7/31/11 UPDATE

Halfway through Band Camp 2011, the staff is very pleased with the progress the students are making. They are displaying great attitudes, working hard, and seem to be enjoying the show.

There are a limited number of show t-shirts available for purchase by family members for $12 each. Here is an illustration of the shirt:

Shirts will be available at the Premiere Performance, to which all family members and friends are invited. This first public performance of the 2011 JA Band competition show, Paint It, Black, featuring the music of the Rolling Stones, will be the final day of camp, Friday, August 5, at 4:30 pm in the high school gym. This is a change to the previously announced location in the Activities Center.

After the performance on Friday, students will be dismissed when all equipment, including the floor mat, is returned to the band hall and put away. 

Thank you to all of our band parents, for your support of your student and the JA Band.

7/24/11 UPDATE

BAND CAMP 

Band camp starts THIS WEEK, and runs for two weeks: July 25-29 and August 1-5.

All band members should report to the Activities Center ready to begin by 8:30 Monday morning. Lunch break is 11:30 - 1:00, and we will finish each day at 5:00.  

Students should bring their $50 camp fee (checks made out to JA Band) on Monday.

Our drill writer, Lenny Westmoreland, and guard instructor, Emily Styron, have arrived from North Carolina and are excited to begin teaching the entire show over the next two weeks. Attendance every day is important!

Families and friends are invited to come to the Activities Center at 4:00 on the final day of camp, Friday, August 5, for the Premier Performance of the 2011 Jackson Academy Band competition show, Paint It, Black, featuring the music of the Rolling Stones, including Paint It, Black; Wild Horses; and the iconic Stones anthem, (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction.

7/17/11 UPDATE

MISSISSIPPI LIONS ALL-STATE BAND 2011

Congrats to JA Band members Annie Campbell & Samantha Hill for their selection to the MS Lions Band on flag. The Lions Band enjoyed a trip to Seattle, WA, last month, where they were named Champions of the International Lions Parade. Click on the YouTube link to the right to view the band's parade performance.

COUNTDOWN TO BAND CAMP

Band camp will begin one week from tomorrow, on Monday, July 25, and run for two weeks, July 25-29 and August 1-5. 

It is very important that we have ALL students in attendance for each day of camp, as the entire competition show - drill, music, & choreography - will be taught during those two weeks. Our drill writer, Lenny Westmoreland of Croatan, NC, will be at camp and will tailor the show to the capabilities of the students who are there.

Camp fee is $50 per student, payable the first day of camp. Each band member will receive two show t-shirts.

Camp will begin promptly at 8:30 each morning in the Activities Center. All students should arrive early enough to have all equipment and be ready to start by 8:30.

Lunch will be 11:30 - 1:00. Students have several options for lunch:

- Older students may drive themselves to and from lunch

- Parents may take students to and from lunch

- Students may ride with another student or parent, with parental permission

- Students may bring a lunch and stay on campus during the break. JA Booster President (& JA teacher) Terri Fisher has generously offered to provide supervision.

With all options, students need to be back on campus ready to begin the afternoon session by 1:00 in the activities center.

Instruction will finish each day at 5:00. Students may need a few minutes to gather equipment, etc. before being picked up.

On the final day of camp, Friday, August 5, parents and friends are invited for the Premier Performance of the 2011 JA Band competition show, at 4:30 in the activities center.