Thank you to the students who worked hard on Saturday at the all-day rehearsal. We were happy to have Lenny Westmoreland and Ashleigh Bradley back in town to work with the band, which helped to make it a very productive day.
There is one quality Lenny stressed on Saturday and we as a staff would like to continue to emphasize throughout the remainder of the season: COMMITMENT.
Commitment to the JA Band program - being at every band activity, on time and with everything you need. This often requires parental assistance, especially with our younger students.
Commitment to the performance on the field - continued effort to improve, consistent focus and concentration during both rehearsal and performance. Every day, in every way.
As you can see from the countdown to the right, time is short before the JA Band travels to Atlanta and perform at the Georgia Dome, along with 33 of the best bands in the country. Commitment from every band member will result in a performance to be proud of.
IMPORTANT UNIFORM REMINDERS
Having a sharp, consistent appearance on the field is important to a successful performance. We noticed during the dress rehearsal on Saturday that some of the students' uniform pants are not being worn correctly, some too long and some too short. We spoke with these students, and we ask that parents help in getting all of the pants to meet the following criteria: with the student's arms/upper body in "horns up" position, the bottom of the pant should hit the top of the foot without a break. This may just require adjustment of the straps, but some might require re-hemming as well.
Also, some of the pants did not look pressed. Please ensure that uniforms are laundered and hung neatly. Actual pressing should not be required as long as the uniform is hung properly.
And one more uniform reminder, all students need calf-high, all black socks. No short socks, no gold toe or colored stripes, etc. Even though shoes are not worn on the mat, they are still part of the uniform and need to be clean and polished.
Thank you for your support in ensuring the band members always look as good as possible.
MAIS MARCHING BAND FESTIVAL
If you have not already done so, please contact Hope Buford at hburford@jacksonacademy.org to sign up for a shift or two at the MAIS Marching Festival on Saturday. We need everyone's help for a successful event. We especially need help with concessions, which are being spearheaded by Reca Girtmon. Please contact her at rejaceca@yahoo.com if you can help.
Here is the schedule of performances:
3:30 - Starkville Academy
3:45 - Hillcrest Christian School
4:00 - Copiah Academy
4:30 - Jackson Academy
4:45 - Jackson Prep
5:00 - Belhaven University - exhibition
5:15 - DeSoto Central High School - exhibition
The DeSoto Central Band requested an opportunity to perform in exhibition at the festival, and we were happy to have them perform. They are one of the largest public school bands in the state, and a former state marching class champion.
Students need to be at the band hall by 3:00 on Saturday, with all uniform parts and everything needed for performance.
BOA ATLANTA TRIP
Final preparations are being made for the trip to Atlanta October 29-31.
Students will have an excused absence on Friday, October 29, but they are responsible for all class work assigned and should discuss the absence with their teachers before the trip.
We have received confirmation that the JA Band's preliminary performance time will be 11:15 on Saturday, October 30. More information is available on the BOA site HERE.
Look for more trip details in next week's update. Please ensure you have made all trip payments to Booster Treasurer Frances Anne Dallaire. If you have any questions, contact her at bearcrew@bellsouth.net.
For those families who are not able to accompany the band on the trip, a live webcast of all performances is available with a subscription to the MFA Fan Network. Full network subscriptions are available, or pay per view for the Atlanta Super Regional only is $19.95. Click on the link HERE for more information.
JA BAND SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 18-23
Monday - Rehearsal 2:00 - 4:00
Tuesday - Rehearsal 2:00 - 2:45 due to JA Carnival
Wednesday - Rehearsal 2:00 - 4:00
Thursday - Rehearsal 2:00 - 4:00
Friday - Home football game vs. Pillow - all students report in half uniform at 5:30
Saturday - MAIS Marching Band Festival @ JA - all students report by 3:00, performance time 4:30, awards 5:30
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