7/27/14 UPDATE

BAND CAMP

The students have worked hard this week learning music, drill and choreography. Drill writer Jeff Namian and choreographer Rick Subel are here to teach the entire show.

The schedule for all band members this week is 8:30 - 11:30 and 1:00 - 5:00 Monday - Friday.

Horn and percussion members need to have all uniform parts (solid black dress pants, dress shirt, socks, belt,  and shoes, plus a bright green tie) to bring to camp on WEDNESDAY, when we will have group and individual photos taken in the afternoon.

On Friday, August 1, at 4:00, families and friends are invited to the PREMIERE PERFORMANCE of the 2014 JA Marching Band, in the Activities Building.

We will have a few 2014 show shirts available for purchase, for $20. In addition, we will have assorted sizes of "vintage" JA Band shirts, from previous years, available for $5 each.

The JA Band stickers will also be available, at $3 for one or $5 for 2.

REMIND TEXT MESSAGE SYSTEM

Especially for new band families, here is the information about a text messaging system that we use to communicate important information during the school year. If you have signed up previously, there is no need to do so again. However, if your student is new to the program, or if your phone number has changed or you wish to add another, please follow the directions below to opt in to the system.

7/20/14 UPDATE

BAND CAMP 

Horn and percussion students should report to the BAND HALL by 8:30 on Monday morning, ready to play.

Uniforms will be fitted during the lunch break Monday, so lunch will be provided by the Band Boosters. Parent help is needed with fittings. Contact Charlette Oswalt at charlette.oswalt@millsaps.edu if you are able to help on Monday.

Guard students will begin Wednesday at 8:30 am in the Activities Building.

Full camp schedule:

HORNS & PERCUSSION - Monday - Friday, July 20 - 25 and July 28 - Aug 1 - 8:30 - 11:30 and 1:00 - 5:00

GUARD - Wednesday, July 22 - Friday, July 25 - 8:30 - 11:30 and 1:00 - 5:00
Saturday, July 26 - 8:30 - 11:30 and 1:00 - 4:00 (Lunch wll be provided)
Sunday, July 27 - 2:00 - 6:00
Monday - Friday, July 28 - August 1 - 8:30 - 11:30 and 1:00 - 5:00

PREMIERE PERFORMANCE for Families and friends - Friday, August 1, 4:00 in the Activities Building

MARCHING SHOES 

A marching shoe order will be placed on Monday. If your student needs new marching shoes, which are $36, please send an email or have your student order them at camp on Monday. Checks should be made out to JA Band Boosters.

JA BAND STICKERS

From JA Band Booster VP Catherine Arnold:

New this year is the JA Band sticker! The Band Boosters are selling them next week to our band students in the mornings before camp.  These are made of durable UV laminate for use on cars or anywhere -- instrument cases, notebooks, lockers, music stands, etc. All money raised from this sale will go directly into the Band's operating budget for this year.

The stickers are $3 for one sticker, or two for $5. We will accept cash or checks made out to JA Band Boosters. Get yours next week before we run out! Here is an image of the sticker:

BAND FEES

The total fee for each band member, to cover travel and camp expenses, is $800. Here is the payment schedule:

June - $200
July - $200
August - $200
September - $200

Payments, checks made out to JA Band Boosters, may be sent with your student to camp or mailed to Band Booster Treasurer Jamie Niemeyer, 627 Forest View Ln, Brandon, MS 39047.

DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Every student should bring at least one case of bottled water for camp. Continued bottled water donations are needed throughout the season, to keep our students hydrated. Thank you!

Donations of individual snacks for breaks during camp are also much appreciated.

Volunteers are needed to monitor those students who remain on campus for lunch during band camp. Please contact Charlette Oswalt if you can help with this, for one day or more - charlette.oswalt@millsaps.edu.

7/14/14 UPDATE

BAND CAMP COUNTDOWN

One week to band camp!

A reminder of the schedule:

HORNS & PERCUSSION

Monday - Friday, July 21 - 25 and July 28 - August 1 - 8:30 - 11:30 and 1:00 - 5:00 each day

Meet in the BAND HALL on Monday, July 21

COLOR GUARD

Wednesday - Friday, July 23 - 25 - 8:30 - 11:30 and 1:00 - 5:00
Saturday, July 26 - 8:30 - 11:30 and 1:00 - 4:00
Sunday, July 27 - 2:00 - 6:00
Monday - Friday, July 28 - August 1 - 8:30 - 11:30 and 1:00 - 5:00

PREMIERE PERFORMANCE for families and friends - 4:00 on Friday, August 1, in the Activities Building (old gym)

WATER

In order to help our students stay hydrated, donations of bottled water are needed for camp and throughout the season. Thank you for your help with this!

Please read through the previous blog update below for details about band fee payments and signing up for group text messaging.

MISSISSIPPI ALL STATE LIONS BAND

Congratulations to the MS Lions Band, including JA Band members Caroline Burford and Samantha Hill, for winning their 30th International Parade Championship in Toronto earlier this month!