<div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>Dear Jazz Band Parents,</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>This email will provide additional details regarding the Jazz Band/Jazz Choir New Orleans trip April 10 – 13, 2008.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Below please find details on: flights, anticipated schedule of activities, opportunities for parents to attend and guidelines, and request for additional assistance.</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>FLIGHTS AND HOTEL:</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT
face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>Jazz Band, Jazz Choir and chaperones will fly to New Orleans on two different flights and return on the same flight.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The first group to depart on Thursday, April 10 will travel on Southwest flights #123 and #562, departing Sacramento at 6:40 AM and arriving in New Orleans at 3:10 PM.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The second group will depart on April 10 on Southwest flights #3073 and #1482, departing Sacramento at 8:30 AM and arriving in New Orleans at 5:50 PM.</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>All students and chaperones will return together on Sunday, April 13 on Southwest flights #126 and #656, departing New Orleans at 6:15 PM and
arriving in Sacramento at 10:40 PM.</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>Please note—there have been several requests whether students can redeem frequent flyer credits for this trip.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Unfortunately, this is not possible.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>However, if your student is a member of Southwest’s frequent flyer program then he or she can receive credit for these flights.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Please email your student’s frequent flyer number to Sam Yang prior to February 14 (</FONT><A href="mailto:spyang1@comcast.net"><FONT face=Calibri color=#0000ff size=3>spyang1@comcast.net</FONT></A><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>).<I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><o:p></o:p></I></FONT></FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN:
0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Our hotel will be La Quinta in Kenner, which is adjacent to the airport and away from the (late night distractions of the) French Quarter:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></FONT><A href="http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?ident=LQ913&propId=913"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?ident=LQ913&propId=913</FONT></A></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES:</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri
size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>Although details are still being worked out, the anticipated schedule is as follows:</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>Thursday evening:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>unpack, pizza party, haunted tour of New Orleans</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>Friday:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>morning at University of New Orleans, sessions with UNO Music/Jazz faculty and students in workshops, followed by noon performance at the UNO Friday Recital Hour.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Afternoon and early evening
in the French Quarter at the annual French Quarter Jazz Festival (</FONT><A href="http://www.frenchquarterfestivals.org/"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>http://www.frenchquarterfestivals.org/</FONT></A><FONT face=Calibri size=3>), which features 15 open-air venues throughout the French Quarter in a free festival of continuous music.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Late evening dinner at a restaurant that can seat all of us before returning to hotel.</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>Saturday:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>morning performance at Artillery Park, which is across from Jackson Square.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Then, bus trip to Cajun Country for an afternoon swamp tour.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In the evening we have rented The Jolly Inn in
Houma and will have the facility to ourselves for four hours of Cajun Food and Zydeco/Cajun music by their in-house band (Couche-Couche), with dancing:</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><A href="http://www.yocajunconnection.com/Frame-855396-cajunbandpage855396.html?refresh=1174601452246"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>http://www.yocajunconnection.com/Frame-855396-cajunbandpage855396.html?refresh=1174601452246</FONT></A></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>Reviews of the Jolly Inn:</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><A
href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-reviews-2984851-prod-travelguide-action-read-ratings_and_reviews-i;_ylt=AufPPokWXGRBzHvVvoSlHoB8RGoL"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>http://travel.yahoo.com/p-reviews-2984851-prod-travelguide-action-read-ratings_and_reviews-i;_ylt=AufPPokWXGRBzHvVvoSlHoB8RGoL</FONT></A></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>Sunday:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We have been invited by one of the UNO faculty members to perform at the All Saints Episcopal Church, River Ridge, LA on Sunday morning (this is adjacent to the UNO campus).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>There will be a few pieces played during the service, followed by an approximately 45 minute performance.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In the afternoon (time permitting) we return to the French Quarter Jazz
Festival for a few hours before going to the airport.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We hope to fit in a visit to the Louisiana State Museum Jazz Collection (</FONT><A href="http://lsm.crt.state.la.us/collections/jazz.htm"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>http://lsm.crt.state.la.us/collections/jazz.htm</FONT></A><FONT face=Calibri size=3>).</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>We are also trying to squeeze in a city tour, particularly so students can see the continued devastation and effects from Katrina.</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS TO ATTEND:</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT
face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>There have been numerous requests by parents to participate as chaperones, and everyone appreciates the level of your support and interest.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As only a few formal chaperones are required by the District on a trip like this, there are already enough people officially acting as chaperones.</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>However, additional parents can join and participate in the trip and their assistance will be much appreciated.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Participating parents and cheerleaders are welcome--there IS room for band “groupies.”</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri
size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Please note that there are pros and cons to being an official chaperone versus a groupie.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Chaperones are not receiving any price break for assuming responsibility of the students during these four days, and non-chaperones may actually find better travel fares.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>Chaperones will be with the students the entire time and for all activities, whereas certain events may not be available to groupies.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>At this time it appears that all groupies may not be able to attend the haunted tour and swamp tour due to space constraints—but we are
checking into this.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The number of parents who can attend the UNO workshops also needs to be determined, but we will try to accommodate everyone.</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Groupie parents will need to make their own travel arrangements.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Sam Yang is available to assist, and is familiar with flight and hotel options from having done so much investigation for this trip.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Please feel free to contact Sam if you would like his assistance:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></FONT><A href="mailto:spyang1@comcast.net"><FONT face=Calibri color=#0000ff size=3>spyang1@comcast.net</FONT></A><FONT face=Calibri size=3>.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>There may even be a few spots available on the group reservation.</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>There are obvious advantages to staying at La Quinta.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Groupie parents are invited to travel on the buses we rent, provided there are enough spaces (which is not anticipated to be a problem) and that groupie parents are on time for each departure (we’re not waiting!).</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>We do request that one non-chaperone parent volunteer to coordinate all other “groupie” parents.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The trip organizers have a full plate coordinating the
students.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We need one contact person who will interface with all parents who want to be “groupies,” disseminate information to them and collect money in advance for dinners, any tours/admissions, The Jolly Inn, use of the buses, etc.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This person will also be the parent contact during the trip.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Is there a volunteer?</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>Please—if you want to join the trip as a “groupie” and participate in activities, then let Barbara Duffy, Peter Matlock or Sam Yang know by Wednesday, January 30.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If possible, earlier is better for planning purposes.</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>Also—both Mr. Lange and Mr. Zinn request that all parents on this trip remember the following basic rules:</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <OL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in" type=1> <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This trip is NOT a vacation to be taken with your student.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It is first and foremost an educational event.</FONT></FONT></LI></OL> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <OL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in" type=1 start=2> <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><FONT face=Calibri
size=3>Students must travel with the group at all times, including airplane flights and scheduled activities.</FONT></LI></OL> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <OL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in" type=1 start=3> <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>However, there will be two designated times when it is possible for students to join their parents away from the group.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>These two times are Friday and Sunday afternoons when we will be at the French Quarter Jazz Festival.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Given that students MUST stay with a chaperone or adult while wandering through the French Quarter, it is particularly helpful if additional parents are present.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Student safety is paramount while we are in the French Quarter, and we also want them to
hear as much jazz and see as much of New Orleans’ unique ambience as possible.</FONT></LI></OL> <div class=MsoListParagraph style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>VOLUNTEERS:</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>We still need volunteers for the following positions:</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>“Groupie” Coordinator: as described above.</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri
size=3>Instrument Transportation Coordinator:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>we are planning to pack up large instruments (percussion, bass, amplifiers, bari sax, trombones) and send them by air freight both to and from New Orleans, and need someone to coordinate these logistics.</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>Please contact Barbara Duffy (</FONT><A href="mailto:bduffyrn@sbcglobal.net"><FONT face=Calibri color=#0000ff size=3>bduffyrn@sbcglobal.net</FONT></A><FONT face=Calibri size=3>) or Peter Matlock (</FONT><A href="mailto:matlockpeter@yahoo.com"><FONT face=Calibri color=#0000ff size=3>matlockpeter@yahoo.com</FONT></A><FONT face=Calibri size=3>) if you can help the Jazz Band with either of these positions.</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri
size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>Finally, you might appreciate this slick video from the New Orleans tourism bureau.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The lip-synching is annoying, but if you get beyond that it’s a rather effective way to get in the mood for New Orleans (and the web site has some good information):</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><A href="http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/music/musicvideo.html"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/music/musicvideo.html</SPAN></A></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>Please contact Barbara Duffy, Mike Choy or Peter Matlock if you have questions about the trip,
or Sam Yang if you have questions about travel arrangements.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Also—thanks to Barbara and Sam for ALL the work they have done to make this trip possible.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They are putting in phenomenal effort to ensure this will be a terrific experience for the students.</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>Don’t forget to make your payments on time!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Upcoming deadlines are Feb 7, March 7 and April 7.</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>Best regards,</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT face=Calibri size=3>Peter</FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Calibri size=3> </FONT></o:p></div><p>
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