Month: December 2015

Happy Holidays!

Dear all,

I cannot express how proud that I am of the performance last night. The students played extremely well and we were extremely professional throughout the night. It exites me that our first concert was such a success!

I am currently in Chicago for a conference but will have a substitute for the next three days. Please make sure that your student grabs their instrument so that they can practice over the break. I expect to see empty shelves in the band room when I return!

The band jackets are set to be in at the end of week. I am hoping for Thursday. I will as hard as possible to make sure that your student receives their jackets before break

 

Be safe and happy holidays! I am proud as always.

-MM

Final Concert Reminders

Hello All,

If you are willing to be a volunteer to pass out programs, monitor a warm-up room or backstage or even help setup please come to see a director as soon as you arrive tonight.

Setup time:  3:15pm at the MAC

Volunteer report time:   6:30pm at the MAC

CONCERT REMINDER INFO FOR KIDS:

6th grade band:  Report at 6:30pm in full uniform, shirt tucked in, and go  directly to the stage, big cases put them backstage.

7th grade band:  Report at 6:45pm in full uniform, shirt tucked in, to the warmup room backstage right.

8th grade band:  Report at 6:45pm to the audience area reserved for you on the right side, in full uniform, shirt tucked in.

CONCERT REMINDERS FOR PARENTS:

Please collect your child’s cell phone prior to the performance.

Please do not hold up iPads or cell phones during the performance to record video or audio it is distracting to those behind you.

Please remember to be silent during the performances, this is a formal event not a sporting event.  The students deserve a quiet environment to make music in.  Please leave the auditorium if you have a crying child as we are recording audio.

PARKING:  Remember parking could be a challenge for everyone so arrive early, and be patient.

Thank you all for your support, we look forward to performing for you this evening.

 

-M. Menendez

-J. Huls

 

Class Equipment Order

Hello all,

 

I have submitted the equipment order for the students and I am hoping that they will be in early next week.

Mallets/Reeds/Reed Guards/Cork Grease are set to be delivered on Monday the 14th.

The Valve Oil/Trombone Slide Oil Kit are set to be delivered the 17th-22nd. (If it is a date after school releases then I will arrange a time where you all can stop by and pick up your products). 

I wanted to show you all the equipment that I recommend for the students and where I found them at the cheapest price. The things that I am recommending are not things that are meant to break your wallet, they are meant to be durable, yet reasonable for a 6th grade student while ensuring that their instruments will play in the best way that they possibly can. Teaching our students to maintain their instruments at a high level is something that all of us will appreciate as it saves time and grief in the long run!

Below is a shopping cart that I made on Amazon that shows the exact product and price for you. If your student missed out on this equipment order, they may either order it with you online or wait until January for that equipment order. I plan on doing one each month and setting up an CMS band account for it soon.

Amazon Shopping List

*Buying the reeds by the box instead of individually and a reed guard will save you money in ways that you would never imagine. Having multiple reeds allows for the students to rotate them which gives them a longer life. Having a reed guard helps even more by keeping the wood sturdy and in place as it sits in the instrument case. They also help to dry the wood evenly. *

Have a fantastic weekend and I will see you Monday the 14th, at 6:30 pm in our uniform.

 

-M. Menendez

maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net

 

Concert Reminders

Good morning,

I want to piggy back off of what Mr. Huls said to on the CJHS Trojan Band page. I want to say that our first full band rehearsal yesterday during school was fantastic. I cannot wait to put on the final touches for the concert on Monday. A quick reminder that the students need all black on the bottom (no jeans), and their band performance polo on top tucked in. Check to make sure that they wear black socks and that they are not wearing tennis shoes. We want a professional look from the 6th-8th grade programs. Anyone willing to  volunteer on Monday around 3:15 please email me: maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.com

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From Mr. Huls,

Monday

With our 8th grade after school rehearsal today we put the finishing touches on our concert music and we are all set for an awesome performance next week. Here is some information to keep in mind as you prepare for next Monday night:

Arrival Information

6th grade band: arrive at 6:30pm in full uniform, shirt tucked in. Report to the stage.

7th grade band: arrive at 6:45pm in full uniform, shirt tucked in. Report to the warm up room backstage right.

8th grade band: arrive at 6:45pm in full uniform, shirt tucked in. Report to the front right seats to watch 6th grade perform.

Volunteer Information

We will need several parents to come help setup after school at the MAC at around 3:15pm. We will also need everyone’s effort to pack up after the concert is over.

Parking Information

This will be the first concert without the use of the high school parking lot directly in front of the MAC. That is where the new HS is being built. All parents will need to park across the street in the new lower parking lot. The gym and tennis court parking will most likely be pretty full due to basketball game at the HS gym. Please plan ahead and arrive a little bit early. 

Concert Expectations

My expectation for all those watching the concert is that all of the bands will stay for the entire time and enjoy the entire performance. Please do not leave early.

Please collect your child’s cell phone. Be adamant about holding onto it for them, it becomes a distraction when the students are in the audience and should be watching and listening the other bands.

Please be extremely quiet throughout the performance. We want to create a formal, quiet environment where music can be created. We also record all of our performances for reflection in class.

When we all work together we can create a great environment for our kids to show off.

I cannot wait to see you there Monday night.

Equipment Order Form

Good morning everyone,

 

I have attached a screenshot of the order form for your students that is available at school in the front of the classroom. If they would like to order anything from me as I do one big order then they will simply fill this out at school and turn in the money. The money and orders are due Friday so that I can hope to get them in by next week.

Screen Shot 2015-12-09 at 9.57.48 AM.png

Order form in larger view   <—– Click here if you cannot zoom in.

Our concert is this Monday the 14th! Report time is 6:30 pm on stage at the Mabry Arts Center wearing all black (no jeans) and their band performance polo. Bring the whole family! I cannot wait to see you and hear what your students can do!

 

 

-M. Menendez

Chocolate Candy Order Delivery

Good evening,

We are still desperate for volunteers to help with the sorting of our chocolate candy that comes in tomorrow. PLEASE fill out the form if you are available to help tomorrow at all. Your help is appreciated!

  • The chocolate is set to be here at CMS around 9:30am. I will need help at that point and in the afternoon during dismissal as well. Your support and help is very much appreciated!
  • If there are any parents who would like to volunteer you may fill out the form below:

-M. Menendez

Chocolate Candy Order

Good afternoon,

  • Our chocolate candy order is set to be delivered Monday morning. The boxes are much smaller than the cookie dough boxes were. Students will receive their chocolate and their order form so that they can deliver their orders to their customers.
  • The chocolate is set to be here at CMS around 9:30am. I will need help at that point and in the afternoon during dismissal as well. Your support and help is very much appreciated!
  • If there are any parents who would like to volunteer you may fill out the form below:
  • The coat orders have been placed but are not ready yet. They will be ready before we get out for break.
  • I sent home a letter today to remind you of the concert attire and report times for the students (6:30pm at the Mabry Arts Center).
  • As we prepare for the concert please ask your students to perform the pieces for you so that we can monitor that they are practicing and preparing to do their best on Monday the 14th.

I hope to see some familiar faces at the Christmas Parade this evening here in Carrollton! Have a great day!

 

-M. Menendez