Central Middle Mustang Band
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NEWS & EVENT INFORMATION

Winter Concert 2022

12/5/2022

 
Picture

Rescheduled to Sunday, December 18, 2022

With school being closed tomorrow we will have to reschedule the concert. Due to other school conflicts between now and the end of the semester, the only available evening is Sunday evening. So we will reschedule to THIS Sunday, December 18, backing the times earlier by 1 hour.

>>6th grade will report at 4:40 with music starting at 5:00.
>>7th grade will report at 5:30 with music starting at 5:45.
>>8th grade will report at 6:15 with music starting at 6:30.

We hope that by holding it in the evening most family and church obligations will be over by that time. If there is a major conflict that your child absolutely cannot get out of, please let me know. For all of our students this is their only concert band performance of this semester (and our 6th graders 1st performance!), so I truly hope we can make this work. I apologize so much for this and appreciate your efforts to make this happen for our children… despite what the weather wants to send our way!
Who Will Perform?
All students enrolled in 6th - 8th Grade Band classes as well as featured soloists!
Arrival:
To help with flow, 7th & 8th Grader performances and audience members (unless you are coming to attend the earlier concerts) please do not enter the building until you start to see the previous group exit!  Thank you!

Dismissal:
  

Students will be dismissed at the end of their performance to make room for the following concerts.  Although they are not required to stay for the other concerts due to space concerns, if they do stay they should sit in the audience with adult supervision.  8th Graders will be required to help pick-up before leaving.

Concert Etiquette:
Our students have been working very hard in their preparation for this concert.  So that audience members and performers alike can have an enjoyable musical experience, we have also been practicing appropriate concert etiquette in class and hope that our audience will support us in our efforts!
  • Treat the concert as a formal event.  Clapping is the appropriate way to show appreciation.  If you really love something, a standing ovation is the best way to show your enthusiasm!
  • Everyone should remain seated and quiet during the performances.  If you must exit the gym, please do so at the end of a song.  Students are asked to go to the bathroom before reporting and will not be dismissed until the conclusion of their portion of the concert. 
  • Please be mindful of blocking other’s view when recording videos.
  • Lastly, please turn off your cell phones and other noise making devices!

Seeking Donations:  
​
Donations will be taken at the door to help support our band program!  If you would like to donate to this cause before the concert, you are welcome to bring cash or a check made out to CMS Booster Club.  You can also donate on our main page on our website: http://www.cmsmustangband.com/donate.html 
Band Uniform:
  • Maroon band polo (tucked in), available for purchase at http://www.cmsmustangband.com/store.html 
  • Black pants (no leggings, sweatpants, faded black jeans)
  • Black belt
  • Tall black socks
  • Black shoes

Bring:
  • Instrument assembled (or drum sticks and mallets).  Leave instrument cases in the car or with parents.  Only students with large school owned instruments will be allowed in the band room before the concert.
  • Music binder

Graded Performance Based On:                   
  • On time attendance
  • Appropriate dress
  • Musical preparation & Participation
  • Appropriate concert etiquette/behavior

Gonzales Christmas Parade 2022

11/11/2022

 

Sunday, December 11, 2022

  • Drop off:  11:00 am in the back parking lot of Central Middle School
  • Uniform:  We will let you know via Remind text which top we will wear.
    • If it is cold - Tunic Top over Maroon Band Polo (tunic top is supplied & issued by school)
    • If it is warm – Maroon Band Polo tucked in
    • Black pants (NO faded black jeans, joggers, or leggings)
    • Black belt
    • Tall black socks
    • All black comfortable shoes
    • If it is really cold, students may layer underneath and wear black or white gloves.
    • Students may wear a Christmas hat, elf ears, reindeer ears, or other Christmas hat!
  • Bring:  Instrument in case, flip folder, lyre, and music.
    • PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR CHILD THAT THEY HAVE THEIR LYRE AND FLIP FOLDER as they may have misplaced these since football
  • Pick-up:  Central Middle School back parking lot at approximately 3-4:00 p.m. This will depend on how far back in the route we are!  REMIND message will be sent when we are leaving the route, text @cmband7 or @cmband8 to 81010 to sign up.  We will not be releasing the students at the end of the route.  Please pick up at the school.
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​
​Rehearsals for the Parade:
  Students MUST attend the rehearsals in order to participate in the parade. 
  • DRUMLINE ONLY – Monday, November 28 – 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
  • All marchers - Wednesday, November 30 – 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
  • All marchers - Wednesday, December 7 – 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Download Permission Form

8th Grade Night at EAHS 2022

9/22/2022

 
8th Grade Night at East Ascension High School is coming up on Friday, September 30th.  All of our 8th grade students are encouraged to attend.  This is a fun and exciting opportunity for the students to sit with the EA Band in the stands at the football game and perform with them.  Here are the details:
  • Uniform – Black pants (no jeans, leggings, or joggers), black socks, black shoes, black belt, Maroon Band Polo tucked in 
  • Report time – 6:00 p.m.
  • Drop off location – Parking lot behind Leblanc Special Services on the corner of W Roosevelt St. and N Pleasant Ave.
  • What to Bring – Instrument and Music in Flip Folder.  Ms. Codina will drive over the tuba, baritones, and percussion instruments.  All other students are responsible for bringing their own instrument.  
  • EA Band will provide water and jambalaya during halftime, no outside food or drinks will be allowed in the stands
  • Release time – We ask that the students stay through halftime to watch the band's halftime show.  After halftime, the EA Band will provide jambalaya and then you will be dismissed (approximately 8:30 PM).  However, you are welcome to remain with the band until the end of the game.  The game should end around 10:00 PM.  A Remind (text @cmband8 to 81010 to sign up) will be sent out during halftime and again halfway through 4th quarter so parents know when to come pick up.  If you are attending the game you can pick up you child directly from the stands.  If you are not, we will release students in the same location as drop off after halftime and then again at the end of the game. 

This is an optional event.  We understand that this is a school function and that any infractions will be dealt with accordingly. A student may be asked to be picked up early should a problem arise.
Permission Form to Attend

Football Band Game Day Info 2022

9/9/2022

 
​The CMS Football Band is composed of 7th & 8th Grade band members and drumline members NOT involved with playing football, mascot, cheer, or dance.  The Football Band will perform at four home football games this school year.  All performances are mandatory as a part of the CMS band and are a grade.  Please read on for more details:

HOME GAME DATES
  • Thursday, September 22
  • Thursday, October 6
  • Thursday, October 13
  • Thursday, October 20 RESCHEDULED TO WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19!

REPORT TIME
Plan to report to school NO LATER THAN 4:20 pm for the 5:00 pm kick-off.

BAND UNIFORM
  • Maroon Band polo tucked in
  • Black pants (no leggings, joggers, or faded black jeans)
  • Tall black socks
  • Black belt
  • Black shoes

PICK-UP TIME
Games typically finish around 6:30 pm.  We send a remind message in the last quarter to let you know when to pick-up.  But…. STAY and watch the kids play!  We play a lot of music and have a great time!

TRANSPORTATION
Students are required to go home and come back for report time.  Many students will arrange to go home with a friend that has an adult available to drive them back for 4:20 pm.  As always, CONTACT ME If you are having trouble getting transportation sorted out and I will help you find a solution!

VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers to hand out water, monitor students during break, etc. are greatly appreciated.  Please contact Kayla Lafleur at klafleur614@yahoo.com to volunteer.

AFTER-SCHOOL PRACTICES
We will also have some mandatory after-school practices in order to combine all of the students and grade levels and to prepare for these games.  Please let me know if you need help coordinating a ride for pick-up time.  We do not want ride issues to be a reason why a student can not participate!  Please see the schedule below:
  • Drumline Only Practice - Mondays until 4:00 - August 15, 22, 29
  • Full Band Practice - Mondays until 4:30 - September 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 17
Please pickup in the back by the bandroom.

Please note our football game expectations for the musicians:
>> There is no food allowed in the stands during the games for musicians.  Only water is allowed and we provide that for you.  Eating while playing your instrument is never a good idea as food particles/sugars from food can do damage to the pads of your woodwind instruments and brass valves and slides.
>> Cell phones should not be out.  Taking a picture, sending a quick text to mom is okay, but you shouldn’t be “on” your phone.
>> Playing out of turn/hacking on drums is never allowed. 
>> All students are to remain with the band in the stands for the duration of the game.  Have something to eat, go to the bathroom, BEFORE you report.    


Getting Started!  6th Grade Beginner Band 2022-23

6/28/2022

 
I am very excited to get started making music with our 6th grade beginner musicians!  We will begin with instruments on Monday, August 15.  All students need to have their instruments and should have paid their band fees by this date in order to remain in band!  

Please make sure to label the student's instrument case clearly with their name!

Included in band fees is their beginner band book, containing all the music they will need for 6th grade.  Play-along tracks are available on our website at http://www.cmsmustangband.com/6th-grade.html.  I hope students are able to utilize these fun play-along tracks in their weekly practice.  Yes, students should be practicing at home!  ​

After-School Help Sessions

We will be hosting several after-school help sessions for each instrument.  These are optional, but HIGHLY recommended.  I am going to strongly encourage our 6th graders to attend as many sessions as possible for their instrument.  These sessions are the reason why our beginners are so successful so quickly.  Since our band classes are very large, it is our opportunity to isolate the instrument groups to help them get a solid start.  We bring in 7th and 8th graders to pair up with the 6th graders and help mentor them for even more one-on-one attention.  

Students report to the band room when the bell rings at the end of the day.  Pick-up in the back parking lot by the band room at 4:00 pm.
​
6TH GRADE AFTER-SCHOOL HELP SESSIONS
​FLUTE - August 24, September 8
​CLARINET - August 18, September 1
SAXOPHONE - ​August 22, September 6
​​​TRUMPET - August 17, August 31
​TROMBONE - August 25, September 7
​​PERCUSSION - No after school help sessions are currently scheduled because your section has an instructor, Ms. Wilson, that comes to your class to work with you!

Band Parent Meeting (Booster Meeting)

For many of you, band is a new experience for you and your child.  I invite you to attend our first Band Parent Meeting (Booster Meeting) on Monday, August 29 at 6:00 pm in the bandroom to get more information.  Meanwhile, please email if you have any questions!​

Things to do before the first day of school (6th Grade):

  • Check to make sure you have all the necessary supplies (see the "Central Middle School Band - [insert your instrument] Section!" e-mail I sent or the Supply List online)
  • Pay $35.00 band fee (students will not receive their band binders/music until this is paid, please pay on our band website or through the school online payment system)
  • Order the optional sweatshirt (no later than August 26 at band website)
  • Order the maroon band polo (these are always in stock so can be ordered closer to your December band concert through the band website)
  • Label instrument case (or drumsticks) clearly with your name on it!
  • Sign-up for Remind messages
    • 6th Grade - Text @cmband6 to 81010
  • Bookmark the Calendar and click +GoogleCalendar to sync it with yours!
  • Finally, get a good night's sleep and rest assured - middle school is going to BE GREAT!

Welcome Back to our 7th & 8th Grade Mustang Band Members 2022-23!

6/28/2022

 
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We are looking forward to welcoming back our Mustang Band members into the band room!  I am excited to hit the ground running to get prepared for our first football game in September. 

Yes!  Bring your instrument on your first day of band class.  All 8th Graders and 7th Grade Brass & Percussion should expect to have band on the first day and 7th Grade Woodwinds on the second day.  Dust off that instrument by practicing some of the football music, available on our website under the Music tab.  

​Please read on for some important reminders:

Things to do before the first day of school (7th & 8th Grade):

  • Purchase flip folder & lyre (percussion excluded)
  • Restock on supplies such as reeds, cleaning supplies, valve oil, drum sticks, etc. (see the "Supplies/Fees/Updates for Next School Year!" e-mail I sent or the Supply List online)
  • Pay $35.00 band fee (students will not receive their band binders/music until this is paid, please pay on our band website or through the school online payment system)
  • Order the optional sweatshirt (no later than August 26 at band website)
  • Order the maroon band polo if yours no longer fits (can be ordered at anytime during the school year at band website)
  • Label instrument case (or drumsticks) clearly with your name on it!
  • Sign-up for Remind messages
    • 7th Grade - Text @cmband7 to 81010
    • 8th Grade - Text @cmband8 to 81010
  • Bookmark the Calendar and click +GoogleCalendar to sync it with yours!

Football Band

Mark your calendars!

The CMS Football Band is composed of 7th & 8th Grade Band members and drumline members NOT involved with playing football, mascot, cheer, or dance.  The Football Band will perform at four home football games this school year.  Plan to report to school at 4:20 pm for the 5:00 pm kick-off.
  • Thursday, September 22
  • Thursday, October 6
  • Thursday, October 13
  • Thursday, October 20

We will also have some mandatory after-school practices in order to combine all of the students and grade levels and to prepare for these games.  Please let me know if you need help coordinating a ride for pick-up time.  We do not want ride issues to be a reason why a student can not participate!  Please see the schedule below:
  • Drumline Only Practice - Mondays until 4:00 - August 15, 22, 29
  • Full Band Practice - Mondays until 4:30 - September 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 17

Join us for our 1st Parent Meeting (Booster Club Meeting)
Monday, August 29, 6:00 pm at CMS Bandroom

I can't wait to get this school year started.  I know it is going to be a musically fantastic year!  Email me with any questions and don't forget to use our band website, www.cmsmustangband.com as a resource!
​

Spring Concert 2022

4/29/2022

 
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​Who Will Perform?
All students enrolled in 7th-8th Grade Band classes as well as featured soloists.
​
Performance Times:
6th Grade - 6:00 pm (Report 5:40 pm)
7th Grade - 6:45 pm (Report 6:30 pm)
8th Grade - 7:30 pm (Report 7:15 pm)

Band Uniform:
  • Maroon band polo (tucked in), available for purchase at http://www.cmsmustangband.com/polohoodiesfees.html
  • Black pants (no leggings, sweatpants, faded black jeans)
  • Black belt
  • Tall black socks
  • Black shoes

Bring:
  • Instrument assembled (or drum sticks and mallets).  Leave instrument cases in the car or with parents.  Only students with large school owned instruments will be allowed in the band room before the concert.
  • Music binder

Graded Performance Based On:        
           
  • On time attendance
  • Appropriate dress
  • Musical preparation & Participation
  • Appropriate concert etiquette/behavior 

Dismissal:  

Students will be dismissed at the end of their performance to make room for the following concerts.  Although they are not required to stay for the other concerts due to space concerns, if they do stay they should sit in the audience with adult supervision.  8th Graders will be required to help pick-up before leaving.

Concert Etiquette:

Our students have been working very hard in their preparation for this concert.  So that audience members and performers alike can have an enjoyable musical experience, we have also been practicing appropriate concert etiquette in class and hope that our audience will support us in our efforts!
  • Treat the concert as a formal event.  Clapping is the appropriate way to show appreciation.  If you really love something, a standing ovation is the best way to show your enthusiasm!
  • Everyone should remain seated and quiet during the performances.  If you must exit the gym, please do so at the end of a song.  Students are asked to go to the bathroom before reporting and will not be dismissed until the conclusion of their portion of the concert. 
  • Please be mindful of blocking other’s view when recording videos.
  • Lastly, please turn off your cell phones and other noise making devices!

Seeking Donations:  

Donations will be taken at the door to help support our band program!  If you would like to donate to this cause, you are welcome to bring cash or a check made out to CMS Booster Club.  You can also donate on our main page on our website: http://www.cmsmustangband.com/donate.html  ​

LMEA District Festival 2022

3/16/2022

 
8th Grade Band Field Trip
LMEA District IV Large Ensemble Festival
Zachary High School
Friday, March 25, 2022

The festival is an opportunity for the band to perform three prepared pieces and sight-reading in front of a panel of judges to receive assessment and feedback.  The highest rating a band can receive from a judge is a “1” or “Superior”.  Receiving this rating from the entire panel of judges is called a “Sweepstakes”.  The students have been working extremely hard to prepare for this event so we are looking forward to a great field trip and our first time going back to festival since COVID! 

DRESS: 
Maroon band polo TUCKED IN THE ENTIRE TIME, black pants with belt loops, black belt, black TALL socks, all black shoes (no joggers, leggings, or tall boots)


COST:
       
We will collect a $10 fee to cover the cost of entry fees, lunch, and the bus.  Please pay here:
SCHEDULE:
7:10 am
Arrive to school in band uniform.  Please go to advisory as usual, eat breakfast, etc.  We will call you out when it is time to report to the band room.  Chaperones please plan to report around 8:00 a.m.

8:30 am
Leave for Zachary High School

10:40 am
Warm-up
*We will need chaperones to help unload the trailer and possibly help carry some of the large percussion equipment inside the building.  The percussion traditionally report straight to the stage door and have a chaperone watch them while the brass and woodwinds enter the warm-up room.  It is extremely important, as per festival rules, that the kids are quiet and do not make any sounds on their instruments while we are moving from one location to another, esp. inside the building.  Once the band enters the warm-up room, any parents accompanying us can go into the theatre.

11:05 am
Performance
*After the performance the band will go into the sight-reading room.  This room is closed to spectators.  This will be a good time for any volunteers to set up for our lunch.  After sight-reading, we will have pizza for the students at a location on ZHS campus.  By the time the students have finished eating, we should know the results.  If there is enough time, we will watch a band perform before leaving.

12:30 am
Leave for CMS.  We will arrive before dismissal.
Permission Form

LMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival 2022

2/9/2022

 
Final Results 2022
---
Letter emailed on 2/25/2022:

​The LMEA Solo & Ensemble Festival is next weekend on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Bluff Middle School.  

TIMES: 
Please find the student's individual assigned times attached here. Working around students with schedule conflicts and performing in multiple events is very difficult, but I believe we were able to make everything work.  At this time, there will be no changes to the schedule. 

LOCATION:
Bluff Middle School, 15464 Bluff Rd, Prairieville, LA 70769

CHECK-IN: 
At least 20-30 minutes before your assigned time in order to warm-up.  Check-in table will be in the gym lobby (drive towards the back of the school, it will be the last building).

WHAT TO BRING:
Your music and your instrument (percussion check with your band director to see what you will need to bring)

DRESS: 
Band Uniform -OR- Dress *NICE* (think collared shirt/dress shirt with dress pants, dresses, or "concert black")

RESULTS/AWARDS: 
Results will be released at the end of the day and posted at www.cmsmustangband.com and www.districtiv.org/solo--ens.html  Medals and awards will be given to the child's band director who will then distribute to students.  

Students will perform for a judge who is a specialist on their instrument.  The judges will give written feedback and a rating of 1-5.  1 or "Superior" being the highest rating.  Medals are awarded to Superior ratings.  The judges will also be asked to give some verbal feedback of things that the students did well on and things they should improve.  The judges use the following rubric to rate the performer:
  • Brass and Woodwinds: https://www.lmeamusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/LMEA-Wind-Instrumental-Solo-and-Ensemble-Adjudication-Form.pdf
  • Percussion: https://www.lmeamusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/LMEA-Percussion-Solo-and-Ensemble-Adjudication-Form.pdf  

AUDIENCE POLICY:
Traditionally, Solo & Ensemble Festival is a closed event (similar to Honor Band Auditions) where spectators are NOT allowed in the room with the judge and the performer.  This year we will allow the student to bring in any family or friends, but only at the PERFORMER'S discretion.  Some performers feel more comfortable if they are allowed to have someone watch them but for many it may make them more nervous.  If they want no audience, do not pressure the performer to do something they are uncomfortable with!  "Audience" members may NOT interact with the judge, the performer, or the process in any way and must remain silent during the process (with the exception of a big APPLAUSE at the end of course).  

PLAYALONG TRACKS:
Play-along Tracks (or accompaniment tracks) are available for most all solos (with the exception of percussion).  Performers, make sure you have communicated with your band director about the exact track you are using and if you have changed the speeds.  On the CMS website, you should be using the "Accomp" track or the "Practice" track, not the "Demo" track .  The judge will have all of the tracks pre-loaded and will start it for you.  

If you have ANY questions about the event, please let me know.  The best way to make sure you are not nervous is to be the best prepared you can be and play your solo in front of people before the event.  Use the upcoming break as an opportunity to practice playing (without stopping!) for your friends and family.  And remember next Saturday to be COOL, CALM, COLLECTED and CONFIDENT!  You've got this!

Students Selected into 2021-2022 District Honor Band

12/11/2021

 
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Congratulations to the 14 Mustang Band Members that have been selected into the District IV Honor Band!
  • Brody Babin, Trombone
  • Elizabeth Bertucci, Clarinet
  • Kadrian Caster, Baritone
  • Jayden Conish, Flute
  • Clementine Faucheaux, Tuba
  • Oliver Green, Tuba
  • Jayden Griffin, Trumpet, Alt.
  • Aubrey Jones, Flute
  • Olivia Jones, Clarinet
  • Dawson Landry, Clarinet
  • Matthew Michelli, Baritone
  • Kayleene Salazar, Flute
  • Mia Zarazua-Dover, Percussion
  • Audri Zeringue, Flute

Winter Concert 2021

12/1/2021

 
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Christmas Parade 2021

11/15/2021

 
The Gonzales Christmas Parade is back on!  Our 7th and 8th grade band members march in this event along with the cheer and dance.  

Sunday, December 12, 2021
Here are the details:
Report by 11:00 am in the back parking lot of Central Middle School
Uniform:  We will let you know via Remind text which top we will wear.
  • If it is cold - Band Tunic Top, supplied & issued by school with band polo underneath
  • If it is warm – Maroon Band Polo
  • Black pants (NO faded black jeans, joggers, or leggings)
  • Black belt
  • Tall black socks
  • All black comfortable shoes
Bring:  Instrument in case, flip folder, lyre, and music.
PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR CHILD THAT THEY HAVE THEIR LYRE AND FLIP FOLDER as they may have misplaced these since football

Pick-up:  Central Middle School back parking lot at approximately 3-4:00 p.m. (REMIND message will be sent when we are leaving the route, text @cmband7 or @cmband8 to 81010 to sign up).  We will not be releasing the students at the end of the route.  Please pick up at the school.

Rehearsals for the Parade:
  • DRUMLINE ONLY – Monday, November 29 – 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
  • All marchers - Tuesday, November 30 – 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
  • All marchers - Tuesday, December 7 – 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
  • Please note that students must be able to attend the rehearsals in order to participate.  Basketball players can split their time with practices if necessary!

​We would love to have you chaperone and we are also looking for someone to pull the trailer.  Please indicate on the online permission form if you are available!

Click here for the Permission Form and Sign-up

Looking forward to having our students perform for the community!

​Parade Chaperone Informational Google Meeting at 6:00 pm (should only take 15 minutes!) click here: https://meet.google.com/aqb-zjvs-dqj
​---

Other dates to have on your calendar:
  • Honor Band Auditions @ Denham Springs JH - Saturday, December 11 (optional event, individual times TBA for those choosing to audition)
  • Winter Concert @ CMS - Wednesday, December 15 - Staggered performance times starting with 6th Grade at 6:00 pm (Mandatory performance for all students)

District Honor Band  Audition Registration 2021-2022

10/15/2021

 
7th & 8th Grade Band students are encouraged to audition for the District IV Middle School Honor Bands, which rehearse and perform the weekend of January 13-15, 2022 at Southeastern University in Hammond.  The Mustangs who have been selected in the past have had an unforgettable experience participating in a fun trip, performing new and challenging music, meeting other musicians from schools in the Greater Baton Rouge area, and learning from an accomplished band director.  Earning membership in these prestigious groups is a great addition to any young musician’s resume.  CMS has continued to have some of the highest number of students gaining membership into the ensembles and we hope to keep this record going!  

Please see the attached information to register (no later than October 29) for the Honor Band Auditions to be held Saturday, December 11.
Picture
Honor Band Trip 2019
Picture
Honor Band Rehearsal 2019
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A note about getting to Denham Springs Junior High:
There is a parade going on in Denham that weekend, so please avoid Range Ave.!  Check out the instructions below!

  1. Auditions are at Denham Springs Junior High School, 401 Hatchel Lane.
  2. There is a Christmas parade the same afternoon as auditions. It should not impact the audition​ ​process in any way as long as we avoid travelling on Range Ave. Please follow the map and/or​ ​the written directions.
    • Exit I-12 at Exit 10 - Range Avenue; head North
    • Take an immediate right onto Rushing Rd.
    • At the end of Rushing Road take a left onto Pete’s Hwy
    • Take Pete’s Hwy across Florida Blvd and it changes name to Hatchel Ln
    • Denham Springs Junior HIgh School is on the left shortly after the railroad crossing.
    • Once you arrive on campus there will be lots of signage to help you navigate the campus.
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Football Season 2021 is here!

9/20/2021

 
The 7th & 8th Grade CMS Mustang Band performs at the home football games.  8th graders must perform at all home games.  The 7th graders are not required to attend, but are encouraged to do so!  (Exception: the 7th & 8th grade drumline members attend all games)  
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WHO IS INVOLVED IN FOOTBALL BAND?
All 8th grade band members NOT involved in Cheer, Dance, Mascot, or Football.  7th graders are also encouraged to attend the October and November games but are not required.  

HOME GAME DATES 2021
Thursday, September 30
Thursday, October 21 
Thursday, October 28
Tuesday, November 9
 


REPORT TIME
Students report no later than 4:30 pm in band uniform to the CMS Bandroom.  Games start at 5:00 pm and typically last until approximately 6:30 pm.


TRANSPORTATION
Students are required to go home and come back for the 4:30 pm report time.  As always, CONTACT ME If you are having trouble getting transportation sorted out and I will help you find a solution!

BAND UNIFORM
Maroon Band polo tucked in (can be purchased online for $20)
Black pants (no leggings, joggers, or faded black jeans)
Tall black socks
Black belt
Black shoes

PICK-UP TIME
Games typically finish around 6:30 pm.  We send a remind message in the last quarter to let you know when to pick-up.  But…. STAY and watch the kids play!  We play a lot of music and have a great time!

TICKETS

Performing students are NOT required to purchase a ticket.  Any spectators should purchase their tickets online through the school online payment website.

VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers to hand out water, monitor students during break, etc. are greatly appreciated.  Please contact our Booster Club President Kayla Lafleur at klafleur614@yahoo.com to volunteer.


We are very excited to get back to performing!  Please let me know if you have any questions about these games coming up!

Remind Codes:
7th Grade: Text @cmband7 to 81010
8th Grade: Text @cmband8 to 81010

Be a Part of the Band!

5/9/2021

 
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Read More

8th Grade Slideshow 2020-2021

5/6/2021

 

Spring Concerts - Save the Dates!

3/25/2021

 
UPDATE AS OF 5/5:
We will be performing inside in the gym!  Everything else remains the same except please do not bring camping chairs.  All audience members MUST BE MASKED!

UPDATE AS OF 4/28:

PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGES!
5:00-5:20pm - 7th Grade Woodwinds
   5:20-5:40pm - Transition
5:40-6:00pm - 7th Grade Brass & Percussion
   6:00-6:20pm - Transition
6:20-6:40pm - 8th Grade Brass & Percussion
   6:40-7:00pm - Transition
7:00-7:20pm - 8th Grade Woodwinds 

Thank you for your understanding in this change.  We are still outside for this performance, so we needed to make sure that a) we had enough transition time to sanitize between performances and that b) the last group would be finished before the sunlight faded too much.  

A few other notes:
  • 4 audience members per student.  Students will be given 4 tickets.  AUDIENCE MEMBERS MUST HAVE A TICKET TO ENTER!  If you are NOT going to use all of your tickets, please ask your child if they know if someone needs more, and/or bring it to the concert and leave it with the check-in table so that someone else can use it if necessary. 
  • Students report 15-20 minutes before their concert time directly to the back door of the bandroom.  (Due to capacity, DO NOT REPORT EARLIER THAN THIS!)
  • Gates will be open for audience members 20 minutes before their child's performance.  You can only attend the concert time for which you have been given a ticket.  The stadium will be cleared in between performances.  Please wait in your car until it is time to enter.
  • Audience must enter through the back gate by the bandroom OR the gate by ITTC at the left front of the school.
  • The performance is on the football field and there is limited seating at 6 ft spacing in the bleachers, so I encourage you to bring a folding chair/camping chair if you have one.  The ticket is NOT a ticket for a seat, just a placeholder for the number of people we can have in the area. 
  • Each concert is approximately 20 minutes in length. 
  • Our program will be digital this year, so please don't forget to scan the QR code when you enter in order to access it on your smart phone.
  • Audience members should be masked up and stay 6 feet apart, despite the latest changes at the state level, the school mandate is still for everyone to be masked up on campuses.  
  • Finally, see the memo below for dress requirements (it is NOT too late to still get a band polo if you want one!)

Things went VERY smoothly last when we followed all of these protocols with our 6th grade concert, so I am looking forward to another great performance from our Central Mustang Band.  Thank YOU for everything you have done to continue to support your child through this very unusual band year!

--

Original message:
Parents,

I am so excited to announce our one and only concert of this year!!!!!  It has been quite a challenging year for music and live performances, but nevertheless our students have been working hard all year and have some great tunes prepared to play for you!  We are planning for the concerts to be outdoors at Central Middle School with staggered times to allow for smaller audiences and to follow COVID protocols.  At this time, plan for 4 audience members per student.  We will send more details as the concert gets closer!  This performance is required and for a grade (*see the note at the bottom for Virtual students).  

Please save the dates!

6th Grade Band - Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 6:30 pm
     Download Concert Program Here


7th & 8th Grade Bands - Thursday, May 6, 2021 (SEE TIME CHANGES ABOVE)

Uniforms:  Due to this being our only full group performance of the year and many students not owning a band polo and/or their current one doesn't fit anymore, these are the guidelines for uniforms that we will follow:
  • Band uniform (black pants, black shoes, black belt, maroon band polo* tucked in) -OR-
  • Dressy/performance appropriate attire in black, white, gray, red/maroon.  Boys should have collared shirts, a tie is a plus!  Should ladies choose to wear a dress/skirt it needs to be school appropriate length.  NO loud prints, jeans, shorts, athletic wear, leggings, or sleeveless tops.  AVOID athletic shoes if you can, unless they are all black.  (You can just keep it simple and do what professional musicians do!  We wear all-black and even call it our "Concert Blacks".)  Contact me if you have any worries or questions!

*Band polos: We do have many on hand and will still require them in future performances next year (as things should be more normal!). So if you would like to purchase one and have your child wear the band uniform for this concert, you can purchase them through the website here: http://www.cmsmustangband.com/store/p2/Band_Fee.html

-

For our virtual students who have not been performing in class with us on a daily basis, they can either: 
1) Do an alternate at home assignment 
-or-
2) Start coming to class to rehearse with the group.  For the students that do this already they just get dropped off by the back bandroom door and get picked up at the end of class.

-

We will send more details as the dates get closer, but please let me know if you have any questions!

District Honor Band 2021

1/4/2021

 
Each year over a thousand students from across the Greater Baton Rouge area audition for the District IV  Honor Band. There have been substantial modifications to the audition  process and event this year in order to meet COVID requirements. Students who are selected for this prestigious group will perform in small ensembles along with their peers from across the area.
 
Honor Band is a great goal to work towards in a year when other performance opportunities are limited.  We believe students who are selected will love the unique experience of performing in small ensembles. I  am encouraging all 7th and 8th grade students who are capable of performing the audition music,  at any level, to audition.
 
Registration - $10

  • Deadline - Monday, January 11th
  • Pay $10 by sending Cash/Check made payable to CMS Band
  • Return the registration form, which includes acceptance of the COVID stipulations for this year.
  • There is no late registration this year. If the student does not register in time, it is not possible to add them  later.
 
Honor Band Auditions - Prerecorded

  • Monday, February 8th to Friday, February 26th
  • Students will be given a username/password to log in to their Music First  account beginning on February 8th.  Recordings must be made using the Music First website. They cannot  create recordings using other software and upload them.
  • Students may attempt their recordings as many times as they like during the three-week audition  window. When the audition window closes on February 26th, the most recently stored recording becomes final. 
  • Audition Music
    • We have been learning portions of the audition music in class since the beginning of the year. However, students are responsible for individually preparing all of their audition material. After school clinics will be offered for each instrument to answer questions and refine audition music.
      • Brass & Woodwinds
        • Recording 1 – All scales on the honor band scale sheet, in order, without stopping.
        • Recording 2 – Honor Band Etude
      • Percussion
        • Recording 1 – All scales on the honor band scale sheet, in order, without stopping.
        • Recording 2 – All snare rudiments listed at the bottom of the honor band scale sheet, in  order.
        • Recordings 3-6 – Each etude in a separate recording. Snare, timpani, melodic.
 
Honor Band Event – Small Ensembles
  • Friday, April 16th & Saturday, April 17th
  • Students who make the honor band will perform in small ensembles with other top players in the district.  The ensembles are separated by instrument (Flute ensemble, Trombone ensemble, etc). There are also two  top groups: the Brass Quintet & Woodwind Quintet. Auditions for the two top groups will be held in  person on April 23rd before the first rehearsal.
  • Students who make the honor band will rehearse on Friday evening and all day Saturday. There will be a  concert for parents Saturday evening. The location for the event is TBD, but Dutchtown High School is  currently our top choice. 
 
COVID Protocols
  • Students will complete a temperature check and health screening questionnaire each day of the event.
  • Rehearsals and concerts are currently planned to be held entirely outdoors under covered areas.  Concerts will be staggered as necessary based on the current COVID guidelines in April.
  • Students will be socially distanced during the entirety of the event.
  • Participating students will be required to wear masks at all times when not actively playing a wind instrument. Wind instruments must be equipped with acceptable PPE (bell coverings). 
Download Registration Form/COVID Waiver

Football Band Returns!

9/30/2020

 
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It is official - we will be able to play at the football games!  Only the 8th grade band plus 7th grade drummers will be allowed to attend due to COVID regulations.

100% Virtual Students:
100% Virtual Students are allowed to participate only if they attend the after school practice.  

After-School Full Band Practice for all 8th Graders and 100% Virtual Participants:
Wednesday, October 7 - 2:30 pm (or as soon as 100% virtual can get here) - 4:30 pm

Game Day Instructions:
Thursday, October 8 at EA Stadium (Band cancelled due to weather)
Wednesday, October 27 at EA Stadium 
  • Report time is NO LATER than 4:30 p.m. 
  • Please make sure you’ve made arrangements for transportation.  We have a large band family willing to help out with transportation.  Please have your children reach out to their friends in band if transportation is an issue.  
  • Full band uniform 
    • Black pants
    • Black belt
    • Black shoes (or as close to, I understand with this short of notice it may be difficult to get the correct shoes)
    • Black socks
    • Maroon band polo ($20 if you need another one!)
  • Must have flip folder & lyre (go by Music & Arts if you need one!)
  • Due to COVID regulations, they will pre-sale game day tickets.  Only 2 spectators per participant is allowed at EA Spartan Stadium.  
  • Games last approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, we will send a remind message during the last quarter to let you know when you can come and pick up.  Text @cmband8 or @cmband7 to 81010 to sign up for our remind messages.
Download the Order Form for Tickets Below:
cms_2020_ticket_form___1_.pdf
File Size: 45 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Welcome Back Mustang Band!

8/6/2020

 
First, let me say how much I miss our Mustang Band students!  I am very much ready to see everyone again and get back to our band family!  All of the band directors in the state have been putting our heads together over the past couple of months to figure out how to best approach music education in this unusual time. Ultimately, our goals are to provide the best music education possible so students can advance on their instruments and grow as musicians, while also ensuring that the band remains an enriching activity which allows students to experience the joys of music.  Although we cannot currently perform live together, I am excited for the opportunity to teach students musical skills that are often overlooked in typical band classes because of the need to push to prepare for live performances.  Please read on for more information about how our band classes will operate for the time being.
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A note for 6th Graders: 
Usually, we would start right away with learning how to play our band instruments.  This year, we will instead begin with a general music approach in order to build basic skills until we are able to play instruments at school.  I believe the benefits of this will be enormous!
Safety in the Band Room
  • The band room is very large, so students will be truly spaced 6 feet or more apart. 
  • All surfaces that are interacted with will be cleaned between classes.
  • There will be no playing of wind instruments at school until it is safe to do so.

Do students need to bring their instruments to school?
No, all instruments should remain at home for now.  However, 7th and 8th grade students should still be practicing at home and will be given assignments to work on.  
​
6th Graders please do not purchase or rent an instrument at this time.  When it is appropriate to do so, I will hold a parent meeting to provide information on how we will instrument test and how to go about purchasing/renting instruments.  It is extremely important that students end up with functional, quality instruments, or they will struggle to learn to play them.  Please wait to acquire an instrument.

What will be the band schedule?
  • Hybrid Students: In person class vs. at home days
    • Because of the A/B Day schedule and the Mustang/Pride group splits, students will come to band class in person every 4 days.  They will have a virtual assignment to complete from home during the time between in person classes.
    • What day do they come to school?
      • Mustang Group - Last Names A-J 
      • Pride Group - Last Names K-Z
      • *there may be some exceptions to this, check Powerschool when it is available to be sure.
    • ​​What day do they come to band?
      • A Day - Brass & Percussion
      • B Day - Woodwinds
      • *since 6th graders do not have instruments yet, we tried to put them in a class based on what they originally showed interest in and/or where needed to balance the classes.  Don't worry if their schedule says brass but they were interested in woodwinds or vis versa.  This can be fixed later once we start learning instruments!
    • ​​When they come to school but don't have band, they go to PE!  
    • For a full breakdown of August, see our band calendar here:
      http://www.cmsmustangband.com/calendar.html
    • Example schedule for the first two weeks of school:
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  • Virtual Students
    • Virtual students will do everything hybrid students do.  They will have the same assignments and attend the same lessons (virtually instead of in person).  Most in person band class sizes are small.  Hopefully this leaves plenty of opportunity for meaningful interaction with virtual students joining us on Google Meet.
  • After School Rehearsals
    • At this time, there will be NO after school rehearsals or practices.

What will happen in band class?
We will delve into aspects of musicianship that do not involve playing an instrument. However, student progress on their instruments will remain first priority. Topics may include:
  • Music theory and history
  • Rhythm
  • Ear training
  • Practice techniques
  • Instrument maintenance
  • Conducting
  • Music composition
  • Hand/body percussion possibly moving to all students experiencing playing a percussion instrument to supplement rhythm study
  • Listening to/watching videos of professional musicians or fellow students and analyzing performances
  • Music production and “beat making” to learn musical form and texture.​
These are all things real life musicians are knowledgeable about, interact with often, and are part of being a “complete” musician. 

When will we play instruments at school again?
LADOE guidelines state there should be no playing of wind instruments (percussion is allowable) indoors during Phase 2.  We are allowed to play wind instruments indoors during Phase 3, but I will follow the guidance of APSB leadership when that time comes.  7th & 8th Grade students will always be expected to play instruments at home.

Will there be band concerts this year?
None are currently planned. However, there are other ways students can share what they have been doing with friends, family, and the school. 

Should we pay the band fee?
Yes, the $35 band fee should still be paid through OSP.  At this time we will NOT be ordering band polos, however, students can order a hoodie here: http://www.cmsmustangband.com/store/p2/Band_Fee.html

Communication
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Google Classroom Codes:
  • ​​6th Gr. B Day - 52c2pdq
  • 6th Gr. A Day - dvxulai
  • 7th Gr. Woodwinds - nkg3aph
  • 7th Gr. Brass & Perc. - 5yyebk6
  • 8th Gr. Woodwinds - yyvgod2​
  • 8th Gr. Brass & Perc. - yipk7ad

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Sign up for Remind messages, this is the messaging platform most frequently used for band!
  • 6th Grade - Text @cmband6 to 81010
  • 7th Grade - Text @cmband7 to 81010
  • 8th Grade - Text @cmband8 to 81010

Bookmark our website www.cmsmustangband.com to stay up to date!  ​​
Finally, CMS has a tradition of great bands and we value the meaning of a band family. We know your child will feel at home here in the band room. We are so excited that your child will be a part of this! We weren't able to do any recruiting this Spring in person, so please, if you know of anyone interested in joining the band, tell them to let me know so we can get their schedules changed ASAP!

Musically yours,

​Katie Codina
Central Middle School, Band Director
Louisiana Music Educators Association, District IV Director
Louisiana Music Adjudicators Association, President
katie.codina@apsb.org

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