2-27-25 Newsletter

Parade Info

Mad Hatters was Our Best Yet!

Congratulations to the Haynes Band, Dance Team and Cheerleaders for an OUTSTANDING performance with the Magical Krewe of Mad Hatters on Saturday!  We looked and sounded better than ever, and received compliments from all over -- even from the parade organizers!!!

A big THANK YOU goes out to all of our chaperones, who kept us hydrated and filled with snacks on the route, and to everyone who donated water for this event.  (We ended up with more than enough water, and will be fully stocked for our upcoming performance at the Special Olympics in April.)

Please share your pictures and videos from Mad Hatters to this folder:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DsY1bQM1QccMKcwDk0lTbUIkQ-rrj2_J?usp=sharing

Announcements

Performances at Airline Park and Metairie Academy

The Haynes Marching Band had great performances at both Metairie Academy and Airline Park!  We looked and sounded good, and we brought some positive energy to both campuses.  We hope to bring many of those students to be a part of the Haynes Band, so please encourage them to join us when they move up.  Thanks to Mrs. Babin and Ms. Griffin at Metairie Academy, and to Ms. Jackson and Mr. Rockvoan at Airline Park, for helping us to put this tour together!  And a special thank you to Mrs. Mona Herbert, who came out to cheer us on at Airline Park!

Band Parents' Group

Our first meeting was very productive!  Congratulations to Mrs. Sarah Lauten, who put a ton of time and effort into organizing this group.  We are looking forward to growing this organization to help suypport our amazing students.

Please complete this form to be added to future activities of our (temporarily unofficial) Haynes Band Boosters:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScpXMiO_7FRnrqWgjjJS4dAZWjcGnta0LDqyaaOO2JTSS0RXg/viewform?usp=sharing

They have also set up a face book page for additional communication.  Be sure to answer the three questions before attempting to join.

Band Parents Face Book Page 

For more information, please email Haynesbandparents@gmail.com    All are welcome.   

Band Dad's Podcast

Speaking of Band Parents, Mr. Phelan has come across the Band Dad's Podcast, which many of our Band Parents may find interesting and informative, and maybe even entertaining? :)  From their website:  " ... Join us as we break down the wild, wonderful, and slightly chaotic world of band parenting with humor, sarcasm, and just enough actual knowledge to keep us from getting kicked out of the booster club. Whether you're a seasoned band parent or still figuring out what a “reed” is, we’ve got your back. Tune in—confusion loves company!"

https://www.banddadspodcast.com/

No Practice Tuesday March 11

Our high school students are either taking the ACT or learning from home that day, so we will NOT have High School Band practice.  We will resume with Jazz Band on Wednesday March 12, and Concert band on Thursday March 13.

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.  Watcn for more information soon!

New Orleans Piano Institute

We are happy to share that applications are now open for the 2025 New Orleans Piano Institute, which will take place from July 19-27, 2025! The application deadline is March 15. Financial Assistance is available. 

The New Orleans Piano Institute (NOPI) is an international, award-winning, intensive solo performance program for advanced and intermediate college, high school, and junior high school pianists. The 2025 NOPI participants will receive lessons, master classes, attend lectures, discussions, guest artists recitals, and perform in the Showcase Recital. In addition this year participants may enter the 2025 NOPI Solo and Concerto Competitions. 

Applications and more information can be found here: https://masno.org/new-orleans-piano-institute/

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 :)

Summer Drummin at USM

This year's Summer Drummin will be held June 23-26 at USM in Hattiesburg.  Spend four days drumming with some great players and teachers!  

Summer Drummin Registration Link 

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.)

We will be working strictly on Concert Band music as we prepare for our Large Ensemble Assessments.  

Also, after school practices will still end at 5:30.

Jazz Band

We'll hold Jazz Band practices on Wednesdays after school until 5:30 pm.  We invite any interested members of the Haynes Band program to participate.

We are registered to perform at the Bill Evans Jazz Festival at Southeastern La. Universoty in Hammond, on Saturday April 12.  We will perform in the morning, but exact times have not yet been released.

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!

Band Camp 2025

We are *tentatively* planning for our Band Camp to be held July 28-Aug. 1, 2025, with clean up and organizing days likely the week before.  We'll let everyone know as locations and schedules become finalized.  High School Band students are expected to participate in Marching Band in the fall semester, including Band Camp.  Middle School Band students are invited to join us.  We hope to see everyone there!

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