4/1/12 UPDATE

IMPORTANT SCHEDULE UPDATE --- The time for the Full Band Tuesday night rehearsal this week, April 3, has been changed to 5:30 - 7:00. Percussion members should be there at 5:00 -- IMPORTANT


Members of the JA Band program received much positive attention in Central Mississippi in varied ways this week!

CONCERT BAND

Members of the JA Concert Band are pictured above after their performance at the Central Mississippi Concert Band Festival at Ridgeland High School on Thursday.

The band earned Superior ratings and positive comments from all three judges at the festival, with an overall score of 95.2. Also appearing at the festival were bands from Northwest Rankin, Pearl, Clinton, and several dozen other schools around the state.

Next up for the concert band is this Thursday's MAIS Concert Band Festival in the JA Performing Arts Center.

Eight bands from independent schools around the state will perform, beginning at 10:00. Adjudicators for the event are David Willson, Director of Bands at Ole Miss; Mohamad Schuman, Associate Director of Bands at USM: and Joe D. Moore, Director of Bands at Delta State University.

The JA Band will perform at 2:30 Thursday in the PAC. All family and friends are invited to attend this final performance of this year's entire concert program, which will last 30-40 minutes.

The performance will be professionally recorded, both audio and video. DVD order forms will be available next week.

JA Band members will be assisting as band guides and in other capacities throughout the day on Thursday. Attire for the performance is concert black.

WINTER GUARD

Congratulations to the 2012 Mississippi Indoor Association Class SAA Champions the Jackson Academy Winter Guard!

The Guard completed an undefeated season in their Class, finishing almost 4 points higher than second place Olive Branch.

Eighteen percussion groups and 39 guard units competed at the Championships, which were held for the first time this year at the Mississippi Coliseum. Over 2000 tickets were sold for the event, and the enthusiastic crowd and impressive venue made for an exciting day of performances. A few pics from the weekend:

Dr. Taylor, Mr. McCartney, and Mr. Bunch visit with the guard after their Friday rehearsal:

Warmup at the Coliseum:

The JA Guard takes the floor and a shot of the crowd:

Guard units at Retreat:

Special thanks to Nancye McCowan for providing food for the guard before Championships.

In other JA Guard news, Jim Lowery, a member of the North Jackson Lions Club, presented scholarships to Annie Campbell and Samantha Hill for his club for their participation in the 2012 MS Lions All-State Band. Jim is also Vice Chairman of the Lions of Mississippi State Band Committee and a former JA Band parent:

UPCOMING EVENTS:

April 3 - Full Band Rehearsal 5:30 - 7:00

April 5 - MAIS Concert Band Festival, JA PAC - JA Band 2:30

April 12 -14 - Northwest Rankin Jazz Clinic

May 8 - Spring Concert

May 17 - Band Banquet