1-9-23

We're back, and things are happening quickly (as usual)!

High School Band

Our High School Band has resumed our weekly practices on Tuesday and Thursday until 5:00 pm. Attendance at these practices is required to participate in future performances. Thank You to all of our students who attend every rehearsal!

This week we will focus on Concert Band music (specifically "Overture Jubiloso") as we prepare for another visit from Dr. Quincy Hilliard! Dr. Hilliard will be working with our 7th and 8th graders during 4th period Thursday, and then with our High School Band after school. We are always grateful to have Dr. Hilliard with us -- he is extremely knowledgable and he is also quite entertaining, too! (We invite our parents and supporters to join us Thursday to watch and learn from one of our leading Music Educators!). We also invite our students who may be considering a career in Music to observe Dr. Hilliard during his visit. Please contact Mr. Phelan so we can coordinate with your other teachers.

We have cancelled our Monday Percussion sectional this week. Our percussionists will be able to work together during our Tuesday and Thursday rehearsals.

We are also preparing to perform in the Krewe of Mad Hatters! All participating musicians must come during their lunch period to be sized for a uniform. Students must have plain black shoes and socks (no logos, stripes or other decorations are acceptable).

All students are asked to bring a case of water for our upcoming parade and practices. Students may drop off their water before or after school in the Band Room.

District Honor Jazz Band Auditions

The District Six Junior and Senior High Honor Jazz Bands will be holding auditions soon. All students are encouraged to audition. Auditions are Saturday Feb. 4, and Jazz Honor Band weekend is March 24-26. This year's performance will be held at the New Orleans Jazz Museum on Esplanade Avenue in the French Quarter!

Please use this link to register for auditions (by Jan. 19):

https://forms.gle/t3Cd5eyCqCHQckXt8

Jazz Band One

Our Jazz Band One will resume practice this Wednesday as we prepare for the Loyola and Southeastern Jazz Festivals.

Middle School Band

Our 7th and 8th graders will have the opportunity to work with Dr. Hilliard on Thursday during 4th period., as we begin to prepare for our upcoming Concert Festivals. Students will be performing Black Forest Overture for Dr. Hilliard, and should be working on their assigned parts.

Remember: Focus on one measure at a time as you learn.

We invite our Middle School musicians to join us for High School Band practices on Tuesday and Thursday.

Beginning Band

We are Racing to Line 100, and then on to some exciting music for Concert Festival! Every students should have their own copy of the Essential Elements for Band Book 1, as well as a supply of reeds, valve oil, etc. Please let Mr. Phelan know of any instrument problems or concerns.

We invite our Middle School musicians to join us for High School Band practices on Tuesday and Thursday.

Honor Band Weekend

Several of our students will soon be performing with the District Six Honor Bands! Honor Band weekend is Jan. 20-22, and all events will be held at Dixon Hall on the campus of Tulane University. We will have a detailed schedule for our students later this week. All students must pay a $15 registration fee to participate in the District Honor Band.

Senior High Honor Band students may pick up their music from Mr. Phelan at any time.

Other Musical Opportunities

Stately Oaks and Junior Oaks Band Festival @ LSU

USM All South Honor Band

It's College Audition Season!

No matter your school of choice, Band is one of the most fun and rewarding activities you can join. You will immediately make tons of new friends, find a "home" on campus, and become an active member of your school community from Day One. Most schools also offer some form of Band Scholarship for participating in Band. (Many of these scholarships are not related to being a Music Major -- instead they are focused on students who just want to PLAY FOR FUN!)

We strongly encourage all of our students to explore the musical offerings at your school of choice. Please contact Mr. Phelan if you would like additional information.

Rundle Academy visit

The Band from Rundle Academy (in Calgary, Alberta, Canada!) will be traveling to New Orleans to perform in a Mardi Gras parade. While they are here they will visit Haynes Academy, and we'll have the opportunity to visit and play together. Learn more about their school here:

https://rundle.ab.ca

Taste and Tunes planning meeting 2

It's time for us to begin planning for our annual Taste and Tunes performance. We'll be setting our next meeting date soon. Please contact Mr. Phelan if you are interested in helping us to plan and organize our biggest performance of the year.

Haynes Band T-shirts and Sweatshirts

We will soon be placing an order for our Haynes Band t-shirts and sweatshirts. (We have many sizes in stock, but will be ordering a few extras to replenish as needed. Please order a new t-shirt or sweatshirt to show your support of our amazing students, using this form:

https://forms.gle/T1UMMSXNAffLAHd16

We look forward to seeing everyone soon!