MTA WELCOMES OUR NEW ALUMNI, CLASS OF 2015

Marching Tiger Alumni is honored to welcome our new alumni to the MTA family. Congratulations and welcome Class of 2015.

Tommy Payne

Esther Lameille

Delvontay Smathers

Emanuel Pope

D'Ayezhia Simons

Arlene Ellington

Nakiyah Rogers

Amanee Smith

Kahlia Martin

Group shot. New alumni and current alumni.

MTA CELEBRATE HOMECOMING 2014: PART 1

Homecoming 2014 has come and gone, but as always, we had a wonderful time. We started our week with a pre-homecoming alumni social at B.B. King's Blues Club. The official start of our homecoming week began with us giving back to the current band students at the Marching Tiger Meet and Greet. On Tuesday we attended the Royal Coronation to celebrate and support, Mr. and Miss Jones High and her Royal Court, Mr. and Miss Band, band students, and all students who were being represented in the Royal Coronation. On Thursday alumni attended the homecoming pep rally. On Friday we attended the main event: the homecoming football game. Despite the very unexpected downpour at the end of the game, we had a great time. Below are pictures from Homecoming 2014 (the Meet & Greet, Royal Coronation, and Pep Rally. Part 2 in next post.). For those alumni who couldn't make it this year, we missed you and hope to see you next year for Homecoming 2015.

THE MEET AND GREET

*Thank you to Little Caesar's Pizza for their great customer service (on the phone and in store). 

The students really enjoyed their pizza. 

THE ROYAL CORONATION

Mr. and Miss Band

Mr. and Miss Orange Green

Mr. Jones High

Mr. Band (drum major) shakes hands with MTA, drum major instructor, and former Mr. Band, Jarius Glover.

HOMECOMING PARADE-TURNED-PEP RALLY

*Due to inclement weather, the parade was brought inside the Jones High School gymnasium and celebrated as a pep rally. 

PART 2 IN NEXT POST...

MAKE YOUR HOMECOMING 2014 PAYMENT ONLINE

Hello MTA Family. You can now make your Homecoming 2014 payment online. Purchase your t-shirt, pay dues, and purchase your homecoming ticket HERE.

HOMECOMING 2014 UPDATE: T-SHIRTS, DUES, HOMECOMING TICKETS, MTA HOMECOMING KICK-OFF, MEET & GREET

***HOMECOMING 2014 UPDATE: T-SHIRTS, DUES, HOMECOMING TICKETS, MTA HOMECOMING KICK-OFF, MEET & GREET***

Hello MTA Family. Thank you, again, for your patience as I've been working to get things squared away for Homecoming 2014. Below is information for t-shirts, dues, homecoming tickets, MTA Homecoming Kick-Off, and Meet & Greet.

T-SHIRTS: Shirts are $12.00 for S-XL, add $2.00 for 2x, add $3.00 for 3x and up. DEADLINE FOR T-SHIRT MONEY IS SEPTEMBER 24, 2014. [Note: Mr. Redding's photo was changed from the first mock up. The original photo of him in his hat was needed for printing purposes but couldn't be found so the one on the new mock up below is being used]

DUES: Dues are $10. Alumni will be able to pay online and arrangements will be made to have payments brought to the band room. [NOTE: Since we had a time with some paying dues and t-shirts at the same time last year, going forward alumni will have the option of paying everything at once or separately.]

HOMECOMING TICKETS: Homecoming tickets are $6. I've spoken with JHS administrator about pre-purchasing homecoming tickets. I will get confirmation tonight at the game or if I'm contacted prior to the game. [Note: This option is only for those who are financial and financial members who are marching with the band ONLY.]

To assist with keeping things in order, I will put up the link for online payment following tonight's game.

***IMPORTANT DATES***
Deadline for shirts: SEPTEMBER 24, 2014
Deadline for dues and tickets: Will be posted tonight.
If you will be paying for your shirt, paying your dues, and ticket at the same time) you have the option of paying everything by SEPTEMBER 24, 2014.

MTA HOMECOMING KICK-OFF- If you haven't yet, please RSVP on the event page for our homecoming kick-off social at BB King's. BB's requires a head count. Event page:https://www.facebook.com/events/784616014946655/

MEET & GREET: The cafeteria has been approved for the Meet & Greet. [Note: The Meet & Greet is Monday of homecoming week. Initially, I wanted to get sponsorship for this event but had to put plans on hold which affected the time I had to get sponsorship. I’m asking alumni to please donate food items for this event for this year only. I estimate that we will be feeding approximately 100 students. Food must not be home made, but store-bought (school rules). I will create an event for this as well for anyone who would like to donate. A list of items that you can donate will be posted on the Meet & Greet event page.]

If you have any questions about homecoming, comment or inbox me. Thank you, again, everyone. I look forward to ‪#‎Celebrating10‬ with you at‪#‎Homecoming2014‬.

In Marching Tiger Spirit,
Audrey

2014 HOMECOMING T-SHIRTS

***HOMECOMING 2014 INFORMATION***

Hello MTA Family. First, thank you for your patience in waiting on homecoming plans. I appreciate it. Below are the plans for our homecoming week which includes a pre-homecoming kick-off social. Details of each event are also given, as well as information regarding dues, t-shirts, and homecoming protocol. I look forward to ‪#‎Celebrating10‬ with you this year at Homecoming 2014. If you have any questions about homecoming, feel free to inbox me.

In Marching Tiger Spirit,
Audrey

HOMECOMING 2014 EVENTS
September 27, 2014 – October 3, 2014

EVENTS:
MTA Homecoming Kick-Off Social
Saturday, September 27, 2014
at B.B. King’s Blues Lounge
8pm

Marching Tiger Meet & Greet
Monday, September 29, 2014
*Location TBD but it will either be the band room or cafeteria
6pm

(Event TBD)
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Location TBD
Time TBD

Homecoming Game
Friday, October 3, 2014
JHS Stadium
7:30pm

DETAILS OF EVENTS: 
MTA Homecoming Kick-Off Social: The social is the pre-homecoming kick off to our homecoming week. The social is the Saturday before homecoming. Alumni will pay for their own food, drinks, etc… I will create an event for this event. A mandatory head count is required from B.B.’s.

Meet & Greet (MTA and band students): The Meet & Greet is Monday of homecoming week. Initially, I wanted to get sponsorship for this event but had to put plans on hold which affected the time I had to get sponsorship. I’m asking alumni to please donate food items for this event for this year only. I estimate that we will be feeding approximately 100 students. Food must not be home made, but store-bought (school rules). I will create an event for this as well for anyone who would like to donate. A list of items that you can donate will be posted on the Meet & Greet event page.

Event (TBD): Initially I’d plan this day to be a fundraiser in conjunction with the band. Checking to see if a fundraiser is still being planned. If not, we can decide if we want to do something for this day. It would be the Wednesday of homecoming week.

T-SHIRTS: I’m completing the design for a commemorative shirt this year. (I’ve attached the mock up). I'm finalizing the price. I’d like to keep the price at $10 but it may be slightly more (trying to keep it to no more than $15). Price increase would be for this year only.

DUES: Dues are $10. Alumni will be able to pay online and arrangements will be made to have payments brought to the band room. [NOTE: Since we had a time with some paying dues and t-shirts at the same time last year, going forward alumni will have the option of paying everything at once or separately.]

HOMECOMING PROTOCOL: I’m waiting on confirmation from Jamaal about alumni participating (marching) with the band. He has to present it to Mrs. Maxwell first.

HOMECOMING GAME TICKETS: To be sure that all alumni who are participating/marching with the band are covered, I am working on giving you the option of pre-purchasing your game ticket. This option is only for those who are financial and financial members who are marching with the band ONLY. Tickets are $6.

**When I finalize the t-shirt price and pre-sale of tickets, I will post and give the link to online payment. Money deadline will be posted then as well***

I will update with more homecoming protocol once I get word from Jamaal.

This information will be posted on our blog, linked on Twitter, and emailed. Please share with fellow alumni.

Thank you everyone,
Audrey

HOMECOMING 2014

HOMECOMING 2014 INFORMATION COMING SOON...

[Homecoming is October 3, 2014]

#KeepRufusRedding Update

***UPDATE***

The #KeepRufusRedding campaign has been placed on hold temporarily. We will update you as soon as we get the green light to move forward again. Thank you for your continued support.

SIGN THE PETITION TO KEEP RUFUS REDDING AS HEAD BAND DIRECTOR

Marching Tiger Alumni:

On June 4, 2014, Rufus Redding, III will be reassigned to another department at Jones High School and will no longer be head band director, a position he has held for over 25 years. While we respect Jones High School’s principal, Mrs. Valeria Maxwell, we do not agree with her decision to remove Mr. Redding from his position.

From our understanding Mr. Redding is being reassigned to another department and to a position that is completely out of his element. His training and specialty have always been music therefore that is where his heart and passion is. There has been no valid cause for the reassignment. While under the leadership of Mr. Redding, Jones High has repeatedly maintained superior and excellent ratings during MPA. This further details the dedication and commitment to our school, our children and our community.

Mr. Redding is not just a band director but a father figure to many, a mentor, a friend, a leader, and is very passionate about his role in the lives of his students.

This news has greatly affected Mr. Redding and he wants to remain head band director at Jones High School. We are simply asking Mrs. Maxwell to rethink her decision. Again, we respect her, but we believe that this is not the right decision.

If you would like to support our effort in helping Mr. Redding to keep his position, please sign the petition. We are working hard to show our utmost support to a leader that we believe deserves to uphold his position and leave under better circumstances and in good standing.

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION HERE.

CHANGES BEING MADE TO MTA (ALL ALUMNI: PLEASE READ)

President-Audrey Dawson

Secretary-Miara Arnold

Treasurer-Kristina White

Parliamentarian-LaKendra Jackson

Chaplain-Darren Thompson

Hello Marching Tiger Alumni. Once again, we had another great homecoming and came together to enjoy time with fellow alumni. Now that homecoming is over we are back to focusing on moving forward, growing, and building MTA.

Of importance right now: changing the atmosphere of MTA, distinguishing financial (or active members), and non-financial (or inactive members), homecoming protocol, and a possible 10-year MTA homecoming reunion celebration next year. This information is for the entire general body, and particularly to those who don’t stay connected to MTA throughout the year and only appear at homecoming.

So, as we move forward, there are some changes that will be implemented and important information that you need to know. Below is a summarized version of these things:

Changes

The most important thing that will be implemented this year is changing the atmosphere of MTA. For nine years we've come together to celebrate homecoming and we've been able to come together with fellow alumni to have fun at the game. Those nine years served its purpose, but now, as we move forward to be an active organization, one that will be a support system for the Marching Tiger Band, Mr. Redding, and his staff, the "homecoming only", "t-shirt wearing only" mentality can't be a part of MTA anymore. This is mainly for those who aren’t connected with MTA throughout the year, are only seen at homecoming, and aren't active beyond that.

Financial (or active members)

You are considered a financial (active) member of Marching Tiger Alumni once you have paid your dues. Currently, there are 30 financial members of MTA. Everyone still has an opportunity to make a $10 contribution to MTA. You can make your contribution online at: http://jhsmarchingtigeralumni.blogspot.com/p/membership-information.html or by contacting Kristina White at MTAmembership@yahoo.com for in-person payments. This contribution is considered dues and will make you a financial member of MTA.  

Non-financial (or inactive members)

You are considered a non-financial (inactive) member of Marching Tiger Alumni if you have not paid your dues, or are not a current financial member of MTA. Non-financial members are considered a part of the general body with no rights or benefits of MTA [*Benefits will be posted soon].

[Note: Dues will be used for the general operation of MTA, scholarships, and financial assistance to the Marching Tiger Band.]

Homecoming Protocol

One of the things that will be enforced next year, and in the following years, is the requirement to wear MTA shirts to the homecoming game in order to be able to participate or join other alumni members in the area where we gather. This isn't just a rule/requirement from me, it's from the principal and staff at Jones. It's been in place since 2011. For the most part alumni have been purchasing shirts which has given them access to the alumni area for homecoming. But there are those who aren't in the loop, who come to the games in plain clothes under the assumption that they can hang out in the same area as other alumni. From this point forward, I have to enforce the requirement that all alumni members who want to be in the alumni section must have on an alumni shirt.

10-year Homecoming Reunion

Next year will mark 10 years since we came together for our first Marching Tiger Alumni Reunion. I would like to commemorate this great occasion during homecoming next year. I have some ideas in mind but it will truly depend on the interest and participation of MTA. Before I share my ideas, I'm going to present them to the Executive Board so we can discuss them. Once we've discussed them, I will present them to you.

This is all for now. You will be updated with information for the general body as things are finalized (updates will not always be this lengthy). If you have any questions, you can contact me at marchingtigeralumni@yahoo.com.

In Marching Tiger Spirit,

Audrey D. Dawson

HOMECOMING 2013 RECAP (COMING SOON...)

Homecoming 2013 recap coming soon...

Hello MTA Family. Here are a few updates and reminders:

-Our first official MTA meeting is September 17, 2013 at 6pm in the band room. To be discussed: establishing MTA as an organization, homecoming, committees, and more. Mr. Redding will also be there to share what he needs from us as alumni.

-Since our meeting is one day after the deadline for our contributions, I extended the deadline to September 17, 2013 to give you an opportunity to pay on that day.

-You can still make your $20 contributions online here, in person by contacting Kristina White, Dwayne "3D" Dickens, or myself (Audrey). You can also mail your contributions as well. Contact me (Audrey) for address at marchingtigeralumni@yahoo.com.

-The first practice for alumni band is September 19, 2013 at 5pm in the band room. Music is being distributed. If you want to march/play for homecoming please go here.

-Homecoming is October 11, 2013

IMPORTANT DATES (RECAP)

September 17, 2013-MTA meeting at 6pm in the  band room
September 17, 2013-Deadline for all contributions

September 19, 2013-First alumni band practice

October 11, 2013- Homecoming 

HOMECOMING T-SHIRTS

HAVE YOU MADE YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO MTA?

Hello MTA Family. Have you made your contribution to Marching Tiger Alumni? Pay online here or contact Kristina White, Dwayne "3D" Dickens, or myself to pay in person. T-shirt payments are included in the contributions. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far. Please pass this info on to fellow alumni. 

Thank you,
Audrey

T-SHIRT DESIGN 

*Click image to enlarge

MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO MTA

Hello MTA Family. This year I am asking you to make a $20 contribution (which will be considered dues) toward MTA. In order for us to have some type of financial foundation so that we can do things as an organization, we need money. Your t-shirt payments will be included in the $20. Last year more than 70 people purchased t-shirts for homecoming. I'm asking for us to match the number of people, or greater, with our $20 contributions this year.

I've set up a Pay Pal account for those of you who would like to pay online. You also have the option to pay in person to either Kristina White, Dwayne "3D' Dickens, or myself. Since your payments will include your t-shirt payments, I'm asking for everyone to have all money in by September 16, 2013. [Your payments will also make you an official financial member of Marching Tiger Alumni]. Please look out for Homecoming events to be posted shortly. Pay Pal link here.

IT'S ALMOST THAT TIME...

NEW MARCHING TIGER ALUMNI (CLASS OF 2013)

The MTA Family would like to congratulate the Class of 2013 and say "welcome" to our new Marching Tiger Alumni. Congratulations to: Wallace Wyatt III, Sergio Greene, Xavia White, Natalie Graham, Justin Miller, and JalilRichardson (All new alumni aren't listed or pictured. )

UPDATES: ALUMNI BAND, HOMECOMING, AND MORE

Hello MTA Family. Here are the latest updates:


ALUMNI BAND
You can still sign up to march for homecoming or volunteer to help. Inbox me (Audrey) on FB or send an email to jhsbandalum@yahoo.com.

Marching Tiger Band Camp is the last week in July, first week in August. I'm working to have Alumni Band Camp coincide with Marching Tiger Band Camp. An alumni rehearsal schedule will also be made for the fall, leading to homecoming.

You will be responsible for your own instruments, maces, batons, and poles. We will not use any of the current band students' equipment.

I'm also verifying if we will be able to march pre-game, halftime, and parade. For pre-game and halftime, we will fall into the ranks and march back to our seats with the band when they are finished with their pre-game and halftime shows. For the parade: If we have enough people to march in our own band, we will. If not, I will see if we can march with the band.

Thank you to Kristina White, Stacey Ali, Lakendra Jackson, James Newton, Taron Foy, and Vannice Pickett who volunteered to help with coordinating the alumni band this year. These will be the people you can contact about marching, etc...once we get everything in place.

Please pass this information on to any alumni who is interested in marching this year.

MARCHING TIGER SUPPORT
We will be working throughout the year to help Mr. Redding, his staff, and the Marching Tigers. This is the primary purpose of MTA, to give back. I don't have a full calendar for the year but I will be updating you on events when our help is needed.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
A membership committee has been formed. It will be headed by Kristina White and Dwayne "3D" Dickens. Kristina and 3D will be accepting information and dues for anyone interested in becoming a member of MTA.

DUES
I will be making an announcement about dues, how much they will be, etc...soon.

HOMECOMING
Homecoming is Friday, October 11, 2013

Events being planned: Meet & Greet and Tailgate. I'm considering adding one more event to our week's festivities.

If you would like to help with homecoming, please contact me (Audrey) on FB or jhsbandalum@yahoo.com. I will be over the Meet & Greet and will need help with the tailgate.

That's all for now. Looking forward to making MTA bigger and better, and to another great homecoming.

In Marching Tiger Spirit,
Audrey

HOMECOMING 2013 DATE ANNOUNCED

Homecoming is Friday, October 11, 2013. Get ready...

QUICK UPDATES

Hello MTA Family. Here are a few quick updates:

Now:
-You can still sign up to march and/or help coordinate the alumni band for Homecoming 2013. Inbox me if you are interested. 

-I'm working to get music packets for everyone who wants to march. 

-I'm waiting to get the date of Band Camp. As mentioned earlier, I would like the alumni band's practices to coincide with Band Camp, then we will make a schedule leading up to homecoming.

Next up:
-I'll be speaking with Mr. Redding about how we can help him and the band this year.

-MTA band dues will be put in place this year. I will update you once we determine how much dues will be.

-If you haven't signed up on our MTA roster, please go here: http://jhsmarchingtigeralumni.blogspot.com/p/alumni-contact-form.html

-The 2013 varsity football schedule should be out soon. I will post the homecoming date as soon as I get it.

Thank you again to everyone who has stepped up to volunteer. Thank you all for your continued support of MTA. 

In Marching Tiger Spirit,
Audrey

ALUMNI BAND PREPARING FOR HOMECOMING 2013

VOLUNTEER TO HELP COORDINATE ALUMNI BAND FOR HOMECOMING 2013
If you would like to help coordinate the Alumni Band for Homecoming 2013, please read the following information, recently posted on our Facebook page: Good morning MTA family. I am looking for alumni to help coordinate the alumni band for homecoming this year. For now I'm looking for people who will help get alumni together who are interested in marching/playing for homecoming. I'd like for it to be a committee of people who can oversee the whole process (i.e. schedule practices, give out music, etc...). If you are interested, inbox me. Thank you to those who have volunteered already. I just need a few more people.
If you are interested, please contact Audrey at jhsbandalum@yahoo.com

MARCH/PLAY FOR HOMECOMING 2013
If you are interested in marching/playing for Homecoming 2013, please read the following information:

-Contact Audrey at jhsbandalum@yahoo.com and you will be added to the list of alumni who will be marching/playing.

-You will be playing music that you are familiar with (i.e. Lets' Go Tigers, Backstabbers, Bob Marley, etc..). We are working to get music packets made for everyone.

-Everyone participating is responsible for their own instrument, batons, flag poles, and maces.

-You will be updated on future plans (i.e. practice schedule, etc...) as we move forward.

-Please pass this information on to any alumni you think would be interested in marching/playing this year.