Sunday, July 31, 2016

NEW JA BAND BLOG

The JA Band has a new blog, beginning with the start of the 2016-2017 school year. Here is the link: JA BAND BLOG

Thank you to everyone who has visited this blog, which has over 80,000 views over its 8 years of existence. This site will remain available for visitors to access archived information, to provide links to videos from previous years, and most importantly to honor the achievements of all past members of the Jackson Academy Band. Over the past two decades, the JA Band program has earned two BOA Grand National Class Championships, 15 BOA Regional Class Championships, and was named a BOA Grand National Finalist once and a Regional Finalist 9 times.

Best wishes for the JA Band program's continued success.

Monday, April 18, 2016

4/17/16 UPDATE

MAIS CONCERT FESTIVAL



Congratulations to the JA Band for an outstanding performance at the MAIS Concert Fest on Friday. The band received all superiors from all judges in all captions, as well as high praise in the comments. Dr. James Standland of USM said that the JA Band is one of the finest concert bands in the state. He was particularly impressed with the band's "exciting" performance of Samuel Hazo's Arabesque. Thank you to all the families who came out to hear the performance at Jackson Prep.

The band will perform at the morning chapel assembly on May 3, and the Spring Concert on May 9. That concert will incorporate some of the concert band repertoire, as well as jazz band. It will also feature our 6 seniors, whose contributions to the program will be sorely missed.

JA BAND BOOSTERS


Vicki Tirman has not received many responses about the Band Banquet, which will be May 16 in the PAC.

Please take a few minutes to RSVP to Vicki at tirman4@bellsouth.net so that she can move forward with planning the event.

The cost will be $15 per person (band members are free), to be paid at the door. Please RSVP Vicki this week to let her know how many family members will be attending.

Sunday, April 10, 2016

4/10/16 UPDATE

SCHEDULE UPDATE


TUESDAY, APRIL 12 - Full Band rehearsal 6:30 - 8:00

FRIDAY, APRIL 15 - MAIS Concert Band Festival at Jackson Prep

Beginning of Fourth Period - Students dismissed from class. Have lunch, change into black concert attire.

12:15 - Meet at Prep, in the auditorium lobby. Have everything needed for performance.

1:30 - Jackson Academy Concert Band performance in the Jackson Prep auditorium, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Please try to attend to support these students, and invite family and friends to attend as well. There is no admission charge. 


Other Upcoming Spring events:

May 3 - Band performance at morning chapel assembly

May 9 - Spring Concert

May 16 - Band Banquet


BAND BOOSTERS

Be sure to let Vicki Tirman know how many family members will be attending the band banquet on May 16, to be catered by the Rib Cage at the PAC. Email Vicki at tirman4@bellsouth.net.

Sunday, April 3, 2016

4/3/16 UPDATE

JA BAND SCHEDULE UPDATE


MONDAY, April 4 - Concert Band Prefest, Jackson Prep

Students will depart JA at the beginning of seventh period. Rides will be provided by older students, by Mrs. Carter, or by the JA school bus if needed. Students will be back at the band hall at about 4:00.

TUESDAY, April 5 - Full band rehearsal, 7:00 - 8:30

TUESDAY, April 12 - Full band rehearsal, 6:30 - 8:00

FRIDAY, April 15 - MAIS Concert Band Festival, Jackson Prep - JA Performance time 1:30 pm

WINTER GUARD




Congratulations to the members of the Jackson Independent Winter Guard, 2016 MIA Class Champions. At the Championships at the Mississippi Coliseum on Saturday, the guard earned the 4th highest score of 62 units from 4 states in attendance. The event drew a record crowd, with 2500 tickets sold.

JA BAND BOOSTERS


Please RSVP to Vicki Tirman to let her know which family members will be attending the Band Banquet on May 16 at the PAC, catered by the Rib Cage. Send Vicki an email at tirman4@bellsouth.net.

PHOTO GALLERY


A few more pics from MIA Championships on Saturday:





Monday, March 28, 2016

3/28/16 UPDATE

JA BAND SPRING UPDATE


This week begins the evening concert band rehearsals in the band hall for the next three Tuesdays:

MARCH 29 - 6:30 - 8:00

APRIL 5 - 7:00 - 8:30

APRIL 12 - 6:30 - 8:00

Please check the sidebar to the right for all spring band events.

WINTER GUARD



Best of luck to the guard members as they gear up for the final event of their season, the MIA Championships at the Mississippi Coliseum on Saturday, April 2. There are 60 groups performing at championships from around the state and region. Here is a link to the full schedule: MIA GUARD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Here is the guard schedule for April 2:

12:00 - 3:00 - Rehearse at JA

Load, change, eat

4:00 - Depart for MS Coliseum

6:00 - Begin Warmup

7:00 - PERFORM

10:45 - Full Retreat

Good luck, guard! Please come out to the Coliseum to support these hard-working girls!

JA BAND BOOSTERS


From JA Band Booster President Catherine Arnold:

At the Booster Meeting on March 22, we drew up an OUTSTANDING slate of nominations for the 2016-2017 Executive Board. The following parents have graciously agreed to serve if elected:

PRESIDENT: Lisa Thomas
VICE PRESIDENT: Corrie Sigler
SECRETARY: Judy Caldwell
TREASURER: Karen Radosevich
HOSPITALITY: Nikki Williams

If anyone has any additional nominations (including self-nominations) for any of these positions, please submit them to me via email (arnoldsfive@gmail.com) by April 1st. We will formally approve our new officers at the Band Banquet on May 16.

Fundraising will function as a committee next year under the direction of President-Elect Lisa Thomas. Several people have expressed a willingness to serve on this committee. Let us know if you would like to be involved.

Thank you to everyone for the thoughtful consideration you have given to our future booster leadership.

From Band Banquet Coordinator Vicki Tirman:

The band banquet will once again be catered by The Rib Cage.

We need all band families to RSVP to tirman4@bellsouth.net so we have a head count for proper planning. Thank you!

Saturday, March 19, 2016

3/20/16 UPDATE

JA BAND SCHEDULE UPDATE


Final Sectional Rehearsals this week:

MONDAY, 3/21 - Saxophone

TUESDAY, 3/22 - Percussion, Flute, Clarinet

WEDNESDAY, 3/23 - Trumpet

THURSDAY, 3/24 - Trombone, Bass

Starting the following week, we will have Tuesday evening full band rehearsals:

MARCH 29 - 6:30 - 8:00

APRIL 5 - 7:00 - 8:30

APRIL 12 - 6:30 - 8:00

JA BAND BOOSTERS


Mark your calendars for our next Band Booster meeting on Tuesday, March 22, at 6:30 pm in the band hall.

We need a parent representative from every household at the meeting as we will be nominating booster officers for next year. Ideally we would like to have the following slate:

President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Hospitality
Fundraising

Sometimes these positions are combined. Please be thinking who you would like to be nominated for these positions; we need everyone's input. Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged as well. See you March 22!

Catherine Arnold


WINTER GUARD

Best of luck to the guard members as they gear up for the final event of their season, the MIA Championships at the Mississippi Coliseum on Saturday, April 2. There are 60 groups performing at championships from around the state and region.

Here is the guard schedule for April 2:

12:00 - 3:00 - Rehearse at JA

Load, change, eat

4:00 - Depart for MS Coliseum

6:00 - Begin Warmup

7:00 - PERFORM

10:45 - Full Retreat

Good luck, guard! Please consider coming to the Coliseum to support these hard-working girls.

Sunday, March 6, 2016

3/6/16 UPDATE

JA BAND SCHEDULE UPDATES


MONDAY, 3/7 - Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet Sectional (Except Seniors)

TUESDAY, 3/8 - Percussion, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass & All Seniors Sectional

MARCH 21-24 - Final Sectional Rehearsals

TUESDAY, MARCH 22 - JA Band Booster Meeting - Officer Nominations

TUESDAY, MARCH 29 - Full Band Rehearsal 6:30 - 8:00

SATURDAY, APRIL 2 - Guard at MIA Championships, MS Coliseum

MONDAY, APRIL 4 - Band performance at Jackson Prep (no room for an audience)

TUESDAY, APRIL 5 - Full Band Rehearsal, 7:00 - 8:30

TUESDAY, APRIL 12 - Full Band Rehearsal 6:30 - 8:00

FRIDAY, APRIL 15 - MAIS Concert Band Festival @ Jackson Prep - afternoon performance

TUESDAY, MAY 3 - Band Performance at Chapel Assembly, PAC - 9:45 am

MONDAY, MAY 9 - Spring Concert

MONDAY, MAY 16 - Band Banquet


WINTER GUARD


Congratulations to the Jackson Independent Winter Guard for once again winning their class and earning the highest score of all 22 units competing at the Clinton MIA show on Saturday.

Special thanks to JA alums Annie Campbell, Abby Thomas, John Humphreys, and and Jonathan Sandlin for helping with the mat at Clinton.

Next up for the guard is rehearsal at JA on Sunday, March 20, from 2:00 - 6:00 at JA.


We hope everyone has a safe and relaxing Spring Break! Next blog update will be Sunday, March 20.



Sunday, February 28, 2016

2/28/16 UDPATE

JA BAND - 2/29 - 3/5


MONDAY, 2/29 - FEATURES PAGEANT

All band members report to the pit at the PAC by 6:20, in concert black.

TUESDAY, 3/1 - Sax, Flute, & Clarinet, & Percussion Sectional Rehearsal

WEDNESDAY, 3/2 - Trumpet Sectional Rehearsal

THURSDAY, 3/3 - Trombone, Bass Sectional Rehearsal

NOTE: One minor change to the spring schedule emailed last week: On APRIL 5, concert band rehearsal will shift a half  hour later, to 7:00 - 8:30.

WINTER GUARD




Congrats to the members of the Jackson Independent Winter Guard, who won their class and earned a spot in finals at the Winter Guard International Regional Championship in Pensacola, FL this weekend. The event drew 43 groups from 7 states, and Jackson Independent was the only Mississippi group to make finals.

Thanks to Judy Caldwell, Noel Alford, and Jamie Niemeyer for driving, and to the mat crew (Cory Tirman, Michael Payne, Kenneth Niemeyer, and Alexander Schott) for their help.

UPCOMING GUARD SCHEDULE:

SATURDAY, 3/5

12:00 - Meet at Hillcrest, rehearse

3:30 - Load, change

5:00 - Meet at Clinton HS

6:00 - Warmup

6:45 - PERFORM

8:30 - Retreat


NEXT REHEARSAL - SUNDAY,  3/20 - 2:00 - 6:00 at JA

JA BAND BOOSTERS

Mark your calendars for our next Band Booster meeting on Tuesday, March 22, at 6:30 pm in the band hall.

We need a parent representative from every household at the meeting as we will be nominating booster officers for next year. Ideally we would like to have the following slate:

President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Hospitality
Fundraising

Sometimes these positions are combined. Please be thinking who you would like to be nominated for these positions; we need everyone's input. Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged as well. See you March 22!

Catherine Arnold



Sunday, February 21, 2016

2/21/16 UPDATE

FEATURES PAGEANT

The full band will perform at the Features Pageant, one week from this Monday, on February 29. 

All band members should be in the pit at the PAC by 6:20 pm ready to warm up. Attire is concert black.

SECTIONAL REHEARSALS


Monday - Saxophones

Tuesday - Flutes, Clarinets, Percussion

Wednesday - Trumpets

Thursday - Trombones, Bass

Friday - NO BAND CLASS - Guard and mat crew will be departing early for Pensacola

WINTER GUARD


Congrats to the JA winter guard members for another successful competition. At the Pearl HS MIA show, they earned the highest score of all 29 groups competing.

Best of luck as they travel to Pensacola, FL this coming weekend for the WGI Regional Championship.

Here is the itinerary information for Pensacola:




Sunday, February 14, 2016

2/14/16 UPDATE

SECTIONAL REHEARSALS


MONDAY - Holiday

TUESDAY - Saxophones, Flutes, Clarinets, & Percussion

WEDNESDAY - Trumpets

THURSDAY - Trombones & Bass

REMINDER: Band will perform at the Features Pageant on Monday, February 29

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS


Congratulations to all JA Band members for their hard work in the classroom. A couple of notable achievements in recent weeks:

- Band members Cory Tirman, Michael Payne, Alexander Schott, & Kayla Young were inducted into the National Honor Society, joining current members Tyler McClellan & Hannah McCowan.

- Logan Thomas, Pier Thompson, and Courtney Francois were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society, joining current NJHS member Sarah Fisher.

- At the Mississippi College Science & Math Day, the JA team placed fourth out of 47 schools. The JA team included band members Hannah McCowan, who scored in the top 3% on Biology and top 10% on Math; and Alexander Schott (top 1% Computer Science, top 20% Physics).

Kudos to these high-achieving JA Band members!

WINTER GUARD


Saturday, 2/20

12:00 - Rehearsal @ JA
3:00 - Load, change
5:00 - Meet at Pearl HS
5:40 - Warmup
6:10 - PERFORM
8:00 - Retreat

Sunday, 2/21

1:30 - 5:30 - Rehearsal @ JA

Sunday, February 7, 2016

2/7/16 UPDATE

WINTER GUARD



The Jackson Independent Winter Guard had another successful competition weekend.

At Oak Grove HS, they earned Class Champion honors, with the highest movement and design scores of all 15 groups at the event, second highest for Effect and Equipment, and the second highest score overall.

Upcoming guard schedule:

February 13/14 - No Guard

February 20 - 11:30 Rehearsal @ JA, Competition at Pearl HS

February 21 - 1:30 - 6:00 Rehearsal @ JA

February 26-28 - WGI Regional @ Pensacola, FL

SECTIONAL REHEARSALS

Monday - Saxophones

Tuesday - Percussion, Flutes, Clarinets

Wednesday - NOON DISMISSAL - Trumpets 12:05 - 12:50

Thursday - Trombones, Bass

PHOTO GALLERY


A few more photos from Oak Grove:





Sunday, January 31, 2016

1/31/16 UPDATE

WINTER GUARD


Congrats to the Winter Guard on a great first show at Gulfport HS on Saturday. The group competed with 27 units from Mississippi and Louisiana. They won their class and had the second-highest score of all MS groups.

Thanks to Nikki Williams, Judy Caldwell, and Jamie Niemeyer for driving; and to Kenneth Niemeyer and Michael Payne for helping with the mat and props.

Here is the schedule for winter guard next weekend for their MIA show at Oak Grove:

SATURDAY, 2/6

11:30 - Meet at Hillcrest, rehearse
2:30 - Load
3:00 - Depart for Oak Grove
6:00 - PERFORMANCE
7:15 - Retreat
9:15 - Arrive in Jackson

SUNDAY, 2/7

1:30 - 5:30 - Rehearse at Hillcrest

SECTIONAL REHEARSALS


MONDAY - Saxophones

TUESDAY - Percussion, Flutes, Clarinets

WEDNESDAY - Trumpets

THURSDAY - Trombones & Bass

FRIDAY - Noon dismissal

UPCOMING EVENTS


Please ensure to mark your calendars with the following important dates:

FEBRUARY 29 - Features Pageant

APRIL 5 & 12 - Evening Concert Band rehearsals

APRIL 15 - MAIS Concert Band Festival at Jackson Prep

MAY 9 - Spring Concert

MAY 16 - Band Banquet - NEW DATE

Sunday, January 24, 2016

1/24/16 UPDATE

SECTIONAL REHEARSALS


This week sectional rehearsals will be on the usual schedule:

MONDAY - Saxophones

TUESDAY - Percussion, Flutes, & Clarinets

WEDNESDAY - Trumpets

THURSDAY - Trombones & Bass

NOTE: Sectional rehearsals are a very important part of the band's preparation for concert festival.

As discussed in class, if a student misses a sectional, he or she must arrange a time to make it up with Mr. Carter. Failure to do so will result in a deduction to his or her third quarter grade.

WINTER GUARD


Best of luck to the Winter Guard as they prepare for their first competition, the Rhythm & Waves LA/MS circuit show on Saturday, January 30, at Gulfport HS. Here is the weekend schedule for the winter guard:

SATURDAY, 1/30
10:30 - Rehearse at Hillcrest Christian School
2:30 - Depart for Gulfport
7:20 - PERFORMANCE
10:15 - Check in to South Beach Biloxi Hotel

SUNDAY, 1/31
10:00 - Depart Biloxi
2:00 - 5:30 - Rehearse at Hillcrest






Sunday, January 17, 2016

1/17/16 UPDATE

SECTIONAL REHEARSALS


Here is the sectional rehearsal schedule, starting this week:

MONDAY - Saxophones (Tuesday this week, 1/19, due to the Monday holiday)

TUESDAY - Percussion, Flutes & Clarinets

WEDNESDAY - Trumpets

THURSDAY - Trombones & Bass

All sectionals will be 3:05 - 3:50.

If there are any changes to the schedule, they will be announced in the blog each week.

Please note the schedule to avoid scheduling routine appointments or other conflicts during your student's sectional.

SCHEDULE UPDATE


The MAIS Concert Band Festival has been rescheduled for April 15. The tentative location is Jackson Prep.

The full band evening rehearsals have shifted a week later because of this change. They will be April 5 and April 12, from 6:30 - 8:00.

Please mark your calendars with these updated events.

UPCOMING EVENTS


Sunday, 1/24 - Winter Guard - 2:00 - 6:00

February 29 - Features Pageant

March 29, April 5 & 12 - Evening Concert Band Rehearsals

April 15 - MAIS Concert Band Festival

May 9 - Spring Concert


Sunday, January 10, 2016

1/10/16 UPDATE

MAIS CONCERT BAND CLINIC



Congrats to JA Band members Alexander Schott, Wes Thomas, Michael Payne, Logan Thomas, and Pier Thompson, who participated in the MAIS Concert Band Clinic at Hinds Community College.


UPCOMING EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13 - Early Dismissal, no Band

JANUARY 16 - Winter Guard - 12:30 - 5:30

WEEK OF JANUARY 18 - Sectional Rehearsals begin after school. Schedule will be determined by each section, one rehearsal each week.

FEBRUARY 29 - Features Pageant

PHOTO GALLERY

JA students with first band clinician Dr. Marc Decker, of Northwestern Oklahoma State University:


Logan Thomas and Alexander Schott with their private trombone instructor, Carla Stovall, at the MAIS Clinic closing concert:


JA Band members in rehearsals at MAIS Clinic:












The JA Band enjoyed visits from alumni over the past few weeks. Caroline Burford from Ole Miss and Annie Campbell from MS State worked with the guard:


Zack McWilliams from MS State visited with current bass player Courtney Francois (photo credit to alum Will Tribble, visiting from Ole Miss):


Sunday, January 3, 2016

1/3/16 UPDATE

UPCOMING EVENTS


January 7-9 - MAIS Concert Band Clinic, Hinds Community College

NOTE: Because of the clinic, there will be no band class Thursday or Friday this week. A substitute will be available to supervise students in the band hall.

January 9 - Winter Guard Rehearsal 12:30 - 5:30

February 29 - Features Pageant

March 29 - Evening Concert Band Rehearsal

April 5 - Evening Concert Band Rehearsal

April 8 - MAIS Concert Band Festival

May 9 - Spring Concert

TBA - Band Banquet

July 25 - 29 and August 1-5 - Band Camp


A clip from the Christmas Concert has been added to the YouTube list to the right.



The full concert is available for purchase in the JA Store.