• CMS Music Monthly Newsletters  Hearing the News.

     

     

    August 2022:

     

    Greeting CMS music families,

    I would like to welcome you to the start of the 2022-2023 school year here at Colony Middle School.  This email is my August newsletter for the school year.  For new families, I send out a newsletter normally at the end of a month to help keep you informed of what is coming up as there are lots of moving parts to this program. 

    This year is a little more difficult start of the school year for me because I will be on a theater field trip to NYC with some former students of mine from Aug. 6-13.  These students have been waiting 3 year (due to COVID) to go to NYC and take a week worth of classes with Broadway actors, directors, musicians, and talent scouts and we are finally gone to get this done.  But because of it, I will be missing the Colony MS Open House night (Aug. 11) and miss some of the important thing that normally start my year as a staff member of CMS.   I also have less time to get things prepared for the first day of school.  That is why you are getting this newsletter as early as I am providing it.   

    So, here is what is coming up.

    1. Sign-ups for the fall musical “The Music Man Jr” are going to happen at Open House on Aug. 11 and the first couple days of school. We are looking for actors (and stage crew) to play one of the 20+ parts we have for this show.   Wetherall is directing this year and she will be at CMS that night to help sign students up.  You can also talk to or sign-up with Mr. Wargo as well because he normally helps with this.  I will be finishing updating information on my CMS Music page in the next 2 weeks which will include a “rehearsal schedule”.  To audition, students must go to the audition practice on Aug. 17 and/or 18 from 2:30-4PM in the band room.  Auditions are Aug. 19 after school.  We will post the cast that night and rehearsals will start on Aug. 22 after school.  You can email me if you have questions.
    2. I have my own CMS MUSIC OPEN HOUSE on Aug. 22 at 7PM in the CMS cafeteria. This is a chance for families to not just meet me but to learn about the in’s and out’s of this program as we are trying to bring almost everything back online this year.   I will be covering grading, policies, activities students can get involved in, general information, showcase our music booster group and answer your questions about the program.  It is a very helpful night for families if you are available. 
    3. STUDENT DO NOT NEED TO BRING ANY INSTRUMENTS TO SCHOOL ON THE FIRST DAY OF BAND, ORCHESTRA OR GUITAR. Please leave their stuff at home.  They will need it on the second class day though. 
    4. Student do need to return their signed syllabus forms, contracts, money by the 2nd class period. Student should bring their sheet music/books to class on the first day of classes. 
    5. I am getting a chance to meet students and families for beginning band and beginning orchestra at your fitting times. I want to offer the following times/dates for my choir, advance band and advance orchestra students/families a chance to meeting with me, pick-up materials, and see the classroom (especially for my 6th graders).  You can come through the front doors of CMS and downstairs to the cafeteria to get to band room.  The times are:
      1. Thursday, July 28: 10:30AM-12:00PM
      2. Friday, July 29: 9:00AM-1:00PM and 4:00PM-6:00PM
      3. Monday, Aug. 1: 9AM-11:30AM
      4. Tuesday, Aug. 2: 9AM-11:30 AM
      5. Wednesday, Aug. 3-3PM-6PM
    6. For guitar students/families, you can come as well but I will not have materials ready for you till the first day of school. But you are more than welcome to stop by and meet with me. 
    7. Advance band, Advance orchestra and choir will have their playing/singing test in August. This material is attached to their music packs.  Beginning band and Beginning orchestra will have their playing tests a little later. 

    I will be updating my website new information as the school year gets closers (including during my trip to NYC).  My new website address is: https://www.matsuk12.us/domain/9225 or you can go to the CMS main page, click on activities, and click on music website.  I will be checking my email in NYC (Aug. 6-13) as well if you need to contact me.  It might take a day or two to get back to you but I will respond.  Other than that, I am looking forward to working with you this fall.  I hope you will have a great day.  Thank you.

    Tobias Lambert

    Colony MS music/drama

    907-761-1517

     

    September, 2022

    Hello to all CMS music parents,

     

    Greetings to all of you from CMS Music Department.   The school year is up and running with Labor Day here.  I hope everyone is doing well with the start of the year.   I want to share some upcoming things with the CMS music department.  Remember, you can get lots of info on my Website (go to CMS home page, click “Activities” and click “Music” or here is my website  https://www.matsuk12.us/domain/9225 ). 

     

     

    1. Start of the year singing/playing test are in progress.   Most of them are done but beginning orchestra and beginning band will have their soon.  The test is worth 100 pts.
    2. Fall concerts are coming.  Advance band and all the choirs have their concert on Sept. 19.  Orchestra will have theirs on Oct. 3.  Dress is Black bottom and white top.   Call of the Sept. 19 concert will go as follow: Choir call is 6:30 PM with the official concert starting at 6:45 PM.  We will be done at about 7:15PM ish.  Advance band call will be at 7:15 PM with the concert starting at 7:30 PM ish.  It should be done about 7:45 PM.  Orchestra concert on Oct. 19 will have call at 6:30 PM with the concert starting at 7PM.  All of this is in the CMS cafeteria. 
    3. The Colony MS Music Booster next parent meeting is Oct. 10 at 7PM on Zoom.  We are going to be looking at the Nov. 21 silent auction, Nov. 8 Bake sale, discussing what to do with Valley Festival of the Arts and a few other items.   Zoom link and agenda/minutes will be sent out at the next newsletter.    
    4. 1st quarter Practice Charts have started.  This quarter charts will run from Aug. 28 till Oct. 8 (6 weeks, 210 pts)- Charts are weekly assignments.  They are worth 35 pts each week for 2 hours of practice (and yes they get partial points for charts with 0-119 minutes).  Charts go from Sunday to Saturday every week.  Students turn them in to the “Snoopy” box every week.  They need full name, the date of the week they practiced, times for each day, total time added up and a parent signature.  All of this is needed to be graded.  Students can practice more than 2 hours if they want and put that on another chart if they are going to be gone on another week (like a vacation).  Charts can be turned in up to 2:30 PM on Oct. 14.  I won’t take them past 2:30 PM even if they are sick from school.  They have all quarter to turn in stuff even if they choose to turn it in at the end only. Please be aware that if a student turn them in at the last minute and they are not filled out correctly, they will not be graded and I can’t return them to the student for them to repair them. 
    5. Extra credit is going as well.  If a student attends a concert or arts event, have them bring a ticket or program to me and they will get extra credit.  
    6. Tri-M music honor applications are out and are due back to Mr. Lambert by Sept. 12.   This is a service organization that using music to improve our community.  Remember, the application and 2 letters of recommendation have to be brought back. 
    7. The Music Man Jr. Show is in production.   The performances are on Oct. 28 (7PM), Oct. 29 (2PM and 7PM), Nov. 4 (7PM) and Nov. 5 (2PM). Tickets are $5.00 each and will be sold at the door only (cash or check).  
    8. Jazz band is now Tuesday and Thursday morning from 6:45 AM-7:15 AM. Jazz choir is Wednesday and Friday morning from 6:45 AM-7:15 AM.  For jazz students, please be aware. 
    9. We are starting to look for silent auction materials for our Nov. 21 silent auction.  You can see the list of people that donated last year.  If you can help us this year or can help find us some donations, please contact me so I can get you a letter to give to the company.  Thank you

     

     

    I want to thank all the people who help find donations for the silent auction.  From what I understand, we pulled in over $2000.00.  I also want to thank the companies and individuals who donated.  They are listed on the CMS Music website but I have them below as well.  Please considering support their business if possible. They are:

    Midnight Sun Tanning in Palmer

    Frenz Pet Spa in Wasilla (376-3700)

    Tanya Hegg’s Vocal Studio (707-9513)

    Dr. Thayne Dawson at Northwind Dental in Wasilla (373-2440)

    Nancy Lundlee (local artist)

    Fireside Books in Palmer

    Ruth Ross

    Heather Erickson

    Rus Ingram with Old Man Russ Fine food and Catering (301-788-2301)

    Capstone Eye Clinic in Wasilla

    Ducine McLaughlin, Dana Wojtacha and Molly Cunningham with Selah Salon and Spa (357-3155)

    McKinley Birch Enterprises (photography)-owned by William (Russ) Ingram (301-788-2301)

    Lila Willardson

    Holly Christensen

    Palmer Alaska Buzz with Barbara Hunt

    McKinley Birch Bed and Breakfast-owned by William (Russ) Ingram (301-788-2301)

    Zoe Meade with Wild Sleepy Roots (www.wildsleepyroots.etsy.com)

    Grace Hamman with Scentsy (795-0713 and ghamman7@gmail.com or graceh2012.scentsy.us )

    Nick Brunner and Jacob Wojtacha-Alaska Wood Services (521-6882)

    Three Bears-Palmer/Wasilla (745-3888)

    April Dunham (Paint that presented at CMS Music Paint Night)

     

     

    Lastly: I put a video in all the students’ google classes based on the Aug. 22 CMS Music Open House.  We had a small group come out, and I wanted to make sure that I provide the same info to those who could not attend.  I shared a lot of important info at that meeting (included my grading practices, practice charts, weekly grades, concerts info, extra credit, health and instrumental care, policy with bring materials to class, trips, banquet, our booster groups functions and lots more).  To access it you can go to your child’s google classroom to get to it.  Or here is the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ReO5AZwe8Pwt8AJwDgyM_XWcozVT9dra/view .  I hope it helps you with understanding all the things that go on with this department. 

     

     

    It has been a busy start to the year.  I want to thank you for your support and I hope to see you at our performances.  

     

    Sincerely,

    Mr. Lambert

    CMS music

     

     

     

    Oct. 2022

    Hello to all CMS music parents,

     

    Greetings to all of you from CMS Music Department.   October is coming up fast which means the end of 1st quarter is coming fast (Oct. 14).  I want to share some upcoming things with the CMS music department.  Remember, you can get lots of info on my Website (go to CMS home page, click “Activities” and click “Music” or here is my website  https://www.matsuk12.us/domain/9225 ). 

     

     

    1. Start of the year singing/playing test are in progress.   Most of them are done but beginning orchestra and beginning band will have their soon.  The test is worth 100 pts.
    2. Fall concerts are still happening.  Orchestra will have theirs on Oct. 3.  Dress is Black bottom and white top. Call at 6:30 PM with the concert starting at 7PM.  All of this is in the CMS cafeteria. 
    3. The Colony MS Music Booster next parent meeting is Oct. 10 at 7PM on Zoom (2 links due to 40 minute time limit).  We are going to be looking at the Nov. 21 silent auction, Nov. 8 Bake sale, discussing what to do with Valley Festival of the Arts and a few other items.   Zoom link is below and agenda should be with this newsletter.
    4. 1st quarter Practice Charts is going on.  This quarter charts will run from Aug. 28 till Oct. 8 (6 weeks, 210 pts)- Charts are weekly assignments.  They are worth 35 pts each week for 2 hours of practice (and yes they get partial points for charts with 0-119 minutes).  Charts go from Sunday to Saturday every week.  Students turn them in to the “Snoopy” box every week.  They need full name, the date of the week they practiced, times for each day, total time added up and a parent signature.  All of this is needed to be graded.  Students can practice more than 2 hours if they want and put that on another chart if they are going to be gone on another week (like a vacation).  Charts can be turned in up to 2:30 PM on Oct. 14.  I won’t take them past 2:30 PM even if they are sick from school.  They have all quarter to turn in stuff even if they choose to turn it in at the end only. Please be aware that if a student turn them in at the last minute and they are not filled out correctly, they will not be graded and I can’t return them to the student for them to repair them. 
    5. Extra credit is going as well.  If a student attends a concert or arts event, have them bring a ticket or program to me and they will get extra credit.  
    6. Tri-M music honor has meeting on Sept. 29 at 2:30 PM at CHS choir room.  We are working with CHS tri-m.  They are looking to pick projects to support.
    7. The Music Man Jr. Show is in production.   The performances are on Oct. 28 (7PM), Oct. 29 (2PM and 7PM), Nov. 4 (7PM) and Nov. 5 (2PM). Tickets are $5.00 each and will be sold at the door only (cash or check).  
    8. Steel Drum meeting for Trinidad for the students who have applied for Steel Drums is Oct. 3 at 7:30 PM at CMS (right after the orchestra concert). 
    9. The Advance Band, Advance Choir and Advance Orchestra concert trip is presently scheduled for Jan. 12-13.  We will be going from CMS to Healy (for a concert) to Denali NP to Trapper Creek (to spend the night and perform a concert on day 2) to CMS.  More info will be coming towards November.
    10. We are starting to look for silent auction materials for our Nov. 21 silent auction.  You can see the list of people that donated last year.  If you can help us this year or can help find us some donations, please contact me so I can get you a letter to give to the company.  Thank you

     

    The CMS Oct. 10 booster meeting zoom link:  There is a 40 minute time limit-2 parts then.

     Part 1 (7PM-7:30PM):

    TOBIAS LAMBERT is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

     

    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://matsuk12-us.zoom.us/j/86953582164

     

    Meeting ID: 869 5358 2164

    Part II (7:30PM-8PM)

    TOBIAS LAMBERT is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

     

    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://matsuk12-us.zoom.us/j/89473030540

     

    Meeting ID: 894 7303 0540

     

     

    Lastly: I put a video in all the students’ google classes based on the Aug. 22 CMS Music Open House.  We had a small group come out, and I wanted to make sure that I provide the same info to those who could not attend.  I shared a lot of important info at that meeting (included my grading practices, practice charts, weekly grades, concerts info, extra credit, health and instrumental care, policy with bring materials to class, trips, banquet, our booster groups functions and lots more).  To access it you can go to your child’s google classroom to get to it.  Or here is the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ReO5AZwe8Pwt8AJwDgyM_XWcozVT9dra/view .  I hope it helps you with understanding all the things that go on with this department. 

     

     

    It has been a busy start to the year.  I want to thank you for your support and I hope to see you at our performances.  

     

    Sincerely,

    Mr. Lambert

    CMS music

     

     

     

    Nov. 2022:

    Hello to all CMS music parents,

     

    Greetings to all of you from CMS Music Department.   November is here and the holidays are coming up fast.  This is a busy month for this department.  I want to share some upcoming things with the CMS music department.  Remember, you can get lots of info on my Website (go to CMS home page, click “Activities” and click “Music” or here is my website  https://www.matsuk12.us/domain/9225 ). 

     

     

    1. The second singing/playing test will be started after the concert on Nov. 21. The test is worth 100 pts.
    2. Holiday concerts is Nov. 21 for all main groups.  It will be a stagger concert, so each group has a separate call time.  Choir has a call time at 6PM with performance starting as soon as we are ready (no later than 6:15PM).  Orchestra call time will be at 6:45 PM with the performance starting as soon as we are ready (no later than 7PM).  Beginning Band has a call time of 7:15 PM with the performance starting as soon as we are ready (no later than 7:30 PM).   Advance band call time is 7:45 PM with the performance starting as soon as possible (no later than 8PM).  Dress is Black bottom and white top. All of this is in the CMS cafeteria.  The silent auction materials will be out upstairs for families to look through.  Biding is online.  Here is the link: https://www.32auctions.com/cms-music2022  If you have a company or know of someone that would be willing to donate something for the event, please contact me.
    3. The Colony MS Music Booster next parent meeting is Nov. 7 at 7PM on Zoom (2 links due to 40 minute time limit).  We are going to be looking at the Nov. 21 silent auction, Nov. 8 Bake sale, discussing what to do with Valley Festival of the Arts and a move some money around for a trip.   Also, we have Tammy Schmidt volunteering to become our booster president.   The board voted to have her as the president but we need a community vote.  If you are willing to accept/decline her, you can email me a “Yes” or “No”.  If you don’t do anything, it is consider a “Yes” vote.  You have till Nov. 7 to respond to this email.   Zoom link is below and agenda should be with this newsletter.
    4. 2nd quarter Practice Charts is going on.  This quarter charts will run from Oct. 9 till Dec. 17 (10 weeks, 350 pts)- Charts are weekly assignments.  They are worth 35 pts each week for 2 hours of practice (and yes they get partial points for charts with 0-119 minutes).  Charts go from Sunday to Saturday every week.  Students turn them in to the “Snoopy” box every week.  They need full name, the date of the week they practiced, times for each day, total time added up and a parent signature.  All of this is needed to be graded.  Students can practice more than 2 hours if they want and put that on another chart if they are going to be gone on another week (like a vacation).  Charts can be turned in up to 2:30 PM on Dec. 22.  I won’t take them past 2:30 PM even if they are sick from school.  They have all quarter to turn in stuff even if they choose to turn it in at the end only. Please be aware that if a student turn them in at the last minute and they are not filled out correctly, they will not be graded and I can’t return them to the student for them to repair them. 
    5. Extra credit is going as well.  If a student attends a concert or arts event, have them bring a ticket or program to me and they will get extra credit.  
    6. Tri-M music honor has meeting on Thursday afternoon at CHS choir room.  We are working with CHS tri-m.  They are looking to pick projects to support.
    7. The Music Man Jr. Show is in production.   Final performances are Nov. 4 (7PM) and Nov. 5 (2PM). Tickets are $5.00 each and will be sold at the door only (cash or check).  
    8. Steel Drum for 8th graders will be starting Nov. 14 from 2:30-4PM.   They are normally on Monday and Wednesday after school. 
    9. The Advance Band, Advance Choir and Advance Orchestra concert trip is presently scheduled for Jan. 12-13.  We will be going from CMS to Healy (for a concert) to Denali NP to Trapper Creek (to spend the night and perform a concert on day 2) to CMS.  The Cost is around $42 per student and the permissions will be coming out around Nov. 14. 
    10. District Honor Festival auditions will be starting soon.   They are tied to the playing test for 2nd quarter.  We have to make MP3 files for this which I will help the students out.   The event is March 30-31, 2023 at CMS/CHS. 
    11. Solo and Ensemble contest is coming.  This event is for students to work as individual or in a small group to learn a piece of music and then perform it in a contest setting for a judge.  This is a great way of getting extra help on their instruments/voice as they need to have private lessons to be prepare.  I am starting to sign-up people at the end of Nov. through Dec.    I will start giving lesson in Jan.  
    12. We have a bake sale on Nov. 8 elections.  I have several students already volunteering to bake stuff for the event.  If you wish to donate (it is extra credit), please email me.   Presently, I have Rose Molsberry, Anela Walker, Lillian Bailey, Clara Crowell, Audrey Fritz, Alayna Naylor, Aly Ward and Rayna Turner volunteering to bake stuff.   Thank you.

     

    The CMS Nov. 7 booster meeting zoom link:  There is a 40 minute time limit-2 parts then.

     Part 1 (7PM-7:30PM):

    TOBIAS LAMBERT is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

     

    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://matsuk12-us.zoom.us/j/89096317901

     

    Meeting ID: 890 9631 7901

     

    Part II (7:30PM-8PM):

     TOBIAS LAMBERT is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

     

    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://matsuk12-us.zoom.us/j/83186006514

     

    Meeting ID: 831 8600 6514

     

    Lastly: I put a video in all the students’ google classes based on the Aug. 22 CMS Music Open House.  We had a small group come out, and I wanted to make sure that I provide the same info to those who could not attend.  I shared a lot of important info at that meeting (included my grading practices, practice charts, weekly grades, concerts info, extra credit, health and instrumental care, policy with bring materials to class, trips, banquet, our booster groups functions and lots more).  To access it you can go to your child’s google classroom to get to it.  Or here is the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ReO5AZwe8Pwt8AJwDgyM_XWcozVT9dra/view .  I hope it helps you with understanding all the things that go on with this department. 

     

     

    Things are really ramping up.  I want to thank you for your support and I hope to see you at our performances.  

     

    Sincerely,

    Mr. Lambert

    CMS music

     

     

    Dec. 2022 newsletter:

     

    Hello to all CMS music parents,

     

    Greetings to all of you from CMS Music Department.   December is here and the holidays are in full swing.  This short month is rather calm considering but I want to share some upcoming things with the CMS music department.  Remember, you can get lots of info on my Website (go to CMS home page, click “Activities” and click “Music” or here is my website  https://www.matsuk12.us/domain/9225 ). 

     

     

    1. The second singing/playing test is presently going on. The test is worth 100 pts.
    2. Winter concerts are as follow: Beginning and Advance Band are Feb. 6.  Choir is Freb. 7.  Orchestra is Feb. 13.  All calls are at 6:30 PM with the concert starting at 7PM.  Dress is Black bottom and white top. All of this is in the CMS cafeteria. 
    3. The Colony MS Music Booster next parent meeting is Jan. 9 at 7PM on Zoom (2 links due to 40 minute time limit).  We are going to finalize Solo/ensemble stuff, look at the scholarship program, discussing what to do with Valley Festival of the Arts.   Also, we have Tammy Schmidt volunteering to become our booster president.   Zoom link and agenda will be coming in Jan.
    4. The Booster does have a work meeting on Dec. 15 on just Valley Festival of the Arts.  We are meeting at 5PM on zoom.  The link is below if you want to join us.
    5. 2nd quarter Practice Charts is going on.  This quarter charts will run from Oct. 9 till Dec. 17 (10 weeks, 350 pts)- Charts are weekly assignments.  They are worth 35 pts each week for 2 hours of practice (and yes they get partial points for charts with 0-119 minutes).  Charts go from Sunday to Saturday every week.  Students turn them in to the “Snoopy” box every week.  They need full name, the date of the week they practiced, times for each day, total time added up and a parent signature.  All of this is needed to be graded.  Students can practice more than 2 hours if they want and put that on another chart if they are going to be gone on another week (like a vacation).  Charts can be turned in up to 2:30 PM on Dec. 22.  I won’t take them past 2:30 PM even if they are sick from school.  They have all quarter to turn in stuff even if they choose to turn it in at the end only. Please be aware that if a student turn them in at the last minute and they are not filled out correctly, they will not be graded and I can’t return them to the student for them to repair them. 
    6. Extra credit is going as well.  If a student attends a concert or arts event, have them bring a ticket or program to me and they will get extra credit.  
    7. Tri-M music honor has meeting on Thursday afternoon at CHS choir room.  We are working with CHS tri-m.  I want to see if our Tri-M can volunteer for Salvation army in Dec.  I will be talking with them soon.
    8. Solo and ensemble has started.  I am signing up students to participate in this music contest (held on Feb. 24 at CMS in the afternoon).  This is a great chance for students to work on something at their own level to help them out and perform it for a judge.   They can do a solo or get into a small group.   I provide lesson in Jan. and Feb. to help get them prepared.  Music needs to be picked by Dec. 22 though.   So, time is moving fast.
    9. Steel Drum for 8th graders have practice on Monday and Wednesday after school from 2:30-4PM. 
    10. The Advance Band, Advance Choir and Advance Orchestra concert trip is presently scheduled for Jan. 12-13.  We will be going from CMS to Healy (for a concert) to Denali NP to Trapper Creek (to spend the night and perform a concert on day 2) to CMS.  The Cost is $44 per student and the permissions are due by Dec. 7 (I won’t take them after that date, so please be aware).   A copy is attached to this email. 
    11. District Honor Festival auditions are in progress.   They are tied to the playing test for 2nd quarter.  We have to make MP3 files for this which I will help the students out.   The event is March 30-31, 2023 at CMS/CHS. 

     

    The CMS Dec. 15 (5PM) booster work meeting for VFA- zoom link:  There is a 40 minute time limit and only 1 link (we have to work fast)

    TOBIAS LAMBERT is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom Dec. 15 (5PM) meeting.

     

    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://matsuk12-us.zoom.us/j/85708493215

     

    I want to thank Mrs. Condie, Mrs. Harrington and the booster parents for helping coordinate the Silent auction fundraiser.  I want to thank all the donators to the event.  I also want to thank all the parents who bid on items.  We brought in about $2800+.  Below is the list of donators.  Please support these businesses as a thank you.  Also thank you to the families that helped and donated bake goods for the Election fundraiser.  We made over $600.00 that night. 

    Alaska Club                                                         Alaska Chicks Company

    Fly Trampoline Park                                        Mudbusters in Wasilla

    Salt Cave of Alaska in Wasilla                       Turkey Red

    Schmidt Family                                                  Harrington Family

    Homespun Alley                                               Weidner Apartment Homes

    Elwood Drive Thru Café and Espresso      Just Imagine Toy in Wasilla

    Fireside Book Store in Palmer                     Carrs in Palmer

    Fox Run Lodge and RV Campground        Musk Ox Farm in Palmer

    Skeetawk in Hatcher Pass                             Colony Middle School

    Aurora Dental Care                                          Red Robin

    Arlene Van Ness                                               House of Bread

    Old Man Russ Fine Food & Catering          Ross Family

    McKinley Birch Bed & Breakfast                 Three Bears

     

    Lastly: I put a video in all the students’ google classes based on the Aug. 22 CMS Music Open House.  We had a small group come out, and I wanted to make sure that I provide the same info to those who could not attend.  I shared a lot of important info at that meeting (included my grading practices, practice charts, weekly grades, concerts info, extra credit, health and instrumental care, policy with bring materials to class, trips, banquet, our booster groups functions and lots more).  To access it you can go to your child’s google classroom to get to it.  Or here is the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ReO5AZwe8Pwt8AJwDgyM_XWcozVT9dra/view .  I hope it helps you with understanding all the things that go on with this department. 

    I want to thank you for your support and I hope to see you at our performances.  

     

    Sincerely,

    Mr. Lambert

    CMS music

     

    Jan. 2023:

    Hello to all CMS music parents,

     

    Greetings to all of you from CMS Music Department from Cleveland, Ohio (and a 60 degree day).  Sorry for sending this through Parent Vue but it is hard to email people with the school email from my families home.  And January is here.  This month is rather calm considering but I want to share some upcoming things with the CMS music department.  Remember, you can get lots of info on my Website (go to CMS home page, click “Activities” and click “Music” or here is my website  https://www.matsuk12.us/domain/9225 ). 

     

     

    1. Winter concerts are as follow: Beginning and Advance Band are Feb. 6.  Choir is Feb. 7.  Orchestra is Feb. 13.  All calls are at 6:30 PM with the concert starting at 7PM.  Dress is Black bottom and white top. 
    2. The Colony MS Music Booster next parent meeting is Jan. 9 at 7PM on Zoom (2 links due to 40 minute time limit).  We are going to finalize Solo/ensemble stuff, look at the scholarship program, discussing what to do with Valley Festival of the Arts.   Also, we have Tammy Schmidt volunteering to become our booster president.   Zoom link and agenda will be coming in Jan.
    3. 3rd quarter Practice Charts is going on.  This quarter charts will run from Dec. 18 till March 4 (9 weeks, 315 pts)- Charts are weekly assignments.  They are worth 35 pts each week for 2 hours of practice (and yes they get partial points for charts with 0-119 minutes).  Charts go from Sunday to Saturday every week.  Students turn them in to the “Snoopy” box every week.  They need full name, the date of the week they practiced, times for each day, total time added up and a parent signature.  All of this is needed to be graded.  Students can practice more than 2 hours if they want and put that on another chart if they are going to be gone on another week (like a vacation).  Charts can be turned in up to 2:30 PM on Dec. 22.  I won’t take them past 2:30 PM even if they are sick from school.  They have all quarter to turn in stuff even if they choose to turn it in at the end only. Please be aware that if a student turn them in at the last minute and they are not filled out correctly, they will not be graded and I can’t return them to the student for them to repair them. 
    4. The Week of Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 practice charts are not being graded part of the students grade.  If a student turns those in, they will receive 25 extra credit points instead for each week. 
    5. Extra credit is going as well.  If a student attends a concert or arts event, have them bring a ticket or program to me and they will get extra credit.  
    6. Tri-M music honor will start to look at helping with contest, honor fest and the Valley Festival of the Arts.   
    7. Solo and ensemble has started.  I will be starting lesson in Jan. and Feb. to help get them prepared.  Registration paperwork and money is due Feb. 2.   So, time is moving fast.
    8. Steel Drum for 8th graders have practice on Monday and Wednesday after school from 2:30-4PM. 
    9. The Advance Band, Advance Choir and Advance Orchestra concert trip is presently scheduled for Jan. 12-13.  We will be going from CMS to Healy (for a concert) to Denali NP to Trapper Creek (to spend the night and perform a concert on day 2) to CMS.  Call on Jan. 12 is at 4:30 AM (yes, early).  We are pulling out about 5:30 AM to be at Healy by about 10:30 AM.  Please plan ahead.
    10. District Honor Festival auditions are in progress. Audition are in and we are grading them after Jan. 13.  By the start of Feb., I should know who is involved.  The event is March 30-31, 2023 at CMS/CHS.
    11. 2nd semester musical theater class will be starting on Jan. 9. 

     

    Jan. 9 7PM booster meeting zoom

    7PM-7:30 PM-part 1: TOBIAS LAMBERT is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

     

    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://matsuk12-us.zoom.us/j/83234479042

     

    7:30PM-8PM-part 2: TOBIAS LAMBERT is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

     

    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://matsuk12-us.zoom.us/j/84905599103

     

    I want to thank Mrs. Condie, Mrs. Harrington and the booster parents for helping coordinate the Silent auction fundraiser.  I want to thank all the donators to the event.  I also want to thank all the parents who bid on items.  We brought in about $2800+.  Below is the list of donators.  Please support these businesses as a thank you.  Also thank you to the families that helped and donated bake goods for the Election fundraiser.  We made over $600.00 that night. 

    Alaska Club                                                   Alaska Chicks Company

    Fly Trampoline Park                                    Mudbusters in Wasilla

    Salt Cave of Alaska in Wasilla                    Turkey Red

    Schmidt Family                                             Harrington Family

    Homespun Alley                                           Weidner Apartment Homes

    Elwood Drive Thru Café and Espresso     Just Imagine Toy in Wasilla

    Fireside Book Store in Palmer                   Carrs in Palmer

    Fox Run Lodge and RV Campground        Musk Ox Farm in Palmer

    Skeetawk in Hatcher Pass                          Colony Middle School

    Aurora Dental Care                                     Red Robin

    Arlene Van Ness                                           House of Bread

    Old Man Russ Fine Food & Catering         Ross Family

    McKinley Birch Bed & Breakfast               Three Bears

     

    Lastly: I put a video in all the students’ google classes based on the Aug. 22 CMS Music Open House.  We had a small group come out, and I wanted to make sure that I provide the same info to those who could not attend.  I shared a lot of important info at that meeting (included my grading practices, practice charts, weekly grades, concerts info, extra credit, health and instrumental care, policy with bring materials to class, trips, banquet, our booster groups functions and lots more).  To access it you can go to your child’s google classroom to get to it.  Or here is the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ReO5AZwe8Pwt8AJwDgyM_XWcozVT9dra/view .  I hope it helps you with understanding all the things that go on with this department. 

    I want to thank you for your support and I hope to see you at our performances.  

     

    Sincerely,

    Mr. Lambert

    CMS music

     

     

    Feb. 2023

    Hello to all CMS music parents,

     

    Greetings to all of you from CMS Music Department as February is coming up and the sun is returning day by day.  This month is busy and I want to share some upcoming things with the CMS music department.  Remember, you can get lots of info on my Website (go to CMS home page, click “Activities” and click “Music” or here is my website  https://www.matsuk12.us/domain/9225 ). 

     

    First-If anyone has pictures from this year’s performances, the yearbook group is looking for them.  You can go to this link to upload them or email Amber Wojtacha (amber.wojtacha@matsuk12.us) the photos.   Link below.

    https://photos.app.goo.gl/ncrhF9ZQGojDXphP7

     

     

     

    1. Winter concerts are as follow: Beginning and Advance Band are Feb. 6.  Choir is Feb. 7.  Orchestra is Feb. 13.  All calls are at 6:30 PM with the concert starting at 7PM.  Dress is Black bottom and white top. 
    2. The Colony MS Music Booster next parent meeting is Feb. 20 at 7PM on Zoom (2 links due to 40 minute time limit).  We are going to finalize Solo/ensemble stuff, working on the end of the year banquet, finishing up the scholarship program, discussing Valley Festival of the Arts.   Zoom link and agenda are with this newsletter.
    3. 3rd quarter Practice Charts is going on.  This quarter charts will run from Dec. 18 till March 4 (9 weeks, 315 pts)- Charts are weekly assignments.  They are worth 35 pts each week for 2 hours of practice (and yes they get partial points for charts with 0-119 minutes).  Charts go from Sunday to Saturday every week.  Students turn them in to the “Snoopy” box every week.  They need full name, the date of the week they practiced, times for each day, total time added up and a parent signature.  All of this is needed to be graded.  Students can practice more than 2 hours if they want and put that on another chart if they are going to be gone on another week (like a vacation).  Charts can be turned in up to 2:30 PM on March 9.  I won’t take them past 2:30 PM even if they are sick from school.  They have all quarter to turn in stuff even if they choose to turn it in at the end only. Please be aware that if a student turn them in at the last minute and they are not filled out correctly, they will not be graded and I can’t return them to the student for them to repair them. 
    4. The Week of Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 practice charts are not being graded part of the students grade.  If a student turns those in, they will receive 25 extra credit points instead for each week. 
    5. Extra credit is going as well.  If a student attends a concert or arts event, have them bring a ticket or program to me and they will get extra credit.  
    6. Tri-M music honor will start to look at helping with contest, honor fest and the Valley Festival of the Arts.   
    7. Solo and ensemble is finishing up.  Performances will be Feb. 24.   I will be sending out times for the students after registration has been turning in.  The registration forms have been given to students.  They need to be returned to Mr. Lambert by Feb. 2 with the $10 (cash or check to Colony Middle School Music Boosters). 
    8. Steel Drum for 8th graders have practice on Monday and Wednesday after school from 2:30-4PM. 
    9. CHS Wizard of Oz show field trip is March 1 (for CMS music/theater).  Permissions are due back to Mr. Lambert by Feb. 10 at 2:30 PM.  Cost is $10.00 a ticket (cash or check to CHS).  We also need a couple parents to come as chaperones.  Same cost for a ticket. 
    10. The Advance Band, Advance Choir and Advance Orchestra concert trip has a video you can watch of the concert and send to others.  Here is the link: DBSD - Nenana - Colony Middle School Concert - YouTube
    11. District Honor Festival students have been selected.  Permission form are going out this week.   They are due back to Mr. Lambert by Feb. 8 (even if they cannot attend they need to return it).  The event is March 30-31, 2023 at CMS/CHS.
    12. The spring play is coming.  Auditions will be early March.  More info coming out on my website and on the newsletter next month.    

     

    Feb. 20- 7PM booster meeting zoom

    7PM-7:30 PM-part 1: TOBIAS LAMBERT is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

     

    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://matsuk12-us.zoom.us/j/85252588910

     

     

    7:30PM-8PM-part 2: TOBIAS LAMBERT is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

     

    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://matsuk12-us.zoom.us/j/85257745874

     

    Agenda for Feb. 20:

    1. Welcome/Minutes/Money
    2. Old Business
      1. Solo/Ensemble update
      2. Honor Festival update
      3. Scholarship-need parents to evaluate forms
      4. Banquet-finalize food materials needed, awards and food budget-$750.00
      5. Valley Festival of the Arts- April 21
        1. Guest coming/submitting materials
        2. Hospitality update/materials
        3. Concession help
        4. Box office help
        5. Ways of promoting the events-ads.
    3. New Business???-$750.00 for an upright bass for CMS

    I want to thank Mrs. Condie, Mrs. Harrington and the booster parents for helping coordinate the Silent auction fundraiser.  I want to thank all the donators to the event.  I also want to thank all the parents who bid on items.  We brought in about $2800+.  Below is the list of donators.  Please support these businesses as a thank you.

    Alaska Club                                                         Alaska Chicks Company

    Fly Trampoline Park                                        Mudbusters in Wasilla

    Salt Cave of Alaska in Wasilla                       Turkey Red

    Schmidt Family                                                  Harrington Family

    Homespun Alley                                               Weidner Apartment Homes

    Elwood Drive Thru Café and Espresso      Just Imagine Toy in Wasilla

    Fireside Book Store in Palmer                     Carrs in Palmer

    Fox Run Lodge and RV Campground        Musk Ox Farm in Palmer

    Skeetawk in Hatcher Pass                             Colony Middle School

    Aurora Dental Care                                          Red Robin

    Arlene Van Ness                                               House of Bread

    Old Man Russ Fine Food & Catering          Ross Family

    McKinley Birch Bed & Breakfast                 Three Bears

    Fern AK                                                Beth McDonough

    Lastly: I put a video in all the students’ google classes based on the Aug. 22 CMS Music Open House.  We had a small group come out, and I wanted to make sure that I provide the same info to those who could not attend.  I shared a lot of important info at that meeting (included my grading practices, practice charts, weekly grades, concerts info, extra credit, health and instrumental care, policy with bring materials to class, trips, banquet, our booster groups functions and lots more).  To access it you can go to your child’s google classroom to get to it.  Or here is the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ReO5AZwe8Pwt8AJwDgyM_XWcozVT9dra/view .  I hope it helps you with understanding all the things that go on with this department. 

    I want to thank you for your support and I hope to see you at our performances.  

     

    Sincerely,

    Mr. Lambert

    CMS music

     

     

    March 2023:

    Hello to all CMS music parents,

     

    Greetings to all of you from CMS Music Department as Music in our schools month of March is almost here (along with the end of 3rd quarter).  Things are still busy and I want to share some upcoming things with the CMS music department.  Remember, you can get lots of info on my Website (go to CMS home page, click “Activities” and click “Music” or here is my website  https://www.matsuk12.us/domain/9225 ). 

     

    First-If anyone has pictures from this year’s performances, the yearbook group is looking for them.  You can go to this link to upload them or email Amber Wojtacha (amber.wojtacha@matsuk12.us) the photos.   Link below.

    https://photos.app.goo.gl/ncrhF9ZQGojDXphP7

     

    1. Spring Pops concerts are as follow: Orchestra, Beginning and Advance Band are April 24.  Choir is April 25 (steel drums will be with them).  All calls are at 6:30 PM with the concert starting at 7PM.  Dress is Black bottom and white top. 
    2. The Colony MS Music Booster next parent meeting is March 6 at 7PM on Zoom (2 links due to 40 minute time limit).  We are going to finalize working on the end of the year banquet, finishing up the scholarship program and work on Valley Festival of the Arts.   Zoom link and agenda are with this newsletter.
    3. 3rd quarter Practice Charts is going on.  This quarter charts will run from Dec. 18 till March 4 (9 weeks, 315 pts)- Charts are weekly assignments.  They are worth 35 pts each week for 2 hours of practice (and yes they get partial points for charts with 0-119 minutes).  Charts go from Sunday to Saturday every week.  Students turn them in to the “Snoopy” box every week.  They need full name, the date of the week they practiced, times for each day, total time added up and a parent signature.  All of this is needed to be graded.  Students can practice more than 2 hours if they want and put that on another chart if they are going to be gone on another week (like a vacation).  Charts can be turned in up to 2:30 PM on March 9.  I won’t take them past 2:30 PM even if they are sick from school.  They have all quarter to turn in stuff even if they choose to turn it in at the end only. Please be aware that if a student turn them in at the last minute and they are not filled out correctly, they will not be graded and I can’t return them to the student for them to repair them. 
    4. The Week of Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 practice charts are not being graded part of the students grade.  If a student turns those in, they will receive 25 extra credit points instead for each week. 
    5. Extra credit is going as well.  If a student attends a concert or arts event, have them bring a ticket or program to me and they will get extra credit.  
    6. Tri-M music honor will start to look at helping with contest, honor fest and the Valley Festival of the Arts.   
    7. Spring Play sign up are going on for “Frankenstein vs. the Horrendous Goo”  We are looking for 11 actors (M and W) to fill the parts.   Audition practices are March 6 (2:30-3:15) and/or March 7 (2:30-3:15).  Audition are going to be on March 9 afterschool but they will probably be starting later due to a school social.   I will update that info on my website.
    8. Steel Drum for 8th graders have practice on Monday and Wednesday after school from 2:30-4PM. 
    9. CHS Wizard of Oz show field trip is March 1.  If you child purchased a ticket, you need to drop them off at the Glenn Massay Theater between 6:45 AM-7:45 AM.   We have a bus to get us back to CMS when it is done.
    10. The Advance Band, Advance Choir and Advance Orchestra concert trip has a video you can watch of the concert and send to others.  Here is the link: DBSD - Nenana - Colony Middle School Concert - YouTube
    11. District Honor Festival  is going on.  Choir has practice March 3 and 21 (2:30-4PM).  Orchestra has practice March 2 and 23 (2:30-4PM).  Band is in class.  The event is March 30-31, 2023 at CMS/CHS.
    12. I NEED PARENT HELP.  The masquerade ball is March 25 from 6:30PM-8:30PM and I need parents to chaperone (it is hard to get staff in the evening).   If you can help with this, please email me.  This is a semi-formal dance/social/carnival with the theme of Trinidad Carnival.   Also, I need tiki torches (no lighting material), and Christmas lights.  I have some but not enough.  If you can loan or donate, I would appreciate it.
    13. Valley Festival of the Arts is coming on April 21 from 6:30PM-9PM at CMS.  This is a family event with lots of great performances.   We are having Cantora Artica, Colony Calypso Steel drums, CMS Jazz Band, CMS theater class performances, Art links, and visual art from local schools.  If you know of someone who would like to perform or demonstrate their art talents, please contact me.  We are looking for groups/individuals.   If you want to come, please mark your calendar.  Tickets are $3.00 each or $8.00 for a family. 

     

    March 6:  7PM booster meeting zoom

    7PM-7:30 PM-part 1: TOBIAS LAMBERT is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

     

    TOBIAS LAMBERT is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

     

    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://matsuk12-us.zoom.us/j/88620338891

     

     

    7:30PM-8PM-part 2: TOBIAS LAMBERT is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

     

    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://matsuk12-us.zoom.us/j/82648130286

     

     

    Agenda for March 6, 2023:

    1. Welcome/Minutes/Money
    2. Old Business
      1. Honor Festival update
      2. Scholarship-any last minute items
      3. Banquet-finalize food materials needed, awards and food budget-$750.00
      4. Valley Festival of the Arts- April 21
        1. Guest coming/submitting materials
        2. Hospitality update/materials
        3. Concession help
        4. Box office help
        5. Ways of promoting the events-ads.
    3. New Business???-look at the 2023-2024 music calendar

    I want to thank Mrs. Condie, Mrs. Harrington and the booster parents for helping coordinate the Silent auction fundraiser.  I want to thank all the donators to the event.  I also want to thank all the parents who bid on items.  We brought in about $2800+.  Below is the list of donators.  Please support these businesses as a thank you.

    Alaska Club                                                         Alaska Chicks Company

    Fly Trampoline Park                                        Mudbusters in Wasilla

    Salt Cave of Alaska in Wasilla                       Turkey Red

    Schmidt Family                                                  Harrington Family

    Homespun Alley                                               Weidner Apartment Homes

    Elwood Drive Thru Café and Espresso      Just Imagine Toy in Wasilla

    Fireside Book Store in Palmer                     Carrs in Palmer

    Fox Run Lodge and RV Campground        Musk Ox Farm in Palmer

    Skeetawk in Hatcher Pass                             Colony Middle School

    Aurora Dental Care                                          Red Robin

    Arlene Van Ness                                               House of Bread

    Old Man Russ Fine Food & Catering          Ross Family

    McKinley Birch Bed & Breakfast                 Three Bears

    Fern AK                                                Beth McDonough

    Lastly: I put a video in all the students’ google classes based on the Aug. 22 CMS Music Open House.  We had a small group come out, and I wanted to make sure that I provide the same info to those who could not attend.  I shared a lot of important info at that meeting (included my grading practices, practice charts, weekly grades, concerts info, extra credit, health and instrumental care, policy with bring materials to class, trips, banquet, our booster groups functions and lots more).  To access it you can go to your child’s google classroom to get to it.  Or here is the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ReO5AZwe8Pwt8AJwDgyM_XWcozVT9dra/view .  I hope it helps you with understanding all the things that go on with this department. 

    I want to thank you for your support and I hope to see you at our performances.  

     

    Sincerely,

    Mr. Lambert

    CMS music