CMS Band

Important announcements

Hello all,

Thank you very much for your hard work this semester. Below are a couple of important announcements.

Cookie Dough: Depending on the amount of boxes that your student sold, they may owe money towards their band performance polo. The goal was to sell 7 boxes to earn their band polo. Three dollars from every box sold goes towards their $21 band performance polo. This shirt is needed to perform at all CMS and CJHS Band events. Please contact me with any questions.

Cookie Dough Delivery: The cookie dough is set to come in on the second full week of October. It looks like Tuesday the 11th is our goal date to have the cookie dough delivered. If you would like to assist in organizing and counting the cookie dough I will need a lot of help during the school day. Please contact me if you are interested in volunteering.

Band Concerts: We finally have our two concerts set up for the school year. We will share with CMS Singers for both of these concerts. If your child is in both ensembles then they will be given plenty of time to change or transition as needed.

Our Holiday Concert is December the 12th beginning at 7PM.

     Our Spring Concert is May the15th beginning at 7PM.

    Report times for both concerts is 6PM at the Mabry Arts Center at the high school.

Playing Test: We had a very successful first playing test last week. A student may make up any test grade for me throughout the year. Please check their grade and encourage them to push for a 100. Also keep an eye on their practice log grade and their weekly participation grade. Students with great practice log grades and participation grades are more likely to excel on playing tests.

Please contact me with any questions: maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net

 

Sincerely,

Ms. Menendez

Welcome!!

Good afternoon,

I cannot tell you how excited that I am to begin this year. I am not sure how, but I somehow got the best students in the school placed in band! All jokes aside, your students have been fantastic so far. I am looking forward to growing with them this year.

A few reminders:

Instrument Night

We have two instrument nights. 5th grade has theirs on August 16th from 5-8pm. 6th grade has theirs on August 17th from 5-8pm. Both instrument nights will be located in the gym/band room (the two rooms are combined). You may show up at ANYTIME between those times listed above. We ask that you aim for 5, 6, or 7 because we will host an informational meeting to answer your questions at that time. After that meeting we will send you in the band room to speak to a Music and Arts representative to sign up for your instrument. They will speak to  you about renting or purchasing. I do not have the prices at the moment for the instruments since they change every year depending on the market but we choose to stay with Music and Arts because they provide quality instruments with the lowest prices around. This is only the night where the instrument are ordered, they will be delivered on our Start Up Day. If you cannot make a day at all then please let me know and we can have you all come on the other day. 

Saturday Jump Start Camp

As stated in the form sent home, this will be a great new tradition this year. Students will come on August the 20th from 9AM-12PM (three hours) to receive their instrument, learn how to put it together, and how to play it! We have hired professionals to come in on that day to teach them how to do these things. It is required for all students but if there is a prior commitment please contact me as soon as possible.

After School Commitments:

We have no after school activities all year except for the following:

Instrument nights on August 16th and 17th

Saturday Jump Start Camp on August 20th

Our two concerts. One at the beginning of December and one in May. Those dates are being finalized this week.

I ask that for these few dates that you make it a priority for the students to be at these events. I pride myself on keeping my class during the school day and letting your students do other activities throughout the school year. Playing sports and being in clubs is just as important as band.

Ask me any questions that you have.

-Ms. Menendez

 

Summer Camps/Private Lessons

Don’t forget to take advantage of these wonderful opportunities below!

Summer Camps:

There are several summer camps that I would like to recommend for students who would like to grow on their instruments this summer. Some of them are more expensive than others, depending on what they offer. I have listed some info below for you all:

Sounds of Summer:         http://www.soundsofsummerbandcamp.com

  • A day camp that takes place at Midway Church in Villa Rica
  • Register and Pay Online
  • I will work this camp for the second year in a row. Highly reccommended.

Bravo! Music Camp:         http://www.bravomusiccamp.com

  • Over night camp held at Berry College
  • All meals and T-Shirt included.

Encore! Band Camp:       http://www.encorebandcamp.com

  • Over night camp held at Georgia College and State University
  • Register and Pay Online

Summer Camps are an awesome opportunity for your kids to grow as musicians, as well as meet new friends.  All of these camps have a great staff of people running them, and a lot of fun activities each day.  Please consider enrolling your child.

SUMMER LESSONS:

Taking lessons during the summer is equivalent to a baseball player having a pitching coach. They get one on one time to enhance their abilities. If your student feels behind, this is the individual attention that they need! If they are ahead and want a challenge then private lessons are a way to learn new concepts with a professional guiding your child. Below are my recommendations for people who I feel are qualified to each our students. You may contact them to work out pricing and location. Students who take private lessons end up well ahead of other students in band and have a large increase in self confidence when playing their instruments.

Flute:

Elisa Lyle: elisaflute@bellsouth.net

Dawn Marie Schafer: dawnmarie725@yahoo.com

Paige Jenkins: pj2355@yahoo.com

Clarinet:

Kyle Willoughby: +1 (404) 852-8740

Russel Bennet: r13prelate@gmail.com

Paige Jenkins: pj2355@yahoo.com

Saxophone:

Benjamin Lively: blively2@my.westga.edu

Trumpet:

Chandler Dickerson: ctd91545@uga.edu

Ms. Menendez: maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net

French Horn:

Eric Hawkins: ericchawk@gmail.com

 Trombone/Baritone:

Ms. Menendez: maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net

Tuba:

Scott Jones: Scottrjones88@gmail.com

Percussion:

Adam Gresham: adam.g.gresham@gmail.com

Please ask me any questions that you have in regards to trying to find a good match for private lessons for your student. I look forward to the growth and fun that you child will have from participating in either of the above this summer.

Be safe and have a great summer!

-Ms. Menendez

 

Concert Recap/Summer Camps/Summer Lessons

Good afternoon,

I find it hard to put how our Spring Concert went into words. The students played very well and behaved the entire time. I heard many compliments on the students about their sound. stage presence, and how quiet they were while the other bands performed. I am so excited that the 6th graders get to move on with Mr. Huls next year at the Junior High. They have no idea what they are in for! The best is yet to come. Congratulations on a wonderful Spring Concert and school year everyone!

Summer Camps:

There are several summer camps that I would like to recommend for students who would like to grow on their instruments this summer. Some of them are more expensive than others, depending on what they offer. I have listed some info below for you all:

Sounds of Summer:         http://www.soundsofsummerbandcamp.com

  • A day camp that takes place at Midway Church in Villa Rica
  • Register and Pay Online
  • I will work this camp for the second year in a row. Highly reccommended. 

Bravo! Music Camp:         http://www.bravomusiccamp.com

  • Over night camp held at Berry College
  • All meals and T-Shirt included.

Encore! Band Camp:       http://www.encorebandcamp.com

  • Over night camp held at Georgia College and State University
  • Register and Pay Online

Summer Camps are an awesome opportunity for your kids to grow as musicians, as well as meet new friends.  All of these camps have a great staff of people running them, and a lot of fun activities each day.  Please consider enrolling your child.

SUMMER LESSONS:

Taking lessons during the summer is equivalent to a baseball player having a pitching coach. They get one on one time to enhance their abilities. If your student feels behind, this is the individual attention that they need! If they are ahead and want a challenge then private lessons are a way to learn new concepts with a professional guiding your child. Below are my recommendations for people who I feel are qualified to each our students. You may contact them to work out pricing and location. Students who take private lessons end up well ahead of other students in band and have a large increase in self confidence when playing their instruments.

Flute:

Elisa Lyle: elisaflute@bellsouth.net

Dawn Marie Schafer: dawnmarie725@yahoo.com

Paige Jenkins: pj2355@yahoo.com

Clarinet:

Kyle Willoughby: +1 (404) 852-8740

Russel Bennet: r13prelate@gmail.com

Paige Jenkins: pj2355@yahoo.com

Saxophone: 

Benjamin Lively: blively2@my.westga.edu

Trumpet:

Chandler Dickerson: ctd91545@uga.edu

Ms. Menendez: maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net

French Horn: 

Eric Hawkins: ericchawk@gmail.com

 Trombone/Baritone:

Ms. Menendez: maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net

Tuba:

Scott Jones: Scottrjones88@gmail.com

Percussion:

Adam Gresham: adam.g.gresham@gmail.com

Please ask me any questions that you have in regards to trying to find a good match for private lessons for your student. I look forward to the growth and fun that you child will have from participating in either of the above this summer.

Be safe and have a great summer!

-Ms. Menendez

 

 

TROMBONE PARENTS!

Trombone parents:                                                                       

We are looking for a trombone slide that belongs to Music and Arts. I am asking that you check with your students on the slide of the trombone and check the serial number. The serial number should be engraved on the metal section that will probably be silver or nickel. It should be located where the students’ left hand is when they play. Please check to see if you have the following serial number on there: 245968. If so this means that you do not have your correct trombone slide. There were times when I allowed for students to use this slide while their slide was in the shop getting repaired. Somehow things were mixed up and not returned.

There is no penalty or payment needed with this. I would just like to get your correct slide back to you!

If your slide matches that serial number please call or email me right away.

Extension: 1516

maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net

Sincerely,

Ms. Menendez

Band Concert Monday, May 16th

Good evening,

I want to make sure that the parents of the kids in Savannah are still aware of the concert on Monday. 

Please read below:

When:  Monday May 16th. From 7pm – 8:15pm

Where:  The Mabry Arts Center

What:  Spring Concert.  No admission fee.

Who:  All bands 6th – 8th and jazz band will perform one final time as our year comes to an end.

6th Graders should arrive at 6:30pm and report to the stage, cases should go backstage.

 

ALL STUDENTS SHOULD ARRIVE IN UNIFORM

  • BLACK CMS BAND POLO SHIRT.  TUCKED IN
  • BLACK DRESS PANTS, NO JEANS.
  • BLACK DRESS SHOES, NO SNEAKERS OR HIGH TOPS.
  • BLACK SOCKS

Parent Expectations:  

  1. Please make sure your child is wearing the proper uniform attire before arriving at the concert.
  2. Please do not leave before the concert is finished.  All students need to stay to support and enjoy the other bands.  Seating is always very tight, please make your way to the center of the rows so that all can sit down.
  3. Please collect your childs’ cell phone before the concert begins, they will not need it during the other performances.

-M.Menendez

Spring Concert in a week!

Good afternoon,

This is just a quick reminder about our upcoming Spring Concert on May 16th (a week from today). Please read below:

When:  Monday May 16th. From 7pm – 8:15pm

Where:  The Mabry Arts Center

What:  Spring Concert.  No admission fee.

Who:  All bands 6th – 8th and jazz band will perform one final time as our year comes to an end.

6th Graders should arrive at 6:30pm and report to the stage, cases should go backstage.

7th Graders should arrive at 6:45pm and report to the warm-up room backstage.

8th Graders should arrive at 6:45pm and report to the auditorium seating area blocked off for them.

ALL STUDENTS SHOULD ARRIVE IN UNIFORM

  • BLACK CMS BAND POLO SHIRT.  TUCKED IN
  • BLACK DRESS PANTS, NO JEANS.
  • BLACK DRESS SHOES, NO SNEAKERS OR HIGH TOPS.
  • BLACK SOCKS

Parent Expectations:  

  1. Please make sure your child is wearing the proper uniform attire before arriving at the concert.
  2. Please do not leave before the concert is finished.  All students need to stay to support and enjoy the other bands.  Seating is always very tight, please make your way to the center of the rows so that all can sit down.
  3. Please collect your childs cell phone before the concert begins, they will not need it during the other performances.

Volunteer Opportunities

If you can come help setup Monday May 16th at 3:15pm at the MAC that would be awesome, please send me an email.  We usually only get two or three people, but many hands make light work.  Also if their is anyone willing to supervise during the concert please email me.

I cannot wait until Monday! Please check at home to make sure that the band uniform is ready to go. Kids tend to grow out of those dress shoes and pants quickly. This is an exciting time of the year and I cannot wait to perform with your students.

-Ms. Menendez

 

After School Rehearsals Still On

Good morning,

As mentioned last week, our after school rehearsals are still on as usual. On Mondays we have after school practice sessions for kids who want some extra practice. Wednesdays we have our Instrument Club. This is when high school students come over and play/teach with your students. PLEASE encourage your students to stay after for this. Our numbers have been low lately and I do not want to have to cancel it!

Remember that we have our Spring Concert on May the 16th at 7:00 pm. 6th graders will report at 6:30 to the stage in full uniform. Make sure that your student has black pants, socks, and shoes that fit! There is still time to buy or borrow things if needed.

I have some fun adventures planned for your students coming up. They are all during the school day. You will be notified as soon as they are finalized.

 

-MM

maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net

Milestones Pep Rally/Summer Music Band Camp

Good afternoon,

On Monday the 18th we will have a pep rally for the upcoming Milestones next week. Our band will play at it for the first time in school history to pump up our students! This will occur during the school day and will not require any extra rehearsals or preparation for it. The students will wear their band polos. They may wear any shoes or pants that they would like to. If your student would like to bring their band polo this week for me to hold on to until Monday, I can do that. I will keep them and label them. I would hate for a student to forget their polos on Monday and miss out on the chance to perform.

The Sounds of Summer Band Camp is a great opportunity for those of you who would like for your student to attend some sort of music camp to enhance their skills. I highly recommend this camp for my students as a past staff member. This is a camp that is hosted at Midway Church and is cheap and worth the money. The students are taught about music from professionals and will meet students from different schools around our area, will be fed daily delicious food, and will have a daily recreational time. Carrollton consistently has the highest number of students who attend this camp. I told the students in class that I wish that there was a camp for me when I was younger that was this fun, affordable, and close!

Sounds of Summer Band Camp Website

Please look at their website and speak with your students. If you have any questions or would like to have your student attend but have some limitations, please contact me directly.

 

-M. Menendez

maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net

SPRING CONCERT DATE CHANGE

Good morning,

I am so excited to be back from Spring Break so that we can dig in towards our Spring Concert. You are going to be very impressed with what you hear at our last performance. The Spring Concert was set for May the 9th at 7pm at the Mabry Art Center. Due to the Spring Musical at the high school, the concert has been pushed back to May 16th (the following Monday). Please in form any family members and friends of this date change.

The students will still report in their black pants (long skirt) with black socks, shoes, and their band polo. Please make sure NOW that they have all of those items. We are a month away roughly so now is the time to shop for anything that they may need. Students who are not in uniform will not perform at the concert.

Your students are awesome and are exceeding my expectations! I’m one lucky teacher.

-Ms. Menendez

maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net