4/11/10 UPDATE

Congratulations to the JA Jazz Band for a fine performance on Saturday at the Township Jazz Festival in Ridgeland.

See more photos from the band's performance, as well as from the MAIS Festival, at the following links:

Township Jazz Festival photo gallery

MAIS Concert Band Festival photo gallery

The Jackson Academy Band Program is pleased to announce the University Jazz Series, a trio of concerts to be presented at the new Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center. Jazz ensembles from the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of Mississippi, and Mississippi State University will perform.

On Thursday, April 15, the USM Jazz Lab Band I will perform at 7:00 pm. The jazz studies program at The University of Southern Mississippi has a long and illustrious history, having been in existence for nearly 40 years. Among the notable guest artists who have performed with the Jazz Lab Band I are Ira Sullivan, Bob Berg, John Fedchock, Ellis Marsalis, Jeff Coffin, Russ Nolan, Jovino Santos Neto, and many more. The jazz band is under the direction of Mr. Larry Panella, the school’s Director of Jazz Studies, who received degrees from Northern Illinois University and the University of North Texas, where he performed with the acclaimed 1 O’Clock Jazz Lab Band. He has performed with numerous artists and entertainers including The Phil Collins Big Band, The Woody Herman Orchestra, and Natalie Cole.

Friday, April 16, the Mississippians, the principal student jazz ensemble from the University of Mississippi, will visit the JA campus for a 7:00 pm performance. The ensemble is to perform the music of Duke Ellington and Count Basie along with works by contemporary composers Rob McConnell, Charles Mingus, Theloneous Monk and others. ''We are particularly enjoying working up an outlandish arrangement of Gershwin's ‘I Got Rhythm,’" said Dr. Michael Worthy, associate professor of music and ensemble director. “The arrangement uses several rhythmic devices that seemingly mock the assertion of the title."

The Jazz Ensemble from Mississippi State University will perform on Friday, April 23, also at 7:00 pm. Ensemble musicians are members of the Famous Maroon Band at MSU, the oldest university band in the South, selected by audition. The jazz band is under the direction of Dr. Clifton Taylor, a native of Biloxi who holds degrees from USM and the University of South Carolina. Dr. Taylor remains active as a trombonist and performs in numerous symphonic, jazz, and rock settings annually.

The admission charge for each concert will be $5 for adults, $2 for students (college age and younger), and children under 5 will be admitted free.

Please make plans to attend these great concerts, and spread the word among family and friends who would appreciate great jazz music.

JA COLOR GUARD

Cammie spent a few days in Dayton, OH this week at the Winter Guard International World Championships. She was able to observe performances by guards from around the country and even international groups. She was also able to connect with the guard and staff from Croatan, NC, including director Lenny Westmoreland, the JA Band and Guard's drillwriter, and Ashleigh Bradley, who will be the primary instructor at the JA Dance Camp this summer and also assist at Band Camp.

Here is a photo of Cammie with Ashleigh and Lenny immediately after Croatan's bronze medal performance in the Independent Open Division at the WGI Championships:

All JA Guard members are strongly encouraged to attend the Jackson Academy Dance Camp June 1-4, from 12:00 - 5:30 each day. Click on the link under "Upcoming Performances & Camps" for a flyer. If you have questions about the camp, contact Cammie at crc38@aol.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

University Jazz Series, PAC, 7 pm
Thursday, April 15 - USM Jazz Lab Band I
Friday, April 16 - the Mississippians, Ole Miss
Friday, April 23 - MSU Jazz Ensemble

Tuesday, May 4 - JA Band Program Spring Concert, PAC, 7:00
Thursday, May 13 - JA Band Program Banquet

JA Dance Camp - June 1-4, 12:00 - 5:30 each day

Capital City Jazz Camp - June 7-11, 1:00 - 5:00 and 6:30 - 9:00 each day

BAND CAMP - July 26-30 and August 2-6, JA campus, 8:30 - 5:00 each day