10/23/11 UPDATE

Congratulations to JA Band Seniors Jay Kucia, LaSharron Purvis, and Abbi Thomas for their recognition at the football game Friday night. We wish them all well wherever their future plans take them.

SCHEDULE UPDATE

As a reminder, all rehearsals are only during seventh period, 2:15 - 3:00 each day.

FRIDAY - Away football game at Madison-Ridgeland Academy, drumline only

All band members need to meet at MRA by 6:15, in band t-shirts and jeans. Carpools to and from the game may be arranged. If you are interested in using or helping with a carpool, please contact Terri Fisher at TJMFisher@yahoo.com.

Meet at the following location on the MRA campus:

SATURDAY - MAIS Marching Band Festival at Jackson Prep

IMPORTANT - Students should bring everything they need for the weekend (instruments, etc.) home with them at the end of school on Friday, since we will be meeting at MRA for the game and at Prep for the Festival.

8:00 - Truck loading at the band hall - parent help requested

9:30 - All band members meet in full uniform with all necessary items in front of the McRae Center on the Prep campus. 

10:00 - Warmup

10:45 - PERFORMANCE

After the performance, the staff will be returning to JA to unload the trucks. If you would like to pick up your student at Prep after the performance, they will be dismissed at about 11:30.

JA Drum Major Annie Campbell will remain at Prep for awards, beginning at 12:15. Any students who are available to participate in the awards ceremony with her are welcome to do so, with parent permission (no staff will be present).

Saturday afternoon, from about 3:00 - 5:00, the DeSoto Central HS Band, the reigning Class 6A MHSAA Marching Band Champions, will be rehearsing at JA's Raider Field, before their participation in Championship Finals that evening at Clinton HS. Everyone is welcome to observe this rehearsal.

NOTES FROM ST. LOUIS


We have received the following positive comments on the JA Band's performance at the BOA St. Louis Super Regional:

A comment posted on the BOA Forums by a BOA staffer who worked in St. Louis bringing the bands’ equipment onto the field:

You know who I think the absolute hardest-working band out there was? Hint - they were at the finals show but didn't compete in it. Jackson Academy, to do what they do, works way harder on the smallest of details because they cannot hide in the ensemble - ever. Just saying. As an example of the level of detail they work hard at, they completely forgo their front ensemble warmup in favor of a detailed sound check of every single microphone for every single drum in those two sets they had.

A longtime BOA commentator and administrator of IndianaMarching.com, commenting on the forums during the live webcast:

LOVE Jackson Academy. What they can do with 6 musicians marching is truly astounding.

An email from a Broken Arrow parent:

Mr. Carter,

My daughter is a trumpet player for Broken Arrow. We got to see you guys at finals performance. We really enjoyed your marching show. It was very entertaining and thought you guys had a big sound, that was bigger than you would expect. The kids are really talented. We wish you guys the best of luck at any future competitions. Tell your kids they were awesome and we look forward to seeing you again.

Sincerely,

Shane Blackstock

An email from a former JA Band Drum Major:

Mr. Carter,

I received an email today lauding the JA Band's recent performance in St. Louis and I wanted to send you a hearty congratulations on the band's accomplishment.

My class had their 20 year reunion a few weeks back, and it was great to see JA in such good shape.

Thanks to you, your staff, and your students for all your hard work!

Blessings,

Jonathan

________________________________

Jonathan P. Breazeale, PhD

Assistant Professor of Finance

College of Business Administration

Sam Houston State University

An email from a Rosemount parent:

Hi all,

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your show on Saturday evening in St. Louis.  You proved that you don't need to have 150 members to be eloquent and entertaining!

Great job!

Jody Zachary

(Rosemount mom)

A comment on the JA Band Facebook page:

My band director was watching the St. Louis Super Regional in class the other day and your performance blew me away! Would you happen to have a video of your show? I'd love to be able to show my friends, they'd love it too I'm sure!

Congratulations once again to the JA Band.

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 28 - Away football game vs. MRA (drumline)
October 29 - MAIS Marching Band Festival at Jackson Prep
November 4 - Football Playoff game
November 5 - Winter Guard All-Day Rehearsal
November 11 - Championship Football game @ MC
November 12 - MS All-State Lions Band Auditions
November 19 - Lions Band Callback Auditions
December 6 - JA Band Program Christmas Concert