1-21-25 Newsletter

Announcements

All State

Wow!  This year's All State Convention was UNBELIEVEABLE!  Every group performed well, and it was a privilege to be a part of these events.  From memorable University concerts (Bohemian Rhapsody, anyone?), to some very emotionally powerful numbers from many of our groups, to "The Secret Words", to the inimitable Dr. Tim, this weekend had it all!  It was also great to see several of our students enjoying the performances of the other groups, too!

Haynes Academy had seventeen students across seven different ensembles, and we all learned tons from this experience.  We met new friends from all over (students, teachers and more), and hopefully created some fun memories, too!  Thank you to everyone who drove us, cheered for us, and helped us to become some of the top musicians in Louisiana!  We have posted an online folder here for students and parents to share their favorite All State media files:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/158vW-VggDkLa1kP9qOKYZt0l7JJTqCiq?usp=sharing

Thanks for sharing!  And let's start convincing all of our fellow musicians to audition for next year's All State weekend!  We have also shared a Questionairre with our All State musicians to collect and share some of the new ideas and techniques they have learned.

District Honor Band Updates

Congratulations again to all of our students who were accepted into the District Six Honor Bands!  Everyone should have received their onw copy of the music by now, and should begin looking over it.  Honor Band weekend is Jan. 31- Feb. 2 at Tulane University's Dixon Hall, and we invite everyone to come out and hear our amazing students (along with some of the best musicians across South Louisiana).

Senior High Honor Band will be holding a reading rehearsal on Tuesday Jan. 28 -- 6:30 - 8:00 pm at Haynes Academy.

Junior High Honor Band will be holding a reading rehearsal on Saturday Jan. 25 -- 9:00 - 11:00 am at Dominican High School. (7701 Walmsley Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125)

These rehearsals are optional, but highly encouraged, as they will give us a chance to become familiar with the music before Honor Band weekend.  Students should bring their music, instrument, and a pencil to these rehearsals.

And speaking of District Honor Band Weekend, ... here is the schedule: (note that the Tulane food court does not accept cash, so please plan accordingly).

District Honor Band Weekend Schedule

Band Parents' Group

We're forming a Band Parents' Group for Haynes Academy!  If you are interested in joining, please email Haynesbandparents@gmail.com. (New Email Address). All are welcome.   Our first meeting will be Tuesday Feb. 4 at 6:00 pm in the Haynes Band Room.

Jefferson Parish Honor Bands

For the first time in over twenty years, Jefferson Parish Music Educators will be hosting the Jefferson Parish Honor Bands!  Students were invited to sign up, and then selected from Band Director nominations, and we made sure to include students from every school that chose to participate.  Please see those rosters below.  

Monday Feb. 10 (tentative schedule)

8:30 report and sign in

9:00 rehearsal

12:00 LUNCH (provided)

1:00 rehearsal, master classes for students

5:00 snack (provided)

6:00 PERFORMANCE

This is a Teacher Inservice Day, so students will not miss school.  Congratulations to all of our students who were selected!

Junior High JP Honor Band Final Roster

Senior High JP Honor Band Final Roster

Taste and Tunes Spring Concert

We have scheduled our annual Taste and Tunes Spring Concert for Sunday April 6 2025, with set-up the day before.  We'll begin solidifying details at our upcoming Parents Group meeting on Feb. 4.

Haynes Band T-shirt and Sweatshirt Order Form

Please use the links below to order your own Haynes Band t-shirt or sweatshirt.  You are welcome to pay via this order form, or you may bring in a check or cash to Mr. Phelan.  First year Band students will receive a shirt free of charge, and we will be distributing them when this batch arrives.

Sweatshirt Order Form

T-shirt Order Form

Haynes Band to Host Visiting Musicians

The Haynes Band will play host to students from Calabasas High School, from Calabasas, CA on Friday March 28!  We're still working out the final details, but we are looking forward to meeting and sharing music with our guests (and maybe even lunch :)

Donors Choose Project funded!

Thank you to everyone who helped to fund our latest Donors Choose project!  We were able to completely fund this project (to purchase additional mallets and sticks for our growing Percussion classes) in about eight hours!  Thank you again to everyone who contributed!

After School Practices

It is imperative that students attend every rehearsal of the Haynes Band.  Conflicts should be discussed with Mr. Phelan in advance, so we can attempt to work out the best solution.  Thank you for your cooperation.  (Don't forget to use the Absence Request Form to let us know that you will be missing.)

This week's practice will be Concert band music, due to the weather.

Marching Band Uniform Requirements

All students must have SOLID BLACK PANTS, SOLID BLACK SHOES, AND SOLID BLACK SOCKS to march in the parade.  No other options are acceptable.  We will again be marching with the Krewe of Mad Hatters on Saturday Feb. 22.  This gives everyone six weeks to secure the necessary uniform.  Please contact Mr. Phelan with questions or concerns.

Water

We are once again collecting water as we prepare for the parade and practices.  Feel free to drop off a case of bottled water at your convenience, and thanks for helping to keep our students hydrated!

Parade Chaperones

Please sign up via this form if you would like to chaperone this year's parade.  We'll be marching with the Krewe of Mad Hatters on Sat. Feb. 22.  Parade Chaperone Sign-up 2024-25 

Also, we would like to invite a few of our 6th Grade band students to walk with us in the parade, carrying our Haynes Academy Band Banner!  (Students will wear their school bottoms along with our Haynes Band sweatshirt or t-shirt.). If your student is interested in this opportunity, please email Mr. Phelan.

Jazz Band

We'll resume Jazz Band practices on Wednesdays after school until 5:00.  We invite any interested members of the Haynes Band program to participate.

Calendar

Please refer to our Calendar for a complete list of activities.  Our Calendar is the most up-to-date information we have available.

Morning and Afternoon Procedures

Students may drop off their instruments in the Band Room before school, and pick them up at the end of the day.   Students may not loiter in the Band Room before school.

Band Fee

The Haynes Academy Band charges a $30 annual fee, which covers the purchase of music, transportation, etc.  This fee has been posted to student accounts.  Please contact Mr. Phelan with questions or concerns.

Student Information Form

We ask all parents to fill out the Student Information Form on our website, to continue to receive our weekly-ish email newsletters.  This will also allow you to include additional email addresses as needed.  Thanks!

Closing

Please visit our Calendar for all the latest updates, and feel free to contact Mr. Phelan at any time with questions or concerns.  We look forward to seeing everyone soon!

Mr. Phelan