advanced Band will be performing to Disneyland for their 5th annual appearance in the park.  Joining them this year will be Jazz Band in their first appearance.  With the trip less than 1 month away, no refunds will be able to be issued.

Spring Concert, Part 1: May 22 - Beginning Band, Concert Band, and CTE Music will be performing in their final concert of the year. The 5th grade bands from Bordewich Bray, Fritsch, and Mark Twain will also be performing.

Spring Concert, Part 2: May 23 - Intermediate Band, Advanced Band, and Jazz Band will be performing in their final concert of the year.

8th Grade Promotion: June 6 - All Concert Band, Intermediate Band, and Advanced Band members will be performing at the 8th grade promotion on the final day of school.  The 8th grade students from Intermediate and Advanced Band will also come back and perform one last song with the band.


GRADE NEWS

I have entered scores for your student's playing tests and practice logs from spring break. I also updated citizenship.  Please encourage your student to come in at lunch to practice and/or make up any playing test if they are feeling uncomfortable with either their music or their grade.

Have a great weekend, and stay dry if you can!

-Mr. Jacques-