5/16/10 UPDATE

JA BAND NEWSLETTER 05.16.10

Thank you to all band families who attended the Awards Ceremony on Thursday, and congratulations to all JA Band members for their accomplishments this year. The future looks bright for the JA Band Program.

FALL 2010 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Drill writer Lenny Westmoreland is busy working on the 2010 Jackson Academy Marching Band competition show, which will be titled "Between the Lines" and feature the music of the classic rock band Led Zeppelin.

After consideration of the schedule, we have decided to travel to the BOA Atlanta Super Regional, which will be held on October 30, instead of the Indianapolis regional the week following. Traveling to Atlanta will decrease travel time and expense and also allow interested older students to audition for the All-State Lions Band on November 6.

Here are the important dates to mark on your calendars for Fall 2010:

JA DANCE CAMP - June 1-4, 1:00 - 5:30 each day
CAPITAL CITY JAZZ CAMP - June 10 & 11, 1:00 - 5:00 & 6:30 - 8:30 each day

BAND CAMP - July 26-30 and August 2-6, 8:30 - 11:30 and 1:00 - 5:00 each day, JA campus

Saturday, October 2 - AREA BAND COMPETITION(S) - TBA
Saturday, October 16 - ALL DAY REHEARSAL
Saturday, October 23 - MAIS Marching Band Festival, Jackson Academy Raider Field
Friday - Sunday, October 29 - 31 - BOA Atlanta Super Regional Trip

A full calendar for the year will be distributed when the schedule is finalized in the next few weeks.

END OF YEAR "HOUSEKEEPING"

All horn and percussion students need to come to the band hall tomorrow (Monday) during the school day to be measured for a new uniform jacket.

Also, if your student has not yet turned in his or her band uniform, please have them do so this week.

CAPITAL CITY JAZZ CAMP SHORTENED

In the interest of making the experience available to more students around the area, we have decided to shorten the Capital City Jazz Camp from five days to two, and decrease the price to $25. The camp will now be only Thursday and Friday, June 10 & 11, from 1:00 - 5:00 and 6:30 - 8:30 each day. We will still have the same great local jazz musicians and teachers as instructors, and the camp will finish with a concert for families and friends at 7:30 on June 11. All camp activities are in the JA Performing Arts Center.

Note: if you have already sent payment for the full camp fee, that check will be returned to you. If your student would like to attend the two-day camp, please send a check for $25, payable to Jackson Academy.

5/09/10 UPDATE

Congratulations to the members of the Jackson Academy Concert & Sixth Grade Bands for their fine performances at the Spring Concert on Tuesday.

The Sixth Grade Band received standing ovations for both of their performances, in front of the elementary student body in the morning and at the evening concert as well. We are very pleased with the great strides these students have made since the beginning of the year and look forward to having many of them continue as JA Band members.

We received many positive comments about the high school band's performance also, and everyone seemed to enjoy the unique collaboration with JA Speech and Drama teacher Stacy Overstreet and her students.

A few photos from the concert, thanks to Wendy Hutchins:

SIXTH GRADE BAND:

Thank you to all the students for their hard work, dedication to improvement, and fine performances throughout this school year.

Special kudos to our four Senior students, Will Commarato, John Humphreys, Kevin Lowery, & Jonathan Sandlin, for their leadership by example and outstanding musicianship. These four young men have "stayed the course" as JA Band members over the years with pride and commitment. Our four JA Band Seniors:

And thank you to Karen Humphreys for sharing the following. Can you name the students pictured in this glimpse into the past?

Please take a few minutes to look through more photos from the concerts at the following links:

JA Concert Band Spring Concert Photo Album

JA Sixth Grade Band Spring Concert Photo Album

BAND PROGRAM AWARDS CEREMONY

The final event for the school year will be the Awards Ceremony this Thursday, May 13, in the JA Performing Arts Center. All JA Band students, families, and friends are invited to attend. All students, from Sixth through Twelfth grades, will receive individual recognition, and special awards will be presented as well.

The festivities will begin with cookies and punch served in the PAC lobby beginning at 6:30 pm. At 7:00, we will move to the auditorium for the presentation of awards and a retrospective slide show.

Student attire for the Awards Ceremony Thursday will be smart casual.

END OF YEAR "HOUSEKEEPING"

All students should turn in band uniforms and band-owned instruments during class time this week.

We have designed and will be ordering new uniform jackets and color guard uniforms over the summer. Student measurements will be taken before school is out. A sneak preview of the new jacket, modeled by Grady Fisher:

Please continue to watch for JA Band email announcements and blog updates throughout the summer for information about free private music lessons, clinics, band camp, and schedule updates.

UPCOMING EVENTS

JA Band Program Spring Awards Ceremony - May 13, 6:30 pm, JA Performing Arts Center

Jackson Academy Dance Camp - June 1-4, 12:00 - 5:30 each day

Capital City Jazz Camp - June 7-11, 1-5 & 6:30 - 9:00 each day

JA BAND CAMP - July 26 - 30 & August 2-6, 8:30 - 11:30 & 1:00 - 5:00 each day

Thank you for your support throughout the year, and we hope to see everyone Thursday evening in the PAC.

5/02/10 UPDATE

Please join us for the JA Band Program Spring Concert this Tuesday, May 4, at 7:00 pm in the Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center.

The evening's performances will begin with the JA Sixth Grade Band at 7:00. These students will also perform Tuesday morning for the elementary student body during the school day, at 9:00 am.

The JA Concert Band will take the stage at 7:30 for Zeppelin and the Allmans - Words & Music. We hope everyone will enjoy this unique collaboration between the Band and JA Speech and Theater teacher Stacy Overstreet and her students.

Founded in Jacksonville, FL, in 1969 and once based in Macon, GA, the Allman Brothers Band has been called the "architects of Southern rock." They also incorporate elements blues, jazz, and country music, and their live performances include jam-band style improvisation and instrumental songs.

Considered primarily a heavy metal or hard rock band, Led Zeppelin was founded about the same time in England. Even thirty years after disbanding following drummer John Bonham's death in 1980, the band continues to be held in high regard for their artistic achievements, commercial success, and broad influence.

Tuesday's concert will also be the final performance as JA Band members for our four seniors, Will Commarato, John Humphreys, Kevin Lowery, & Jonathan Sandlin. These seniors have had an amazing six years with the JA Band, including a Class A National Championship, Regional Championships at Atlanta, St. Louis, & San Antonio, an incredible Concert Band tour via Amtrak to Chicago, and much recognition as individual student musicians.

Please invite family and friends for what should be a rocking event in a wonderful facility. There will be no admission charge for the concert.

SPRING AWARDS CEREMONY

On Thursday, May 13, the JA Band Program will hold its Spring Awards Ceremony. This is in lieu of the banquet which has been held in years past. The evening will begin with cookies and punch in the PAC lobby at 6:30. At 7:00 we will begin the Awards Ceremony in the PAC Auditorium, which will include individual recognition for every band member, special awards, and a retrospective slideshow prepared by Melani Hutchins. All band families, from Sixth Grade through Twelfth, are invited. There will be no charge for the event.

4/25/10 UPDATE

The final concert in the University Jazz Series brought the Jazz Ensemble from Mississippi State University, under the direction of Dr. Clifton Taylor, to the JA Performing Arts Center on Friday evening. With many MSU alumni in the audience, the high energy performance was a fitting end to the series.

Thank you to JA band members Will Commarato, John Humphreys, Annie Campbell, and Samantha Hill for their help at the three concerts in the series, collecting admission fees and assisting behind the scenes.

PRESIDENT'S CORNER - Jim Lowery

I am looking forward to hearing one more concert of the Jackson Academy Band before my youngest child graduates next month. This month has offered some amazing performances that many of you heard. The Jackson Academy Band continues to set the standard for bands in the MAIS. The performance in the PAC was even more impressive when you realize that former JA band member Corey Carter wrote one piece and arranged one piece of the three pieces of their performance. The outstanding performance at the Township Festival was part of what is becoming a significant local event. All the feedback I have received from my friends in Ridgeland has been amazing. What a way for our family to leave the band! I am looking forward to a most interesting night as we change how we close the year on May 13th. More information on this will be shared with you soon.

On a somber note... Any band family that has had children pass through the JA elementary grades is shocked by the sudden death of Jane Gibbons. Your band booster officers are preparing to make a gift from our budget in her honor to Jackson Academy. Gifts to the school will be focused on a yet to be determined project leaning toward a music area due to Jane’s love of music. One of the most mentioned projects is a scholarship for musically interested students. The band boosters are preparing to donate to this or a similar idea and I would solicit those of you who want to donate through the band boosters and be included with the band boosters to increase our donation send checks so marked to the band boosters to be included with the booster check. Please understand that this is only an option to increase the booster presence with a major project. This is your personal decision on how to honor our beloved teacher. My suggestion if you choose to join with the band boosters would be to have all donations received by the May 4th concert to be presented at the awards meeting on May 13th. If you have any questions, please contact me.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, May 4 - JA Band Program Spring Concert, PAC, 7:00 - performances by the Sixth Grade Band and the Concert Band

Thursday, May 13 - JA Band Program Awards Ceremony - cookies & punch served at 6:30 in the PAC lobby, awards in the auditorium beginning at 7:00

JA Dance Camp - June 1-4, 12:00 - 5:30 each day

Capital City Jazz Camp - June 7-11, 1:00 - 5:00 and 6:30 - 9:00 each day

BAND CAMP - July 26-30 and August 2-6, JA campus, 8:30 - 5:00 each day

4/18/10 UPDATE

The first two concerts in the University Jazz Series here at JA produced two energetic performances this week. On Thursday, the USM Jazz Lab Band I, including JA alum Corey Carter, visited the PAC. On Friday, the Mississippians, from Ole Miss, performed. JA Alum Derrick Marchant is a member of that ensemble.

USM Director Mr. Larry Panella introducing Corey Carter:

USM Jazz Lab Band I:

Derrick Marchant with the Mississippians:

The Mississippians:

The final concert in the series, by the Jazz Ensemble from Mississippi State University, under the direction of Dr. Clifton Taylor, will be Friday, April 23, at 7:00 pm in the PAC.

JA COLOR GUARD

All JA Guard members are strongly encouraged to attend the Jackson Academy Dance Camp June 1-4, from 12:00 - 5:30 each day. Click on the link under "Upcoming Performances and Camps" for a camp flyer. If you have questions about the camp, contact Cammie at crc38@aol.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

University Jazz Series, PAC, 7 pm
Friday, April 23 - MSU Jazz Ensemble

Tuesday, May 4 - JA Band Program Spring Concert, PAC, 7:00
Thursday, May 13 - JA Band Program Banquet

JA Dance Camp - June 1-4, 12:00 - 5:30 each day

Capital City Jazz Camp - June 7-11, 1:00 - 5:00 and 6:30 - 9:00 each day

BAND CAMP - July 26-30 and August 2-6, JA campus, 8:30 - 5:00 each day

4/11/10 UPDATE

Congratulations to the JA Jazz Band for a fine performance on Saturday at the Township Jazz Festival in Ridgeland.

See more photos from the band's performance, as well as from the MAIS Festival, at the following links:

Township Jazz Festival photo gallery

MAIS Concert Band Festival photo gallery

The Jackson Academy Band Program is pleased to announce the University Jazz Series, a trio of concerts to be presented at the new Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center. Jazz ensembles from the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of Mississippi, and Mississippi State University will perform.

On Thursday, April 15, the USM Jazz Lab Band I will perform at 7:00 pm. The jazz studies program at The University of Southern Mississippi has a long and illustrious history, having been in existence for nearly 40 years. Among the notable guest artists who have performed with the Jazz Lab Band I are Ira Sullivan, Bob Berg, John Fedchock, Ellis Marsalis, Jeff Coffin, Russ Nolan, Jovino Santos Neto, and many more. The jazz band is under the direction of Mr. Larry Panella, the school’s Director of Jazz Studies, who received degrees from Northern Illinois University and the University of North Texas, where he performed with the acclaimed 1 O’Clock Jazz Lab Band. He has performed with numerous artists and entertainers including The Phil Collins Big Band, The Woody Herman Orchestra, and Natalie Cole.

Friday, April 16, the Mississippians, the principal student jazz ensemble from the University of Mississippi, will visit the JA campus for a 7:00 pm performance. The ensemble is to perform the music of Duke Ellington and Count Basie along with works by contemporary composers Rob McConnell, Charles Mingus, Theloneous Monk and others. ''We are particularly enjoying working up an outlandish arrangement of Gershwin's ‘I Got Rhythm,’" said Dr. Michael Worthy, associate professor of music and ensemble director. “The arrangement uses several rhythmic devices that seemingly mock the assertion of the title."

The Jazz Ensemble from Mississippi State University will perform on Friday, April 23, also at 7:00 pm. Ensemble musicians are members of the Famous Maroon Band at MSU, the oldest university band in the South, selected by audition. The jazz band is under the direction of Dr. Clifton Taylor, a native of Biloxi who holds degrees from USM and the University of South Carolina. Dr. Taylor remains active as a trombonist and performs in numerous symphonic, jazz, and rock settings annually.

The admission charge for each concert will be $5 for adults, $2 for students (college age and younger), and children under 5 will be admitted free.

Please make plans to attend these great concerts, and spread the word among family and friends who would appreciate great jazz music.

JA COLOR GUARD

Cammie spent a few days in Dayton, OH this week at the Winter Guard International World Championships. She was able to observe performances by guards from around the country and even international groups. She was also able to connect with the guard and staff from Croatan, NC, including director Lenny Westmoreland, the JA Band and Guard's drillwriter, and Ashleigh Bradley, who will be the primary instructor at the JA Dance Camp this summer and also assist at Band Camp.

Here is a photo of Cammie with Ashleigh and Lenny immediately after Croatan's bronze medal performance in the Independent Open Division at the WGI Championships:

All JA Guard members are strongly encouraged to attend the Jackson Academy Dance Camp June 1-4, from 12:00 - 5:30 each day. Click on the link under "Upcoming Performances & Camps" for a flyer. If you have questions about the camp, contact Cammie at crc38@aol.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

University Jazz Series, PAC, 7 pm
Thursday, April 15 - USM Jazz Lab Band I
Friday, April 16 - the Mississippians, Ole Miss
Friday, April 23 - MSU Jazz Ensemble

Tuesday, May 4 - JA Band Program Spring Concert, PAC, 7:00
Thursday, May 13 - JA Band Program Banquet

JA Dance Camp - June 1-4, 12:00 - 5:30 each day

Capital City Jazz Camp - June 7-11, 1:00 - 5:00 and 6:30 - 9:00 each day

BAND CAMP - July 26-30 and August 2-6, JA campus, 8:30 - 5:00 each day

4/4/10 UPDATE

Congratulations to the JA Concert Band for a fine performance on Thursday at the MAIS Concert Band Festival. The band received all superior ratings and many positive comments from the adjudicators and audience members. Thank you to the parents who were able to attend the performance.

Special thanks to Betty Commarato, who helped throughout the day, and to the members of the Sixth Grade Band who served as band guides and judge runners and helped with stage setup. Thank you as well to Martha Ray and Kristal Golden for organizing box lunches for students and staff.

Here are a few other photos from the festival:

Some of the sixth grade helpers:

Waiting for warmup:

The JA Concert Band on stage:

JA JAZZ BAND

Saturday, April 10 - The JA Jazz Band will perform at the Township Jazz Festival at the Township at Colony Park in Ridgeland. The JA band will play from 12:00 - 12:45. Click on the logo above for more information about this event, spearheaded by prominent local musician Raphael Semmes. The Festival has announced that the headliner this year will be Mose Allison, known as the "William Faulkner of Jazz". Please visit Mose's official website for more infomation about this influential musician.

Jazz Band members should be at the stage of the festival (near the Fusion Coffeehouse) at 11:30 on Saturday. Attire will be black pants and shirt.

JA COLOR GUARD

All JA Guard members are strongly encouraged to attend the Jackson Academy Dance Camp June 1-4, from 12:00 - 5:00 each day. The flyer for the camp is linked under CAMPS to the right. If you have questions about the camp, contact Cammie at crc38@aol.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, May 4 - JA Band Program Spring Concert, PAC, 7:00
Thursday, May 13 - JA Band Program Banquet

JA Dance Camp - June 1-4, 12:00 - 5:00 each day

Capital City Jazz Camp - June 7-11, 1:00 - 5:00 and 6:30 - 9:00 each day

BAND CAMP - July 26-30 and August 2-6, JA campus, 8:30 - 5:00 each day