10/30/11 UPDATE

Congratulations to the JA Marching Band for earning straight Superior ratings from all judges at the MAIS Marching Band Festival at Jackson Prep on Saturday. The JA Band earned the highest scores of the day for band, color guard, and percussion. This marks 22 straight years of All-Superior ratings for the JA Band.


The video of the band's performance at Lewisburg HS for the Southern Stars Invitational is now linked in the YouTube Video Links box to the right.


Thank you to Annie Campbell, Caroline Burford, Hannah McCowan, Samara Dallaire, Zack McWilliams, and Will Tribble, who helped on Saturday with a fundraiser for the Winter Guard. The students served 260 meals to the visiting DeSoto Central HS Band and parents, who rehearsed at JA then went on to repeat as Class 6A State Marching Band Champions that evening at Clinton HS.


Photos from the JA Band's performance at BOA St. Louis have been posted on the Jolesch Photography website at this link: JA BAND ST. LOUIS


SCHEDULE UPDATE
The band will perform at halftime at the home playoff football game on Friday. 
6:00 - All students report in uniform to the band hall
Halftime - Performance - parent help needed


UPCOMING EVENTS
November 4 - Home football playoff game vs. PCS
November 5 - Winter Guard rehearsal 9:30 - 4:30
November 11 - Football Championship game at Mississippi College
November 12 - MS All-State Lions Band auditions
November 19 - Lions Band Callback Auditions
December 6 - Christmas Concert
January 12-14 - MAIS Concert Band Clinic
March 20 - Full Band Rehearsal 6:30 - 8:00
March 27 - Full Band Rehearsal 6:30 - 8:00
April 3 - Full Band Rehearsal 6:30 - 8:00
April 5 - MAIS Concert Band Festival
May 8 - Spring Concert
May 17 - Band Banquet

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

10/16/11 UPDATE

The JA Band and families returned home this evening after a very successful and enjoyable weekend in St. Louis. Please scroll down to look through the blog posts below from the weekend for some photos and information, and be sure to look through the online PHOTO GALLERY and the FACEBOOK PAGE (both also linked in the menu bar above), for many more photos from the weekend.

To recap the achievements of the band at the BOA St. Louis Super Regional, they competed with 52 bands from 14 states and were awarded:

BEST MUSIC, Class A

BEST VISUAL, Class A

BEST GENERAL EFFECT, Class A

CLASS A CHAMPIONS

As Class Champions, they performed in exhibition as the last band on the field during Finals Saturday night, in front of an estimated crowd of 15,000 in the stands, not to mention those who subscribed to the live webcast. The crowd at the Edward Jones Dome responded to JA's performance with an enthusiastic standing ovation.

Thank you to the students for not only their hard work and outstanding performances, but also their exemplary behavior on the trip. Thanks also to the parents who came along to help, especially to Terri Fisher, who organized the group.

JA BAND SCHEDULE - 10/17-21

MONDAY through THURSDAY - Rehearsal 2:10 - 3:00

Band members will be dismissed at 3:00 every day until weekly sectional concert band rehearsals begin after Christmas.

FRIDAY - Home football vs. Mag Heights

Rehearsal 2:10 - 3:00

5:30 - Report time to the parking lot for warmup rehearsal

We will perform the show at halftime - Parent assistance needed

MAIS MARCHING BAND FESTIVAL

The band will perform at the MAIS Festival on October 29 at Jackson Prep. Details are still being finalized, but we have requested a late morning performance time. We will send an update when we know further details.

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 21 - Home football game vs. Mag Heights
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

ST. LOUIS TRIP - SATURDAY REPORT

Congratulations to the Bands of America Super Regional CLASS A CHAMPION Jackson Academy Band!

As the Class A Champion, the JA Band performed as the last band in the Finals lineup, in front of a very large and receptive crowd in the Edward Jones Dome.

A few photos from the performance:

The JA Band on the Jumbotron at the Dome:

 

And the crowd's enthusiastic reaction to the performance:

Look for more information and many more photos to be posted tomorrow evening.

Congrats to the JA Band!

ST. LOUIS TRIP - FRIDAY REPORT

The JA Band had a great day in St. Louis today. After a very strong preliminary performance early this afternoon at the Edward Jones Dome, the band and families visited the St. Louis Zoo before enjoying a fun dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Preliminary results will be announced at 4:00 on Saturday.

Some photos from today (many more are posted to the online gallery and Facebook page, both linked in the menu bar above):

 

The hardworking parents help to get the mat onto the field:

A few shots from the performance:

And a few photos from the zoo and Hard Rock Cafe:

ST. LOUIS TRIP - THURSDAY REPORT

The JA Band had a great travel day to St. Louis, with a smooth drive, a productive rehearsal at Parkway Central HS, and a fun and relaxing dinner at the St. Louis Galleria Mall. Their preliminary performance is tomorrow at 1:30.

Some pics from the rehearsal:

And one of some of the students "bonding" at the Mall:

Best of luck to the band as they compete on the field at the Edward Jones Dome tomorrow.

10/9/11 UPDATE

BOA TRIP - FINAL REMINDERS

The students had a fine performance at the game Friday night and a very productive day of rehearsal on the field Saturday. With just three more rehearsals before their performance on the field at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, we are proud of how hard they have worked this season.

The BOA St. Louis Super Regional Championship is shaping up to be an incredible event, with 52 bands from 14 states, including some of the top marching bands in the country. Here is the schedule of preliminary performances:

A few important reminders about the trip:

- Remind your student to speak to his or her teachers about class work they will miss on Thursday and Friday

- Students will receive a packet of information, including packing list, behavior guidelines, and full itinerary, in class on Wednesday. Please review this information with your student.

- MEAL MONEY - Students (and family members joining us on the trip) will need to bring money for the following meals:

Lunch Thursday - Fast Food stop enroute

Dinner Thursday - Food Court at St. Louis Galleria Mall

Lunch Sunday - Lambert's Cafe ($10 - $18, depending on entree)

     Note: Lambert's does NOT accept credit cards

Lunch Friday (sub sandwiches) and Dinner Saturday (pizza) are NOT included in the trip fee, but will be paid as a group. All trip participants should give $8 to Terri Fisher, which will cover both of those meals.

All other meals are included (breakfasts at the hotel, Hard Rock Cafe dinner on Friday, and box lunch on the sightseeing cruise on Saturday).

- Music for All Fan Network - Those family members who will not be on the trip may watch the band online by purchasing a Fan Network subscription HERE.

- BLOG UPDATES - Look for a few pics and an update on the blog each evening of the trip.

Please let us know if you have any questions about the trip.

JA BAND SCHEDULE - Week of 10/10-16

TUESDAY - Rehearsal 2:10 - 3:00

Evening Rehearsals on the field

5:30 - 6:30 - Color Guard and Percussion

6:30 - 8:00 - Full Band

7:30 - Meeting in the band hall for all parents coming on the trip. Terri Fisher will distribute schedules and other important information

WEDNESDAY - Rehearsal 2:10 - 4:00

TRUCK LOADING - 7:00 - Parent help needed

THURSDAY 

6:30 am - All trip participants report to the band hall with everything needed for the trip

12:00 - Fast food lunch stop

4:30 - Rehearsal at Parkway Central High School

7:30 - Dinner at St. Louis Galleria Mall

9:00 - Arrive Drury Inn and Suites near Forest Park

FRIDAY

8:00 - Breakfast at hotel

9:30 - Sectional rehearsals at hotel

10:45 - Load bus, depart for Edward Jones Dome

1:30 - PRELIMINARY PERFORMANCE

3:30 - Visit St. Louis Zoo

7:00 - Group dinner at Hard Rock Cafe

9:00 - Return to hotel

SATURDAY 

9:00 - Breakfast at hotel

11:00 - Gateway Arch - Sightseeing cruise with box lunch, and Tram to the Top

2:30 - Return to Dome, watch bands

4:00 - Preliminary awards

Evening schedule dependent on results - either perform in or watch Championship Finals

12:00 - Return to hotel

SUNDAY 

9:00 - Depart hotel

11:30 - Lunch stop at Lambert's Cafe

7:00 (approximate) - Arrive at JA

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 13-16 - St. Louis Bands of America Super Regional Championship
October 21 - Home football game vs. Mag Heights
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

10/2/11 UPDATE

The Band Boosters are again manning the visitors' concession stand for the football game against Jackson Prep Friday night. Please contact Hope Burford (hburford@jacksonacademy.org) if you are able to help with this fundraiser.

JA BAND SCHEDULE 10/3-16

MONDAY, 10/3 - Rehearse 2:10 - 4:00

TUESDAY, 10/4 - Rehearse 2:10 - 3:00

Evening Rehearsal

5:30 - 6:30 - Color Guard & Percussion

6:30 - 8:00 - Full Band

WEDNESDAY, 10/5, and THURSDAY, 10/6 - Rehearse 2:10 - 4:00

FRIDAY, 10/7 - Home football game vs. Jackson Prep

Rehearse 2:10 - 3:00

5:30 - Report to parking lot in half uniform for warmup

7:00 - Kickoff (Note - half hour earlier than previous games this season)

Halftime performance of competition show - Parent help needed

Students dismissed after all equipment returned to band hall after the game

SATURDAY, 10/8 - IMPORTANT

9:30 - 12:00 - Full Band Rehearsal

12:00 - 1:30 - Lunch Break

1:30 - 4:00 - Full Band Rehearsal

MONDAY, 10/10 - NO SCHOOL

TUESDAY, 10/11 - Rehearse 2:10 - 3:00

Evening Rehearsal on the Field

5:30 - 6:30 - Color Guard and Percussion

6:30 - 8:00 - Full Band

7:45 - PARENT FIELD CREW for St. Louis

WEDNESDAY, 10/12 - Rehearse 2:10 - 4:00

TRUCK LOADING - Time TBA

THURSDAY, 10/13 - SUNDAY 10/16 - BOA ST. LOUIS SUPER REGIONAL TRIP

Click HERE for itinerary

For those families and friends unable to join us in St. Louis, a webcast of the event is available for purchase from the Music for All Fan Network at this link: MFA LIVE WEBCASTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 7 - Home football game vs. Prep
October 8 - Full Band Rehearsal 9:30 - 12:00 and 1:30 - 4:00
October 13-16 - St. Louis Bands of America Super Regional Championship
October 21 - Home football game vs. Mag Heights
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