Author: CMS Trojan Bands

3/4-3/8

Good morning,

We have a busy week ahead of us in the band program!

Tuesday: Pre LGPE Concert *Required for all students*

Wednesday: Jazz Band rehearsal until 4:15

Thursday: 6th Grade Field Trip to Woodland High School/LakePoint Station

Pre LGPE Concert: Tuesday, 3/5 @Mabry Arts Center 7th/8th grade only

We are excited to present our next concert this Tuesday at the Mabry Arts Center. We will share the concert with the high school programs and will have guest adjudicators there to give us feedback leading into our Large Group Performance Evaluation late March.

Report time for all students is 5PM.

  • Wear formal all black
  • Students are dismissed after their group finishes performing
  • Concert is free and open to the public

6th Grade Field Trip

Our roster for this Thursday is attached here.

Permission Form here.

I have not added the cash or check payments from the end of the week and will add those in on Monday. Please check beside your name and let me know if you have any questions about anything that is not checked off.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Xander Adams and Brayan Calix Alberto! They participated in the GMEA 2024 All State Band this weekend. Both students began working on their audition material in August with a two-part audition leading to their acceptance into the ensemble. They spent the past few days rehearing at the University of Georgia with students from across the state and performed a concert Sunday afternoon at the Classic Center. Thank you for being leaders in our band program!

Our Jazz band performed spectacularly at both of our Black History Month Assemblies on Friday. Thank you to our students for your hard work and preparation as well as the courage to perform in from of the entire school!

Summer Opportunities

If your student is interested in continuing their musical journey this summer, there are wonderful music camps that are available hosted by some of the universities here in Georgia.

https://www.cobbsummerbandcamp.org/camp-details.html (Day camp at KSU)

https://www.kennesaw.edu/arts/academics/music/community-programs/summer-arts-intensive.php (Brass or percussion focused two day camp at KSU)

https://www.schwobsummermusicfestival.com (Spend the night camp at Columbus State University)

https://ugamusiccamps.weebly.com/music-institute.html (Spend the night camp at the University of Georgia)

Online Store: Open year round!

I am excited to present our online store for CMS Band merchandise that will be open year round. I will post the link each Sunday as a reminder and will let you know if any new items are added. This does not serve as a fundraiser for our band program but it does allow for us to purchase spirit wear to represent our program!

https://ozierproducts.com/CMSBandSpiritWEAR/shop/home

Upcoming Dates:

Pre- L.G.P.E. Concert: March 5th

L.G.P.E. Concert: March 21st

Carowinds Trip: April 12-13

Solo and Ensemble: April 27th

Spring Concert: May 6th

Have a wonderful rest of your Sunday!

Sincerely,

Ms. Maria Menendez

maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net

2/26-3/1

Week at a Glance:

Tuesday: Percussion Ensemble until 4:15

Wednesday: Jazz Band until 4:15

Thursday-Saturday: All State Band for Xander Adams and Brayan Calix! Congratulations!

Friday: Jazz Band Black History Month Assembly Performance (itinerary coming soon)

Pre LGPE Concert: Next Tuesday, 3/5

Our students have been working hard on their music for the upcoming Large Group Performance Evaluation Concert on March 21st. In order to better prepare for this, we host and share an annual Pre LGPE concert at the Mabry Arts Center where we hire judges to provide feedback and get a run through performance before LGPE. Please ensure that students wear all black like we did for our Fall concert. Students are dismissed one their band finishes their performance.

Location: Mabry Arts Center

All students report to Mabry Arts Center: 5:00 PM

Concert Band Performance: 6:00 PM

Symphonic Band Performance: 6:30 PM

Wind Ensemble Performance: 7:00 PM

6th Grade Field Trip: March 7th

All 6th graders who would like to attend our field trip to Woodland High School and LakePoint Station must fill out the following form. Chaperones who wish to attend will also fill out the form but will select “Chaperone”.

FIELD TRIP PERMISSION SLIP

Students who earned money towards this trip will see what they owe after submitting the form. If your student did not sell any raffle tickets, their name will not be listed and they must simply pay the full $30 after filling out the form.

We accept cash, checks written to CMS BAND, and payments on our Revtrak site.

All remaining balances must be paid by this Friday, March 1st, as well as the Jotform in order to attend next week.

Raffle Party

Our annual Raffle Party was a huge success! We had over one hundred students earn admission this year! Thank you to everyone who participated in the fundraiser and to all of the parent volunteers that helped out! Please share any photos that you took with me at maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net

Our raffle winners have been contacted and their prizes will be purchased and delivered this week. Congratulations!

Online Store: Open year round!

I am excited to present our online store for CMS Band merchandise that will be open year round. I will post the link each Sunday as a reminder and will let you know if any new items are added. This does not serve as a fundraiser for our band program but it does allow for us to purchase spirit wear to represent our program!

https://ozierproducts.com/CMSBandSpiritWEAR/shop/home

Upcoming Dates:

All State Band: February 29- March 2nd

Pre- L.G.P.E. Concert: March 5th

L.G.P.E. Concert: March 21st

Carowinds Trip: April 12-13

Have a wonderful rest of your Sunday!

Sincerely,

Ms. Maria Menendez

maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net

2/12-2/16

Good afternoon!

Monday: Final day to turn in raffle money.

Tuesday: Raffle drawing at 8:00 AM (No percussion ensemble rehearsal)

Wednesday: Jazz band until 4:15

Thursday: Raffle Party after school until 5:00 PM. Volunteers needed

District Honor Band

Congratulations to our CMS band members who participated in the District VII Honor Band! Students practiced beginning back in August for an audition in December for a spot in these ensembles. They spent Thursday through Saturday morning in Ringgold making music, bowling, and much more! Thank you for being leaders in our band program and representing our community so well!

Congratulations to Drew Williams!

It should not go without notice that Drew’s piece was premiered this Friday with the Carrol Symphony Orchestra! It has been an adventure getting to this point and we are so excited for you! Congratulations!

Drew is pictured below with conductor Terry Lowry as well as Mr. Trumble and Mr. Nelson who performed in the orchestra.

Raffle Party on Thursday: Volunteers needed

After we finish counting and collecting money tomorrow, we will have the roster updated on the following spreadsheet. I will then inform the students if they have sold enough to earn admittance into the raffle party. For those of you who are close to selling 10, you can continue selling until tomorrow!

Raffle Fundraiser Spreadsheet

Raffle Party:

  • Students will report to the band room when bus riders are called
    • Please wear comfortable clothing to play in
  • Volunteers will check into front office and report to band room around 3:15 to help set up
    • Please email maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net if you are able to volunteer
  • The party concludes at 5 PM. Students will report to the bus loop to wait on their rides

Online Store: Open year round!

I am excited to present our online store for CMS Band merchandise that will be open year round. I will post the link each Sunday as a reminder and will let you know if any new items are added. This does not serve as a fundraiser for our band program but it does allow for us to purchase spirit wear to represent our program!

https://ozierproducts.com/CMSBandSpiritWEAR/shop/home

West Georgia Winds Video Auditions: Due tomorrowI

West Georgia Winds is the group for you! West Georgia Winds rehearses in our own band room and performs one concert a semester at the Mabry Arts Center. 6th-8th graders have the opportunity to learn music with a guest conductor and students from across our area as part of this prestigious group.

Please visit the website below for audition information for those who would like to join the ensemble.

https://www.westgawinds.com

Although auditions are due tomorrow, I can work on getting extensions if needed. Please contact me with any question.

Upcoming Dates:

All State Band: February 29-2nd

Pre- L.G.P.E. Concert: March 5th

L.G.P.E. Concert: March 22nd

Carowinds Trip: April 12-13

Have a wonderful rest of your Sunday!

Sincerely,

Ms. Maria Menendez

maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net

2/5-2/9

Good evening!

We have done a stellar job with our annual raffle fundraiser! Great work! More info on that and other opportunities below.

Monday: Last day to sell raffle tickets

Tuesday: Percussion Ensemble until 4:15

Wednesday: Jazz band until 4:15

Thursday-Saturday: District Honor Band (itinerary was emailed. Forms due Tuesday)

Raffle Fundraiser: Due Tomorrow

We will delay the drawing until next week so that we can finish collecting all information and money.

IMPORTANT: Please view the Google Sheet and ensure that those that owe money turn it in. You will notice that it is organized by student name, then their customer, as well as how they elected to pay and if it was received. This will give you a few days to contact that customer and ask for their payments in order for their name to go into our drawing. I have hidden the customers’ phone number and email for privacy reasons.

A couple of reminders for all students who are selling:

If your student wishes to participate, they can sell in person, online, or a mixture of both to earn money towards their trip.

Field Trips:

  • 6th & 7th grades will earn $5 off their field trip for each ticket sold.
    • 6th grade trip to perform at Woodland HS and fun at Lakepoint Station in Cartersville.
      • March 7th Cost $30.
    • 7th grade trip to Urban Air in Newnan.
      • March 28th Cost $30
  • 8th Grade: will earn $10 towards their Carowinds trip for every 5 tickets sold.

Incentives:

  • For every 5 sold, students will get their own names added into the raffle grand prize drawing.
  • For every 10 sold, students will earn access to our exclusive Raffle Party Thursday, February 15th @CMS. Our raffle participation is free with 10 tickets sold and will include an ice cream sundae bar, recreational activities, music, and an inflatable obstacle course. Each student will also receive one piece of duct tape to tape Ms. Menendez. The top three sellers will be awarded the opportunity to pie Ms. Menendez, Mr. Trumble, Mr. Nelson, and Dr. Carr in the face!

Payment Options:

Williams Premier on Friday!

Drew Williams was chosen as one of the three winners of the 2023 CSO Young Composer Competition. His composition entitled, “Major Maxim’s Triumph” will receive its premiere by the Carroll Symphony Orchestra at their February 9th concert at the Carroll County Schools Performing Arts Center.

Although I will be at District Honor Band with some of our students, I hope that our CMS band members can show out and support at the CSO concert! More info about the concert can be found here: https://cprcad.myboxoffice.us/program/cso-discover-music-concert-1928

Interested in challenging yourself?

West Georgia Winds is the group for you! West Georgia Winds rehearses in our own band room and performs one concert a semester at the Mabry Arts Center. 6th-8th graders have the opportunity to learn music with a guest conductor and students from across our area as part of this prestigious group.

Please visit the website below for audition information for those who would like to join the ensemble.

https://www.westgawinds.com

Thank you all for being so supportive of your students and this program! It is going to be an incredible Spring Semester!

Upcoming Dates:

District Honor Band: February 8th-10th

All State Band: February 29-2nd

Pre- L.G.P.E. Concert: March 5th

L.G.P.E. Concert: March 22nd

Carowinds Trip: April 12-13

Have a wonderful rest of your Sunday evening!

Sincerely,

Ms. Maria Menendez

maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net

1/29-3/2

Monday: Fundraiser class work (more info below)

Tuesday: Percussion Ensemble 4:15

Wednesday: Jazz Band until 4:15

Fundraiser

Our raffle fundraiser is off to a GREAT start! Tomorrow in class, each student will work with Ms. Menendez to contact loved ones, friends, and family to sell raffle tickets through our online option. Last year the CMS band earned $1,000 in one hour through this online option. We will use a little bit of time tomorrow and will hope that it will earn many sales for our students so that they can participate in our raffle party February 15th.

Thank you for participating and for helping our program raise funds!

I have copied the information from last week below in case anyone needs a refresher on the prizes and incentives for this fundraiser.

——————————————————————————————————

Our students have the opportunity to participate in our raffle fundraiser from January 23rd to February 2nd. Each student will receive 10 raffle tickets priced at $10 each. Customers will automatically be entered into a drawing for one or multiple of the following prizes:

  • $50 Amazon gift card
  • Set of Airpods Pro
  • Nintendo Switch
  • Ninja Air Fryer

All students will receive ten tickets as well as a digital link to send out to family and friends.

If your student wishes to participate, they can sell in person, online, or a mixture of both to earn money towards their trip.

Field Trips:

  • 6th & 7th grades will earn $5 off their field trip for each ticket sold.
    • 6th grade trip to perform at Woodland HS and fun at Lakepoint Station in Cartersville.
      • March 7th Cost $30.
    • 7th grade trip to Urban Air in Newnan.
      • March 28th Cost $30
  • 8th Grade: will earn $10 towards their Carowinds trip for every 5 tickets sold.

Incentives:

  • For every 5 sold, students will get their own names added into the raffle grand prize drawing.
  • For every 10 sold, students will earn access to our exclusive Raffle Party Thursday, February 15th @CMS. Our raffle participation is free with 10 tickets sold and will include an ice cream sundae bar, recreational activities, music, and an inflatable obstacle course. Each student will also receive one piece of duct tape to tape Ms. Menendez. The top three sellers will be awarded the opportunity to pie Ms. Menendez, Mr. Sidel, and Coach Cochran in the face!

How the fundraiser works:

  • Students will collect the $10 from the customer, tear the ticket in half so that the customer has their portion (the gold part), and turn in the information portion to Ms. Menendez. 
  • Ms. Menendez will document that purchase and credit it towards that student as well as enter their name into the drawing.
  • Drawing will occur on Tuesday, February 6th at CMS. Winners will be contacted. 
  • Payment Options:

Donations:

  • If you are willing to assist in any of the following ways, please contact Ms. Menendez
    • Monetary donation towards prizes
    • Volunteer at raffle party
    • Donation of ice cream sundae supplies for party
    • Monetary donation towards inflatable obstacle course for party
  • These donations will allow the band to maximize on profit! Thank you for your consideration!

We hope to purchase new instruments and music for our ever-growing band program!

Sincerely,

Ms. Maria Menendez

maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net

Raffle Fundraiser

Good morning!

It is time for our annual raffle fundraiser to begin! Our 6th, 7th and 8th graders will be traveling this Spring and will be able to earn money off of their trip or their entire trip payment through this fundraiser! In addition, our growing band program will be able to purchase new equipment and music with this money.

Our students have the opportunity to participate in our raffle fundraiser from January 23rd to February 2nd. Each student will receive 10 raffle tickets priced at $10 each. Customers will automatically be entered into a drawing for one or multiple of the following prizes:

  • $50 Amazon gift card
  • Set of Airpods Pro
  • Nintendo Switch
  • Ninja Air Fryer

All students will receive ten tickets as well as a digital link to send out to family and friends.

If your student wishes to participate, they can sell in person, online, or a mixture of both to earn money towards their trip.

Field Trips:

  • 6th & 7th grades will earn $5 off their field trip for each ticket sold.
    • 6th grade trip to perform at Woodland HS and fun at Lakepoint Station in Cartersville.
      • March 7th Cost $30.
    • 7th grade trip to Urban Air in Newnan.
      • March 28th Cost $30
  • 8th Grade: will earn $10 towards their Carowinds trip for every 5 tickets sold.

Incentives:

  • For every 5 sold, students will get their own names added into the raffle grand prize drawing.
  • For every 10 sold, students will earn access to our exclusive Raffle Party Thursday, February 15th @CMS. Our raffle participation is free with 10 tickets sold and will include an ice cream sundae bar, recreational activities, music, and an inflatable obstacle course. Each student will also receive one piece of duct tape to tape Ms. Menendez. The top three sellers will be awarded the opportunity to pie Ms. Menendez, Mr. Sidel, and Coach Cochran in the face!

How the fundraiser works:

  • Students will collect the $10 from the customer, tear the ticket in half so that the customer has their portion (the gold part), and turn in the information portion to Ms. Menendez. 
  • Ms. Menendez will document that purchase and credit it towards that student as well as enter their name into the drawing.
  • Drawing will occur on Tuesday, February 6th at CMS. Winners will be contacted. 
  • Payment Options:

Donations:

  • If you are willing to assist in any of the following ways, please contact Ms. Menendez
    • Monetary donation towards prizes
    • Volunteer at raffle party
    • Donation of ice cream sundae supplies for party
    • Monetary donation towards inflatable obstacle course for party
  • These donations will allow the band to maximize on profit! Thank you for your consideration!

We hope to purchase new instruments and music for our ever-growing band program!

Sincerely,

Ms. Maria Menendez

maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net

1/22-1/26

Week at a Glance:

Tuesday: Percussion Ensemble until 4:15

Wednesday: Jazz Band until 4:15

Spelling Bee

Congratulations to Gray Esslinger on his 2nd place finish in our system-wide spelling bee! Congratulations to Amaiya Deshields, the winner, and we wish her the best of luck going into the Region competition and representing our school system. A special shout out to Drew Williams for being a finalist as well.

$5 Concert at Carroll County Performing Arts Center

Villa Rica High School’s Wind Ensemble has been invited to perform at the state conference for music educators in Athens, Georgia this week. This is a huge honor for this ensemble and we are proud to have someone from Carroll County performing! The GMEA In-Service conference is an annual event for all music educators in the state of Georgia that aims to inform, inspire, train, and connect music educators. Very few bands are invited each year.

Villa Rica will have their preview concert tomorrow evening. Admittance is $5 and I hope that some of you will be able to attend to hear a wonderful band perform.

Have a wonderful rest of your Sunday night!

Sincerely,

Ms. Maria Menendez

maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net

1/16-1/19

Good evening,

We had a wonderful week last night that is worth celebrating!

Schedule for the week:

Tuesday: Percussion Ensemble until 4:15 (switched from Thursdays to Tuesdays)

Wednesday: Jazz Band until 4:15

Drew Williams Selected for CSO Composition Competition

Drew Williams was chosen as one of the three winners of the 2023 CSO Young Composer Competition. His composition entitled, “Major Maxim’s Triumph” will receive its premiere by the Carroll Symphony Orchestra at their February 9th concert at the Carroll County Schools Performing Arts Center. Drew is the first student in CMS history to win this competition.

All State

Congratulations to Xander Adams and Brayan Calix Alberto who earned a spot in the 2024 Georgia All State Band. They auditioned with over 1200 students to earn a spot in this prestigious ensemble this past Saturday. These two students will travel to Athens, Georgia in early March to rehearse with a guest conductor and musicians from across the state. They will end perform a culminating concert with the ensemble on Saturday, March 2nd.

Xander and Brayan are pictured with CMS Principal, Eric Simmons

Pass Offs

Our students are working through a system known as a “pass off” system in all band classes. Students must successfully perform eleven pass off lines for one of the band directors in order to complete the entire page. Students perform these small songs meant to demonstrate their skill and understanding of various concepts. Once students complete their pass offs, their name is added to the wall of fame and they are invited to our donut and juice party at the end of the 9 weeks. Cooper Mullins was the first student to complete his pass offs successfully. Congratulations!

Upcoming Dates:

District Honor Band: February 8th-10th

Pre- L.G.P.E. Concert: March 5th

L.G.P.E. Concert: March 22nd

Carowinds Trip: April 12-13

Have a wonderful rest of your Monday evening!

Sincerely,

Ms. Maria Menendez

maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net

1/8-1/12

Good afternoon,

Welcome back from Winter break! We had an extremely successful Winter concert and are ready to get the year started!

Schedule for the week:

Tuesday: Percussion Ensemble until 4:15 (switched from Thursdays to Tuesdays)

Wednesday: Jazz Band until 4:15

Carowinds

Please ensure that you are up to date on your Carowinds accounts and payments.

https://superholiday.grcoll.co/go/cmsb30117-24

Upcoming Dates:

District Honor Band: February 8th-10th

Pre- L.G.P.E. Concert: March 5th

L.G.P.E. Concert: March 22nd

Carowinds Trip: April 12-13

Have a wonderful rest of your Sunday evening!

Sincerely,

Ms. Maria Menendez

maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net

Winter Concert

Welcome to our Winter Concert! Please click the image below or click on the link to view our program.

https://www.canva.com/design/DAF2HTq__1A/vGbSP5W7JovkgGxXU2oTLQ/view?utm_content=DAF2HTq__1A&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

CONCERT #1 6th grade/Symphonic 6:00 PM Mabry Arts Center

6th Grade Band:

  • 5:15 Report to Mabry Arts Center with instrument in case
  • 5:30 Have instruments and music on stage with cases in the back garage
  • 5:30-5:55: Warm up on stage
  • 6:00-6:20 Perform
  • 6:20: Switch spots with our Symphonic Band to watch them perform
  • 6:30-6:45: Watch Symphonic Band Perform

Symphonic Band:

  • 5:15 Report to Mabry Arts Center with instrument in case
  • 5:30 Have instruments and music with you in your assigned seats in the audience with cases in the back garage
  • 6:00-6:20 Watch 6th Grade Band Perform
  • 6:20: Switch spots with our 6th Grade Band and enter stage
  • 6:20-6:30 Warm up
  • 6:30-6:45 Perform

6:45 6th Grade/Symphonic Concert Concludes. Students Dismissed

CONCERT #2 Concert/Wind Ensemble 7:00 PM Mabry Arts Center

Concert Band:

  • 6:30 Report to Mabry Arts Center with instrument in case (may have to wait in the lobby while the concert before finishes)
  • 6:45 Have instruments and music on stage with cases in Mr. Cox’s room
  • 6:45-7:00: Warm up on stage
  • 7:00-7:20 Perform
  • 7:20: Switch spots with our Wind Ensemble Band to watch them perform

Wind Ensemble:

  • 6:30 Report to Mabry Arts Center with instrument in case (may have to wait in the lobby while the concert before finishes)
  • 6:45 Have instruments and music in assigned seats in the audience with cases in Mr. Cox’s room
  • 7:00-7:20: Watch Concert Band perform
  • 7:20-7:30 Warm Up on stage
  • 7:30-7:50 Perform

7:50 Concert/Wind Ensemble Concert Concludes. Students dismissed.