Onward...

Dear Parents,

What a week! I'm completely overjoyed, proud, and absolutely exhausted all at the same time.  Let's wrap up the events that unfolded throughout the week, in case you missed anything. We will also be resuming practice assignments and playing tests next week, passing out new music for our winter concert, and preparing for our next round of events.

Fall Concert Wrap-Up
Our annual fall concert was a huge success. All groups played well, I love how many of you came to support our students, and we even sold a few shirts.  What a great showcase for our entire band program.  Our next concert for all groups will be on December 18 at the Carson City Community Center. Save the date!

"Nevada Day" Assembly
I can't begin to describe the feeling I had on Thursday.  I spent the past couple weeks to prepare the Marching Band for a surprise performance to the student body, and all the nervousness that went with it.  Little did I know that this was actually going to be a big surprise for me and I was going to receive the Milken Educator Award. The students performed amazingly, and we settled into our seats to watch the rest of the assembly unfold. As the speakers presented, I kept thinking, "Wow, there is a lot of speaking about the quality of education. I like this!" Then, the prize was announced and we were all waiting and wondering who the amazing teacher would be.  There are so many great teachers at our school and as my students wishfully whispered, "It's gotta be Mr. Jacques," I kept saying, "no no no, it's gotta be one of our really great teachers." Well, when my name was announced, it was an indescribable feeling.  I was asked to prepare a speech with about 10 minutes to think about it, and speak to the audience. Then, I was surrounded by press as my band packed themselves up and went home. When everything finally settled down at 3:30 PM, I was left in this state of shock and euphoria, and I'm still trying to process the surprise. Here are several videos and photos. I still get tears when I see how the band reacted behind me. I love these kids!

Channel 2 News Broadcast
Channel 8 News Broadcast
Nevada Appeal Story
Carson Now Story
Pictures from the Milken Family Foundation website

Nevada Day Parade
Once again, the Nevada Day Parade did not disappoint.  The largest band in the history of Carson Middle School took to the streets and put on a performance that received many compliments.  Here are a couple of videos:
Nevada Appeal
NGBN Cason City TV Broadcast

 

GRADE NEWS

This week, I will have a weekly citizenship and participation grade.  On Friday, we will resume Smartmusic (as a grade) and their next assignment will be due on Friday, 11/8. We will also have our first playing test of the 2nd quarter, also due on Friday, 11/8.

HONOR BAND AUDITIONS
All interested students should be practicing honor band audition music this week. In 3 weeks, students will record themselves playing through the music and I will submit their music to a panel of fellow music educators, who will rate their performances. The top students in northern Nevada will be invited into a band that rehearses together in February with a special guest conductor. I will be uploading this music into Smartmusic so their work on the music can count towards their practice time.

CHILI BINGO NIGHT
This year's annual family Chili and Bingo is on November 22. We will begin the fundraiser on Friday with presale raffle tickets on Friday and I will be sending out a special update with all the specific information.

UPCOMING EVENTS
October 31 - Jazz in the Commons: 7:15 AM in the CMS Commons
November 8 - Veterans Tribute Concert (Advanced Band, Intermediate Band, Marching Band): 9:00 AM in the CMS Cafeteria
November 9 - Sierra Band Crusade (Select Marching Band members): All Day at UNR
November 11 - Reno Veterans Day Parade (Marching Band): All Day  Click here to view the informational flyer

After Veterans Day, we will have approximately 3 weeks between events as students prepare Honor Band audition and winter concert music. Keep in touch with the calendar on the band website for our future events.

What a week it has been! I will never forget the events that have unfolded, and I couldn't have done this without YOU!

-Mr. Jacques-

Concert Week

Dear Parents,

After 2 months of setting classroom procedures, teaching students how to practice, giving them their first playing tests, and getting to know your students, it's time for the fun part: concerts!

Grades Wrap-Up
Quarter 1 grades wrapped up on Friday. Students had several weeks of practicing, a few playing tests, weekly participation, and weekly citizenship. If their grade is an A or B, your student has achieved mastery overall with practicing, participation, and performing.  Great job!  If their grade is a C or a D, they are close, but either have low playing test scores or low practicing scores.  These students can easily earn an A or B by the end of the semester.  Students with an F have not practiced or made up playing tests. Once they make up their playing tests and improve their practice habits, they will easily earn a C or higher by the end of the semester.  Log into Infinite Campus to see your student's official quarter 1 grade in band.

Nothing is due this week, and students will have their concert on Wednesday night, which is worth 30% of their overall grade in band.

Fall Concert
Our Fall Concert is on Wednesday night! Please read this section carefully:

• Call time is 5:45 PM for Beginning Band and Concert Band, seated in the gym.
• Part 1 begins at 6:00 PM
• Call time is 6:45 PM for Intermediate Band, Jazz Band, and Advanced Band, seated in the gym.
• Part 2 begins at 7:00 PM
• Students must either wear their blue band polo with dress pants, black socks, and black dress shoes, or their Halloween costume.  Halloween costumes must not interfere with their ability to play their instrument properly.

We will have a table with shirts for sale. If you have not yet paid your band fees, we will also collect those at this table.  Thank you to Rachel, Evelyn, and Connie for volunteering to run this table. 

This concert is mandatory for all band members and it's a major rite of passage in their music education.  It will be a rewarding and fun evening for everyone.

Nevada Day Parade
The Nevada Day Parade is on Saturday, October 26, and is mandatory for all Marching Band members.  Click here for the Nevada Day Parade letter, which has important information for all Marching Band members and their families.

Watching the parade and want to cheer us on?  We are entry #30, and I predict that we will be working our way down Carson Street between 10:30 and 11:00 AM.

Nevada Day Concert
As some of you may already know, I'm the director of the Capital City Community Band.  This band has been in existence since 1978 and was founded by a former teacher of the CMS Band program, Mr. Doede.  This band is performing on Saturday at 2:00 PM at the Legislative Mall Amphitheater. I am offering extra credit to all students who attend and check in with me at the end of the performance.  This concert is absolutely free and I invite you and your families to attend immediately following the parade.

Sierra Band Crusade
On November 9, the University of Nevada is hosting the Sierra Band Crusade, Nevada's state marching band championships.  Every year, I invite 30 Marching Band members and watch the competition with me.  I will be giving all interested marching band members a handout on Tuesday afternoon. The cost for the trip is $5 for students and $10 for chaperones. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to see what marching band at the high school is all about.

Veterans Day Parade
On Monday, November 11, the Marching Band will also be performing in the Veterans Day Parade.  We just received word that we are entry #18 and we will be marching down Virginia Street in downtown Reno around 11:30 AM.  I will have a handout with more details available to the marching band following the Nevada Day Parade.

That is "all" for this week.  I look forward to seeing you at our fall concert and other events in the next few days.  Let me know if you have any questions.

-Mr. Jacques-

Firsts...

Dear Parents,

This month is all about firsts: Beginning Band's first concert, Marching Band's first parade, and the first quarter of the grading period coming to an end.  I have important information about our fall concert, marching band schedule, grades, and more!

FALL CONCERT

The CMS Band Fall Concert is on Wednesday, October 23.  This concert is mandatory for all students in all ensembles.  Here are some important details:

• Call time for Beginning Band and Concert Band: 5:45 PM in gym with instrument and music.
• Call time for Intermediate Band, Jazz Band, and Advanced Band: 6:45 PM in the gym with instrument and music.
• Part 1 of the concert begins at 6:00 PM with Beginning Band and Concert Band
• Part 2 of the concert begins at 7:00 PM with Intermediate Band, Jazz Band, and Advanced Band
• Concert dress will be either their blue band polo with black pants, black socks, and black dress shoes, or a Halloween costume that is school-appropriate and doesn't interfere with a student's ability to play (no masks, big gloves, etc).
• We will need parent volunteers to help monitor students in the halls/band room between groups and help sell polo shirts before/after the concert. Email Mr. Jacques if you're available. 

MARCHING BAND UPDATE

Students are finishing their work memorizing Tribute to America, and we will be running it through from memory at today's rehearsal.  See below for dates and times:

• October 8 - 2:30-4:30 PM, uniform fitting until 6:00 PM for brass, flags, and percussion.
• October 15 - 2:30-4:30 PM, percussion until 5:00 PM
• October 19 (Saturday) - 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, parent showcase performance and barbecue at 11:30 AM.
• October 22 - 2:30-4:30 PM, percussion until 5:00 PM
• October 26 (Saturday) - Nevada Day Parade, times to be announced next week.
• November 5 - 2:30-4:30 PM
• November 11 (Monday) - Reno Veterans Day Parade
• November 12 - 2:30-4:30 PM
• November 19 - 2:30-4:30 PM
• December 3 - 2:30-4:30 PM
• December 7 (Saturday) - Sparks Christmas Parade

SHIRTS HAVE ARRIVED!
Everybody who has paid their band fee should now have their shirts. If your student still owes their band fee, please pay it ASAP so they have the proper concert attire on October 23. We will also be selling shirts at the fall concert.

GRADE NEWS
This week, students will also be submitting assignments on the following tunes:
Concert Band: Freaky Fantasy
Advanced Band: Tribute to America, measures 25-end
Intermediate Band: Tribute to America, measures 25-end
Beginning Bands: Merrily We Roll Along
Jazz Band: Rock This Town (Friday in class)

There will also be at least 30 minutes of recorded practice time due this Friday and next Friday.  Students will receive 1 week off from completing this assignment during the week of Nevada Day.

Is your student still having a difficult time practicing? I am sending them home with practice tips and important reminders about how to use Smartmusic as a tool in their practicing. I also included a link to this handout at the top of this page.

Have a great week!

-Mr. Jacques-

Fall is in the air...

Dear Parents,

Week 6 is already upon us!  We are just 1 month away from our first concert and parade of the year.  Here's what you need to know as we start the first day of fall.

MARCHING BAND UPDATE
We have accepted a record 93 students into the CMS Marching Band! This record sized group of students will continue to learn how to work together as a team, problem solve, and make great music.  Feel free to come watch us march in the afternoons. We typically go outside by 3:45 PM and you can find us along Richmond Street and in the neighborhood north of the school. Please read the below dates carefully as we have added uniform fitting dates based on the instrument your student plays:

• September 24 - 2:30-4:30 PM, percussion until 5:00 PM
• October 1 - 2:30-4:30 PM, percussion until 5:00 PM, uniform fitting until 6:00 PM for woodwinds
• October 8 - 2:30-4:30 PM, uniform fitting until 6:00 PM for brass and percussion 
• October 15 - 2:30-4:30 PM, percussion until 5:00 PM
• October 19 - 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, barbecue following the rehearsal
• October 22 - 2:30-4:30 PM, percussion until 5:00 PM
• October 26 - Nevada Day Parade
• November 5 - 2:30-4:30 PM
• November 11 - Reno Veterans Day Parade
• November 12 - 2:30-4:30 PM
• November 19 - 2:30-4:30 PM
• December 3 - 2:30-4:30 PM
• December 7 - Sparks Christmas Parade

WAITING FOR SHIRTS?
If you or your student are waiting for band t-shirts and polos, I received word that there is a delay due to the shirts themselves being on backorder. The newest estimate for delivery of the new shirts is September 30. I will distribute the shirts to everyone who has paid their band fees as soon as we receive them.

GRADE NEWS
This week, along with the minimum 30 minutes of recorded practice time that's due Friday, students will also be submitting assignments on the following tunes:
Concert Band: Technique Builder
Advanced Band: Tribute to America, measures 1-25
Intermediate Band: Chromatic Scale
Beginning Bands: Hot Cross Buns
Jazz Band will not have a playing test yet. They will earn a performance grade by playing their first Jazz in the Commons on Friday, September 27.

Need a refresher on how to submit an assignment? Watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcHeU-GbcWE

WORKSHOPS, PERFORMANCES, AND GUESTS
One thing I try to do as much as possible is invite guests to work with our students and offer after school time to help support our musical students.  Here's what we have this week:
September 25: Clarinet and Saxophone Boot Camp, 2:30-4:00 PM
September 26: The Reno Philharmonic Brass Quintet Workshop, 9:30-10:15 AM (I'll email teachers to see if they can let students out of class to attend this amazing free workshop that takes place during the Advanced Band rehearsal)
September 27: Jazz in the Commons, 7:15-7:35 AM.  This tradition is in its 5th year, and takes place at the end of the last week of every month. Parents are always welcome to watch these performances.
September 27: Office Hours/Open Practice, 2:30-4:00 PM

NEXT WEEK:
October 2: Flute Boot Camp, 2:30-4:00 PM
October 3: Jazz Band Mentor Clinic with Peter Epstein, 7:00-7:40 AM  These will continue every Thursday for Jazz Band students until November 14.
October 4: Office Hours/Open Practice, 2:30-4:00 PM

SAVE THE DATE:
October 23: Fall Concert *Mandatory for all students* - 6:00-7:30 PM in the CMS Gym
October 26: Nevada Day Parade

That's it for this week. Let me know if you have any questions!

-Mr. Jacques-

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-