McNeese Summer Middle School and High School Band Academies Set

McNeese State University Bands will be hosting both a middle school band academy and a high school band academy this summer. The high school band academy will be held June 17-21, while the middle school band academy will be held June 24-28.

This is the first time a summer middle school band academy will be offered, according to Jay Jacobs, director of bands at McNeese.

“The middle school program will provide an intense and exciting four days of education and preparation for student musicians as they continue with their school band programs in the fall,” says Jacobs. “Our goal is to expose students to great music and let them see what McNeese has to offer.”

The middle school academy is designed for students entering grades 7-8 and provides opportunities for students to participate in instrument-specific master classes, chamber ensembles, concert or jazz bands and a variety of music elective sessions including conducting, leadership, introduction to marching band, color guard and steel drums.

Cost for middle school residents is $320 and cost for a middle school commuters is $220.

The high school academy is for students entering grades 9-12 and will prepare students in the areas of instrumental music, drum major and color guard for the numerous marching competitions, concert and jazz bands in the fall.

Cost for high school residents is $350 and cost for commuters is $225.

Both programs are staffed by local and national clinicians, McNeese faculty, area band directors and student leadership of McNeese bands.

June 1 is the deadline for both registration and payment.

For more information, contact Dr. Jay Jacobs at 337¬-475-¬5004 or visit www.mcneesebands.com.

Persons needing accommodations as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the ADA Coordinator at 337-475-5428, voice; 337-475-5960, fax; 337-562-4227, TDD/TTY, hearing impaired; or by email at cdo@mcneese.edu.