Blue Jay Band Fuses Fun and Finesse at LMEA Marching Festival
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On the mark of an unearthly voice reverberating, “Fusion!” through the crowd, the Blue Jay Marching Band and Jayettes sprang into action at the LMEA District VI Marching Assessment Festival at Joe Yenni Stadium in Metairie on Monday, October 29. With glowing prisms as their backdrop, the Jesuit band members wove a performance full of musical artistry and flair as the Jayettes accompanied them with intricate dance numbers centered around triangular props. Very happy with the execution of the show, band director Joe Caluda praised his students saying, “Fusion was different than anything we have done in the past and without a doubt, one of the most ambitious shows we have ever performed. Both the Band and the Jayettes worked extremely hard throughout the entire marching season and did an amazing job with such a complex show. This year’s show integrated very difficult music, challenging fast-paced drill, computerized electronics, and a vast array of visual props and lighting.”
The Jays and Jayettes’ many hours of hard work did not go unnoticed by the judges. Teams are graded on four classifications — overall band, auxiliary (Jayettes), percussion (pit and battery percussion), and drum majors — which are each rated I–V, I being the highest grade of “superior.” The judges rewarded superior (I) ratings for the overall band, drum major and auxiliary, and an excellent (II) rating for percussion.
The 2018-19 Blue Jay Marching Band is led by drum major William Mentz, while the Jayettes are led by captain Dina Alawamleh along with co-captains Elizabeth Scaffidi and Jordan Arceneaux.
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LMEA District VI Marching Assessment, Oct. 29, 2018
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Drum Major William Mentz waits for Jesuit to be called up to the field... -
..and it's the Blue Jay Band's turn to perform! -
The band processes onto the field for the big show. -
The percussion section sets up their instruments while parent volunteers set up the band's props. -
Now the band waits in formation... -
...along with the Jayettes. -
Everyone waits for Mentz's cue to begin... -
..and he starts the performance with a strong command. -
The Jayettes are ready to begin... -
..and "Fusion" commences. -
Mallet percussion starts to flow with the sound of "Fusion." -
Drum Major Willaim Mentz conducts the bands from up high. -
Behind him, the trophies are waiting to be handed out. -
Back on the field, the tuba players are moving in sync. -
The rest of the brass section is also looking sharp. -
Here comes the drum line... -
...crossing paths with the brass. -
The trumpets move across the field... -
...and stop all in a row. -
Then here comes the woodwinds... -
...falling into line. -
The Jayettes coordinate with the movements of the band... -
and everyone comes together for the finale!
