10/28/12 UPDATE

MAIS MARCHING BAND FESTIVAL

Thanks to all the parents who volunteered their time and efforts to make the MAIS Festival on Saturday a great success. Parents organized and sold concessions, worked the checkin table, sold tickets and shoutouts, directed parking (special thanks to alumni parent Jim Lowery), guided bands, and did anything else needed to contribute to a smooth event that was a positive experience for all in attendance.

The JA Band had a fine performance of "Who Are You?", earning ALL SUPERIOR ratings from the judges. This is the 21st year of all superior ratings for the JA Marching Band.

SAN ANTONIO TRIP

After a long season of hard work by the JA Band members, BOA week has finally arrived. All parents are asked to attend the pre-trip meeting on Tuesday at 7 pm, while the students are in evening rehearsal.  At the end of rehearsal, at 8:00, all parents who are helping on the mat crew in San Antonio will practice on the field placing and removing the mat within the BOA time constraints.

Your students' teachers have been informed that the band members will be excused from school November 1 & 2. Each student is responsible for talking with his or her teachers to develop a satisfactory plan to complete any missed work. There will be wifi and power outlets available on the bus, as well as at the hotel, so students may bring laptops to work on school assignments during their free time.

JA BAND SCHEDULE FOR 10/29 - 11/4

MONDAY, 10/29 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 4:00

TUESDAY, 10/30 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 3:00

     RIFLES - 4:45 - 6:00 - Football Field

     COLOR GUARD - 5:00 - 6:00 - Football Field

     PERCUSSION - 5:30 - 6:30 - Football Field

     HORNS - 6:15 Report

     FULL BAND - 6:30 - 8:00 - Football Field

     PARENT MEETING - 7:00 - 8:00 - Band Hall

     MAT CREW REHEARSAL - 8:00

WEDNESDAY, 10/31 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 4:00

THURSDAY, 11/1 - SAN ANTONIO TRAVEL DAY

     REPORT TIME - 6:30 AM

     DEPARTURE - 7:00 AM

FRIDAY, 11/2 - Rehearsal, Sightseeing, Riverwalk Cruise

SATURDAY, 11/3 - Bands of America San Antonio Super Regional

     10:15 am - JA BAND PRELIMINARY PERFORMANCE

SUNDAY, 11/4 - SAN ANTONIO RETURN TRAVEL DAY

     ARRIVAL AT JA - 11:30 pm (approximate)

Further trip details will be discussed at the Parent Meeting on Tuesday night at 7:00. We ask that all JA Band families have at least one member at the meeting, to help make the trip go as smoothly as possible. 

PHOTO GALLERY

JA Carnival setup did not stop the JA Guard from practicing Tuesday:

Football game halftime Senior Night recognition for JA Band Drum Major Annie Campbell, accompanied by her mother, Karen:

Halftime performance:

MAIS Festival - DeSoto Central HS Band exhibition:

ALL-SUPERIOR JA Band at Retreat:

Large crowd in attendance:

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Corky's Fundraiser - Order forms will be available this week!

OCTOBER 30 - Parent Pre-trip Meeting - 7:00 - Band Hall
NOVEMBER 1-4 - BOA San Antonio Trip
NOVEMBER 9 - Championship Football game
NOVEMBER 10 - MS All-State Lions Band Auditions
NOVEMBER 17 - Lions Band Callbacks
DECEMBER 11 - JA Band Christmas Concert

10/21/12 UPDATE

SPECIAL NOTE: All San Antonio trip payments are now past due. Please take care of any outstanding payments ASAP.

MAIS MARCHING BAND FESTIVAL - OCTOBER 27

The MAIS Marching Fest will be at JA Raider Field this Saturday, October 27. Parent volunteers are needed for ticket-taking, guiding bands, and concessions.

If you can help with this event, even if you signed up at the meeting last month, please confirm your availability by sending an email to jaband@aol.com by the end of the day Monday, 10/23. If you would like to help specifically with concessions, contact Charlette Oswalt at charletteo@vzw.blackberry.net

Volunteers should be here by 1:30, and the event will conclude at about 4:50.

Students also report by 1:30 on Saturday. They will help where needed, then change into uniform before warmup.

Here is the schedule of performances:

3:00 - Presbyterian Christian School
3:15 - Starkville Academy
3:30 - Copiah Academy
3:45 - Hillcrest Christian School
4:00 - Jackson Academy
4:15 - DeSoto Central HS Exhibition
4:40 - Awards

JA BAND SCHEDULE OCTOBER 22 - 27

MONDAY, 10/22 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 4:00

TUESDAY, 10/23 - NO AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSAL - JA CARNIVAL

WEDNESDAY, 10/24 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 4:00

THURSDAY, 10/25 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 4:00

FRIDAY, 10/26 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 3:00 - Home Football Game v. MRA - 7:00 kickoff
     5:30 - Report to parking lot, horns and percussion in half uniform, guard in tshirts and shorts
     FIRST & SECOND QUARTERS - Drumline in stands
     HALFTIME - Competition show, parent help needed
     THIRD QUARTER - Break, students may visit concessions
     FOURTH QUARTER - Drumline in stands
     END OF GAME - Band will march together back to the band hall. Students will be dismissed when all equipment is put away.

SATURDAY, 10/27 - MAIS Marching Festival

     1:30 - Students report band hall in band t-shirts. Students will help as needed and will change into uniform before warmup

    4:00 - Performance

SAN ANTONIO TRIP

Check out the countdown at the upper right of this page - less than two weeks before the JA Band will perform at the Alamodome.

All payments for the San Antonio trip are now past due. Please take care of these payments as soon as possible so that we can cover the expenses of the trip. Contact JA Band Booster Treasurer Jamie Niemeyer at JNiemeyer@sfbcic.com if you have any questions or concerns.

We are asking for donations of bottled water and snacks for the trip. We especially need healthy, substantial snacks (peanut butter or cheese crackers, etc.) in the event that our performance schedule leads to a delay in feeding the students a full meal.

Those families who do not travel with the band to San Antonio can still watch their performance via a live webcast subscription. For more information, click on the following link: MUSIC FOR ALL VIDEO SUBSCRIPTIONS. A subscription to a single event such at the San Antonio Super Regional is $19.

There will be a pre-trip meeting on Tuesday, October 30, at 7:00 in the band hall (during evening rehearsal). During this meeting, itinerary booklets will be distributed to those going on the trip, and any questions will be answered. We ask that all families going on the trip have at least one member present at the meeting, and all other families are also welcome to attend.

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 26 - Football game @ Home v. MRA
October 27 - MAIS Marching Band Festival @ JA - see info above - volunteers needed!
October 30 - San Antonio Trip Parent Meeting - 7:00
November 1-4 - BOA San Antonio Trip
November 9 - Championship Football game @ MC
December 11 - JA Band Christmas Concert

10/14/12 UPDATE

CONGRATULATIONS (AGAIN), JA BAND!

Congratulations to the JA Band members for another fine showing at the Pearl Invitational Marching Championship. The students earned the following honors:

MUSIC - 2nd Place
VISUAL - 2nd Place
GENERAL EFFECT - 3rd Place
PERCUSSION - 3rd Place
COLOR GUARD - 1st PLACE
OVERALL - 2nd PLACE
MAYOR'S AWARD

TOP 6:
1st - DeSoto Central HS - 94.25
2nd - JACKSON ACADEMY - 92.35
3rd - Ridgeland HS - 91.63
4th - Clinton HS - 88.55
5th - Kosciusko HS - 85.03
6th - Northwest Rankin HS - 80.50

Over 5000 people from the Jackson area saw the JA Band perform over the past two weekends. The next opportunity to see the JA Band perform will be at the home football game on October 26, and then the MAIS Marching Band Festival on October 27, at 4:00 at JA's Raider Field.

JA BAND BOOSTER FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES

The JA Band Boosters will be manning the visitor concession stand for the 7th, 8th, and 9th grade football games against Prep this Thursday, October 18. Volunteers are needed for 4 shifts, 6 people per shift (anyone may work more than one shift):

4:00 - 5:00
5:00 - 6:00
6:00 - 7:00
7:00 - 8:00

Contact Charlette Oswalt at charletteo@vzw.blackberry.net to volunteer.

The MAGAZINE SALE is winding down. First turn-in date is tomorrow, October 15; but orders will be accepted all week. Please support this very important fundraiser for the Boosters. Contact Charlette with any questions.

The next opportunity to support the Boosters is by helping at the MAIS Marching Festival on October 27. Help will be needed in concessions, taking tickets, guiding bands, and several other positions. Look for details in next week's blog.

JA BAND SCHEDULE OCTOBER 15 - 19

MONDAY, 10/15 - Rehearsal 2:00 - 4:00

TUESDAY, 10/16 - Rehearsal 2:00 - 3:00
     RIFLES - 4:45 - 6:00 - Football Field
     COLOR GUARD - 5:00 - 6:00 - Football Field
     PERCUSSION - 5:30 - 6:30 - Football Field
     HORNS - Report 6:15
     FULL BAND - 6:30 - 8:00 - Football Field

WEDNESDAY, 10/17 - NO BAND
     12th grade - no school
     9th - 11th grade - 11:45 dismissal (after PSAT)
     7th and 8th grade - study hall during band class
   
THURSDAY, 10/18 - Rehearsal 2:00 - 4:00
     4:00 - 8:00 - Boosters work visitor concessions - see info above

FRIDAY, 10/19 - Rehearsal 2:00 - 3:00, No game for Band

FUTURE SCHEDULE NOTE: As you can see from the countdown at the top of the page, the BOA San Antonio trip is fast approaching. There will be a PARENT MEETING about the trip on Tuesday, October 30, at 7:00 in the band hall (during evening rehearsal). Trip coordinator Sue Guindon will be present to distribute itinerary booklets and answer any questions. We ask that all families coming on the trip have at least one member at the meeting, and all families are invited to attend to learn more about the trip if desired.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

OCTOBER 26 - Football Game at Home
OCTOBER 27 - MAIS Marching Festival at JA - Performance time 4:00 - Help needed!
OCTOBER 30 - SAN ANTONIO TRIP MEETING - 7:00
NOVEMBER 1-4 - BOA SAN ANTONIO TRIP
NOVEMBER 9 - Football Championship game @ MC

10/7/12 UPDATE

CONGRATULATIONS, JA BAND!

Congratulations to the JA Band for their accomplishments at the Clinton Arrow Invitational on Saturday! The band earned the following awards:

SUPERIOR ratings for Band, Color Guard, and Percussion

CLASS 3A Champions

BEST IN CLASS Music, Visual, General Effect, Color Guard, Percussion, and Band

THIRD PLACE OVERALL - First and Second Place bands were Class 6A

Saturday began with a cool but very productive rehearsal, and the band persevered at Clinton in spite of blustery winds and cool temperatures. Their performance of "Who Are You?" was the best of the season and garnered an enthusiastic response from the crowd, as well as many compliments throughout the evening from other band directors and spectators. 

Among all the judges at the event, two had the JA Band in first place overall (Visual and Music Performance), and all had many positive and constructive comments about the band's performance.

Thanks to all the parents who helped at both the Prep game Friday night and at Clinton Saturday. Your positive attitudes and willingness to support your students means a great deal to them and contributes immensely to their success. 

JA BAND SCHEDULE OCTOBER 8-13

MONDAY, 10/8 - NO SCHOOL

TUESDAY, 10/9 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 3:00

     Rifles - 4:45 - 6:00 - Football Field

     Color Guard - 5:00 - 6:00 - Football Field

     Percussion - 5:30 - 6:30 - Football Field

     Horns - 6:15 - Football Field

     FULL BAND - 6:30 - 8:00 - Football Field

WEDNESDAY, 10/10 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 4:00

THURSDAY, 10/11 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 4:00

FRIDAY, 10/12 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 3:00 - No game for Band

SATURDAY, 10/13 - Pearl HS Band Competition

2:00 - 4:00 - Full Band Rehearsal on the football field at JA - Please ensure students arrive early enough to begin rehearsal at 2:00. Practice will end at 4:00. Students will be dismissed after equipment is packed for loading.

7:30 - All band members meet at Pearl HS, in full uniform. Details about dropoff and parking will be announced later this week via email and group message.

9:05 - PERFORMANCE TIME

Awards will be announced after the last performing band (Pearl HS at 9:31). After awards, students may be picked up at the designated area (TBA).

MAGAZINE SALE

Please continue to support the magazine sale, the major fundraiser for the JA Band Boosters. Contact Charlette Oswalt at charletteo@vzw.blackberry.net or jaband@aol.com with any questions.

PHOTO GALLERY

These and MANY more photos from the weekend have been posted to the JA BAND PHOTO GALLERY and the JA BAND FACEBOOK PAGE (also linked from the menu bar above).

Pep Rally Friday

Guard warmup at Prep

Pregame Performance at Prep

Drumline in the stands at Prep

Saturday morning rehearsal at JA

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 13 - Pearl HS Band Competition - see schedule above

October 26 - Football Game @ Home

October 27 - MAIS MARCHING FESTIVAL @ JA - Parent help needed for concessions and logistics

November 1-4 - San Antonio BOA Trip

November 9 - Championship Football Game @ MC

9/30/12 UPDATE

Thank you to the JA Band, possibly the hardest working student group on campus, for their contributions to the Homecoming events on Friday: pep rally, rehearsal, a pregame performance of the competition show that was the best yet this season, halftime performance of Homecoming tunes (pictured above), and support in the stands for the football Raiders as they continued their winning ways.

MAT CREW

Thank you to the parents who have volunteered to serve as the "mat crew" for band performances. Special thanks to Brent Fisher for spearheading the effort, and to JA Drum Major Annie Campbell for her effective "tutorial" for the parents handling the mat.

The positive energy and efforts of the parents contributed to a fine performance by the band for the Homecoming crowd before the game Friday.

Thanks also to the parents who responded to our group text message plea for more bottled water. Don't be left out - if you have not yet signed up for Remind101 messages, you can join the group by texting @jaba to (779) 379-3914.

JA BAND SCHEDULE OCTOBER 1-6 - IMPORTANT

This will be a busy week for the JA Band, with several changes from the usual schedule. Please read and refer to the details below throughout the week. Any unforeseen changes or new information will be passed along via group text message and email.

MONDAY, 10/1 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 4:00

TUESDAY, 10/2 - Early dismissal, Raider Night

12:26 - Students dismissed from school

The band's participation in Raider Night will be to hold rehearsal on the football field, with campus visitors observing.

4:45 - 6:00 - Rifles - Football Field
5:00 - 6:00 - Color Guard - Football Field
5:30 - 6:30 - Percussion - Football Field
6:15 - Horns report
6:30 - 8:00 - Full Band - Football Field

WEDNESDAY, 10/3 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 4:00

THURSDAY, 10/4 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 4:00

FRIDAY, 10/5 - Away football game at Prep - Pregame performance

2:10 - 3:00 - Rehearsal

5:30 - ALL BAND MEMBERS MEET AT PREP - North end zone entrance at our trucks, in uniform (carry jackets). Make sure students have instruments and anything else needed for performance.

6:30 - Pregame Performance of "WHO ARE YOU?"

Drumline will play in the stands for the game, with a break third quarter.

END OF GAME - Parents pick up students at Prep at the north end zone entrance, being sure to check with Mr. or Mrs. Carter before you leave with your student.

SATURDAY, 10/6 - CLINTON ARROW INVITATIONAL

The students are excited for the first band competition of the season, with many fine band programs from around the state participating. The schedule for the day:

9:00 - 11:00 - Rehearsal on the football field at JA - Please ensure students arrive early enough to be ready to BEGIN at 9:00. Rehearsal will end at 11:00. Students will be dismissed after equipment is packed for loading.

2:00 - ALL BAND MEMBERS MEET AT CLINTON, in uniform, with everything needed for performance. Details about logistics for dropping off students and parking will be announced later this week.

4:15 - PERFORMANCE TIME

6:00 - RETREAT

After retreat, parents may pick up students at the designated spot (TBA). Again, be sure to check with Mr. or Mrs. Carter before you leave with your student.

MAGAZINE SALE

The JA Band Booster magazine sale is underway. Packets were sent home with elementary students last week, and will be distributed this week to band members.

PLEASE do your part to support the sale. The magazine sale has been the MAJOR fundraiser for the Band Boosters since the 1980s, so many community members expect it and are happy to support the band by buying and renewing subscriptions. Not only individuals but also medical offices and other businesses regularly participate. 

The JA Band needs your support to continue providing our students the experience they and the campus and community have come to expect. Please do your part!

Questions about the sale should be directed to Charlette Oswalt at charletteo@vzw.blackberry.net.

PHOTO GALLERY

Caroline Burford visited the JA Preschool this week, demonstrating her flute and playing music for the students. Many of them then spent the remainder of the day playing their pretend flutes. Thank you to Caroline for inspiring these potential future JA Band members.

Several more photos from the Band's participation in Homecoming activities Friday:

UPCOMING EVENTS

OCTOBER 5 - Football game @ Jackson Prep

OCTOBER 6 - Arrow Invitational Band Competition @ Clinton HS
OCTOBER 13 - Band Competition @ Pearl HS
OCTOBER 26 - Football game @ Home
OCTOBER 27 - MAIS MARCHING BAND FESTIVAL @ JA - Parent help needed for concessions and logistics
NOVEMBER 1-4 - BOA SAN ANTONIO Trip
NOVEMBER 9 - Championship Football Game

9/23/12 UPDATE

JA BAND WEEKLY SCHEDULE SEPTEMBER 24-28

MONDAY, 9/24 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 4:00

TUESDAY, 9/25 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 3:00
     RIFLES - 4:45 - 6:00 - Activities Building
     COLOR GUARD - 5:00 - 6:00 - Activities Building
     PERCUSSION - 5:30 - 6:30 - Activities Building
     FULL BAND - 6:00 - 8:00 - Activities Building

WEDNESDAY, 9/26 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 4:00

THURSDAY, 9/27 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 4:00

FRIDAY, 9/28 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 3:00
     HOMECOMING FOOTBALL v. Lee Academy - 7:00 Kickoff
     5:15 - Rifles report
     5:30 - All others report to parking lot, horns and percussion in half uniform, guard in band t-shirts    and shorts
     COMPETITION SHOW PREGAME - EXACT TIME TBA, approximately 6:30 - parent help needed
     FIRST & SECOND QUARTERS - Drumline in stands
     HALFTIME - Band will perform to accompany Homecoming Court
     THIRD QUARTER - Drumline in stands
     Band will be dismissed at the beginning of the Fourth Quarter

REMIND101

We now have at least one family member (student and/or parent) for each band member signed up to receive Remind101 messages. Anyone may still join the service by texting @jaba to (779)379-3914, and/or sending an email to jaba@remind101.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 28 - HOMECOMING Football game @ JA
OCTOBER 5 - Football game @ Jackson Prep
OCTOBER 6 - Arrow Invitational Band Competition @ Clinton HS
     9:00 - 11:00 - Rehearsal @ JA
     2:00 - Report to Clinton HS
     4:15 - Performance
     6:00 - Retreat
OCTOBER 13 - Band Competition @ Pearl HS
OCTOBER 26 - Football game @ Home
OCTOBER 27 - MAIS MARCHING BAND FESTIVAL @ JA - Parent help needed for concessions and logistics
NOVEMBER 1-4 - BOA SAN ANTONIO Trip
NOVEMBER 9 - Championship Football Game

9/16/12 UPDATE

BOOSTER MEETING

Thanks to the parents who attended the JA Band Booster meeting on Tuesday. If you were not able to attend, contact Booster President Terri Fisher (tfisher@jacksonacademy.org) to obtain a copy of the information that was presented.

All families should have received an email this week with details about upcoming events and information about personal ads in the programs for the Clinton and MAIS competitions. Any parents with further questions should email jaband@aol.com.

REMIND101

We are now using the REMIND101 messaging system to communicate schedule changes or other important information that needs to be sent in a timely manner. We anticipate using the service on trips and occasionally throughout the year.

Most band members and many families have signed up for the service. If you would prefer to receive messages via email rather than text messages, that is also possible. Here are the instructions to sign up for the service for those who have not already done so:

ARROW INVITATIONAL, CLINTON HS - OCTOBER 6

We have received the schedule for the Clinton competition, which is Saturday, October 6. Many exceptional band programs will be participating:

On October 6 the band will rehearse in the morning at JA, then meet at Clinton for the event at approximately 2:00 pm.

JA BAND WEEKLY SCHEDULE SEPTEMBER 17-21

MONDAY, 9/17 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 4:00

TUESDAY, 9/18 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 3:00
     RIFLES - 4:45 - 6:00 - Football Field
     COLOR GUARD - 5:00 - 6:00 - Field
     PERCUSSION - 5:30 - 6:30 - Field
     FULL BAND - 6:00 - 8:00 - Field

WEDNESDAY, 9/19 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 4:00

THURSDAY, 9/20 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 4:00

FRIDAY, 9/21 - Rehearsal 2:10 - 3:00
     HOME FOOTBALL v. Heritage Academy - 7:00 Kickoff
     5:30 - Report to parking lot, horns and percussion in half uniform, guard in band t-shirts and shorts
     FIRST & SECOND QUARTERS - Drumline in stands
     HALFTIME - Competition show, parent help needed
     THIRD QUARTER - Break, students may visit concessions
     FOURTH QUARTER - Drumline in stands
     END OF GAME - Band will march together back to the band hall. Students will be dismissed when all equipment is put away.

PHOTO GALLERY

A few photos from our first evening rehearsal on Raider Field Tuesday:

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 21 - Football game @ Home
SEPTEMBER 28 - Football game @ Home
OCTOBER 5 - Football game @ Jackson Prep
OCTOBER 6 - Arrow Invitational Band Competition @ Clinton HS
     9:00 - 11:00 - Rehearsal @ JA
     2:00 - Report to Clinton HS
     4:15 - Performance
     6:00 - Retreat
OCTOBER 13 - Band Competition @ Pearl HS
OCTOBER 26 - Football game @ Home
OCTOBER 27 - MAIS MARCHING BAND FESTIVAL @ JA - Parent help needed for concessions and logistics
NOVEMBER 1-4 - BOA SAN ANTONIO Trip
NOVEMBER 9 - Championship Football Game