Blast from the President

Hello LHAB

Thank you to everyone who attended this year for the 55th Alumni Band Day and the historic 500th game at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium as our Texas Football Longhorns decidedly BTHOOIS.   It was a great ending to the 2018 home football season on the Forty Acres!  Let's cheer on our Horns as they play in the BIG12 Championship game on December 1 against O-Who - #BTHOOOU

On behalf of LHAB, I want to say thank you to Dr Scott Hanna, Professor Jerry Junkin, and the entire Longhorn Band faculty and staff, as they are huge supporters and advocates of LHAB.  They provide immense support in manpower, supplies and financial support when needed and they are committed to our success and growth.  We are one large family and we’re very grateful for everyone connected with LHB.

As your LHAB President for 2018-19, I am honored and excited to serve in this position.  I follow a long line of past presidents who paved the way for LHAB.  I am especially proud to follow in the footsteps of Sara Beth Purdy who has become a great friend and did a super job this year with kicking off several initiatives for LHAB:  display case restoration, Normandy planning, and the charter membership with the National Association of Alumni Bands (NA0AB), and creating the LHAB/LHB Meet & Greet event.  We can’t thank Sara enough for all the many volunteer hours and dedication she put forth in her work for LHAB.  THANK YOU and we appreciate you!

Thank you to all of our LHAB Officers, field operations, section leaders, volunteers and KKY/TBS students who worked extremely hard on this year's Alumni Band Day and helped make the event an incredible success.  Without their dedication and commitment, we couldn't pull off the weekend's events and create an enjoyable and memorable experience for our members.

What's ahead for 2018-19?

This year is going to be an exciting year for LHAB.  We’ll be working with the National Association of Alumni Bands (NAoAB) as a charter member to help form its mission and how we can help other alumni band across the country.  We’ll expand our involvement with LHB and continue the new activities from the past year or two to continue with LHAB gift tokens to LHB; Meet & Greet Night; Orange & White game participation; #40for40 and the scholarship presentation event.

With our recent Band Day behind us, we now focus on operations for the Normandy trip.  I am extremely pleased to have Bill Phillips and the entire Normandy Steering Committee serving and working diligently on the hundreds of details needed to execute the plan.  With our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform in France at the 75th D-Day Anniversary, we’ll be on the world stage representing the United States, allied nations, Texas and UT-Austin, and we’re all anxiously looking forward to honoring our veterans.  IF you have any poignant story that you think would be important for us to know, please email me directly any bio, pictures or any story that links you, LHAB/LHB, WWII and your family to this historic timeframe.

I am reminded that LHAB was started in 1964 by young passionate and energetic alumni who had a love for the Longhorn Band and wanted to have annual band reunions with purposeful intentions in sustaining the Longhorn Band through scholarship campaigns.  H.B. Dunagan started passing his hat around the room and the first LHAB scholarship was $50.  In 2018, LHAB distributed over $80,000 and we’re just on the heels of breaking the $100,000 benchmark in the very near future with your continued important donations.  Each dollar counts!!!!!

I will be proposing some new initiatives this year to help us with the strategic planning and growth of our organization.  One that is a 3-pronged approach to help us recruit and sustain future LHAB leaders, while also consulting with past leadership for institutional knowledge ensuring we maintain the honored traditions of this organization as we move to the next 5-10-15 years with agility and flexibility to meet the needs of all decades of members.

Additionally, we hope to create a program with the LHAB Charitable Fund Board of Trustees by creating a recurring donation program via automatic credit card donations, as well as an annual giving plan.  If you are interested in creating a special named scholarship, please contact us and we’ll put you in touch with the right people to help you navigate that process properly and efficiently.

Numbers and stats for LHAB and Alumni Band Day 2018:

Attended 713 Total Band Day Scholarship donations $14,697

Marched 690 Total who marched Bevo Blvd/Stampede        230

Guests 577

Here is an InfoGraphic of our membership breakdown:

https://infogram.com/lhab-member-infographic-1gqo2ql6zqo6m78?live

This is just a representation of our membership by instrumentation currently in our LHAB database.  We have an additional 200+ members that we will make contact with to update our records.

As with any large volunteer organization, we are only as successful as our committed members who are engaged and actively volunteer their time and particular expertise.  There are many things members can do to help us take care of the general operations of the organization and skills people bring to us to give of their time, instead of money.  Members are strongly encouraged to participate in local playing events in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin.

We are increasingly receiving more and more playing event requests from UT donors willing to make sizable donations to our LHAB Charitable Scholarship Fund.  Too often we have to turn down these requests due to insufficient player participation and we leave money on the table from willing and active donors.  You’ll hear more about these events as the year goes on.

As we announce LHAB playing events in your city,  I have one request from you - ask your fellow bandmates to participate at these playing events and follow the mantra of “Tell a friend, Bring a friend” and come play - a little peer pressure won’t hurt!  All these events are fun and it’s always for a good cause and you’ll have a chance to meet and visit more alumni.  We are working on adding additional music to the website download tab to help update and improve our repertoire of music we play at these events.  Maybe by you playing a few of these events during the year it’ll be a great way to keep up your playing chops for next Band Day, LOL:)

Band Day Survey coming soon!

We’ll be sending out the 2018 Band Day Survey in the next week and we would appreciate it if you would complete the survey and provide us with important feedback.  We want to hear from you!!!  This organization is made up of all of YOU and each person has a part in LHAB.  Bring your ideas to us if you think we need to make some adjustments and I might just ask you to own that idea and bring it to fruition for the betterment of the organization. Feel free to email me directly and I'll reply to you as soon as I'm able to.

Thank you and Hook ‘em Horns!

Geof

-------------------

Geof Sloan   |  512.689.6396

LHAB President

www.lhab.org

geofsloan@gmail.com

www.geofsloan.com

           

Band Day Final Reminders

We look forward to having our alumni back on the Forty Acres and hope the fellowship, comradery and socializing you have with friends and fellow alumni is an enjoyable and memorable experience. Please take time to meet new members and folks you don't know.

LHAB is a large proud organization spanning many decades of members and we have the best damn alumni band in the world. Have fun and enjoy the weekend!


Friday:  Longhorn Band Hall at Butler School of Music 
Check-in / Late Registration       5:30pm
Business Meeting / Rehearsal    7:00 pm

Saturday:  The Bubble;  Band Hall;  Stadium
Section Leader Meeting:       9:30 am  (Byrd Room or Bubble)
Rehearsal                            10:30 am  (The Bubble)
Combined Rehearsal           12:30 pm  with LHB

The Saturday Band Day Schedule will also be posted to the outside cover of the Band Day program.  Main times of the day will also be printed on the back of all name badges.

GAME DAY WEATHER

Forecast for Saturday shows mid-70's in the day and at night in the low 60's & low 50's during game time.  Please dress accordingly and layer in UT colors and jackets, outer jackets used as needed.  Can you hear Scott Fisher with his signature sign off, "HOOK ‘EMMMMMMM HORNS,"?

Uniform for halftime will be LHAB Uniform standards of black pants, solid white collared shirt, black shoes/socks and LHAB vest.  Layer appropriately under uniform if needed for cooler temperatures.

PARKING INSTRUCTIONS

Alumni can use this link to preorder parking: https://utparking.clickandpark.com/
Location:  2630 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712
Speedway Garage opens at 5:00 am, but LHAB shuttles won't begin until approximately 9:00 am
Click-N-Park with code: WALLTOWALL
This code will grant a rate of $10 for parking.  350 spaces made available for LHAB.

SHUTTLE INFORMATION

TIME                             SHUTTLE ROUTE
  9:00 am - 10:00 am     Speedway Garage to Band Hall Stop
10:00 am - 10:30 am     Band Hall Stop to Bubble
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm         Bubble to Band Hall Stop
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm         Speedway Garage to Bubble to Band Hall
AFTER the Game             Band Hall Stop to Speedway Garage  (3 loops only for 75 minutes)

MUSIC

Please download from the LHAB member login all the music needed for the pre-game performance of Iowa State University alma mater, halftime music and any stand tunes you need to freshen up your chops.

BEVO BLVD AND STAMPEDE PARADES

Members who indicated interest in playing the parades for Bevo Blvd and Stampede will be assigned at the Check-In times to one of the two bands with Longhorn Band students and your assignment will be written on the back of your name badge as either BB for Bevo Blvd band or SS for Stampede band. Follow the band day schedule in the program for the call time to leave the band hall.

This is a new tradition this year for everyone on campus and we're thrilled to be a part of this new band day experience.  We think you'll find it very exciting and hope you'll enjoy the parade

Hook 'em - BTHOOISU
LHAB

ALUMNI BAND DAY PARKING INSTRUCTIONS

Alumni can use this link to preorder parking: https://utparking.clickandpark.com/

Location:  2630 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712
Speedway Garage opens at 5:00am, but LHAB shuttles won't begin until approximately 9:00 am

Click-N-Park with code: WALLTOWALL
This code will grant a rate of $10 for parking.  350 spaces made available for LHAB.

Saturday Parking:
Select - DKR/Texas Memorial for parking, then SPEEDWAY garage.  enter code WALLTOWALL

Friday and Sunday Parking:
Select College of Fine Arts Parking and then select the dates you need.  It will show NOV 1, select that date, then choose the dates you need to park  Nov 16 or Nov 18.  parking on these dates are approximately $6, no code required.

Contact information on UT Parking Services if needed:

5:00 AM - 12:00 PM Alumni Band weekend (PTS Approved) PTS SWG

105 E. 27th Street

Phone: (512) 232-7970

E-mail: garages@utexas.edu

Band Day Shuttle Info

TIME                                         SHUTTLE ROUTE

9:00 am - 10:00 am         Speedway Garage to Band Hall Stop
10:00 am - 10:30 am Band Hall Stop to Bubble
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm            Bubble to Band Hall Stop
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm            Speedway Garage to Bubble to Band Hall
AFTER the Game                Band Hall Stop to Speedway Garage 
                                                (3 loops only for 75 minutes)

1. From 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.     Speedway Garage to Band Hall Stop

Two shuttles will make multiple trips (approximately 15 minutes apart) to pick up passengers from the Speedway Garage entrance on Speedway and drop them off at the Band Hall Stop (southwest corner of Dean Keeton St. and Robert Dedman Dr.). Please park at the entrance to the Speedway Garage on Speedway (west side of the street near the bus stop). The first shuttle should begin at 9:00 a.m. The second shuttle should leave 15 minutes after the first or when the shuttle is full (whichever comes first).

2. From 10:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.     Band Hall Stop to The Bubble

Two shuttles will make multiple trips (approximately 5 minutes apart) to pick up passengers from the Band Hall Stop (southwest corner of Dean Keeton St. and Robert Dedman Dr.) and drop them off at the Indoor Practice Field (The Bubble).

3.  From 1:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m.     The Bubble to Band Hall Stop

Two shuttles will make multiple trips (approximately 5 minutes apart) to pick up passengers from the Band Hall Stop (southwest corner of Dean Keeton St. and Robert Dedman Dr.) and drop them off at the Indoor Practice Field (The Bubble).

4.  From 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.     Loops between Speedway, Bubble and Band Hall Stop.

Two shuttles will make 3 loops only between the Speedway Garage, the Indoor Practice Field (The Bubble) and the Band Hall Stop (approximately 10 minutes apart). Shuttles will drop passengers off at the Band Hall Stop (southwest corner of Dean Keeton St. and Robert Dedman Dr.), pick up passengers from the Indoor Practice Field (The Bubble), drop them off at the Speedway Garage, and drop them off at the Band Hall Stop (southwest corner of Dean Keeton St. and Robert Dedman Dr.).

5. At 3:00 p.m., park the shuttles and drivers may attend the 7:00 p.m. game. Please leave during the 4th quarter to retrieve the shuttles.

6. Immediately following the game:   Band Hall Stop to Speedway Garage

Two shuttles will make multiple loops (approximately 5 minutes apart) for 75 minutes to pick up passengers from the Band Hall Stop (southwest corner of Dean Keeton St. and Robert Dedman Dr.) and drop them off at the Speedway Garage.

2018 Alumni Band Day Schedule of Events

LHAB Business Meeting/Rehearsal

Friday, November 16, 2018

Longhorn Band Hall - Music Building
5:30 p.m.    Check-in and late registration;
                   Rental instrument pick up;  Spirit item order pick up
7:00 p.m.    Business Meeting / Rehearsal

Alumni Band Day Schedule

Saturday, November 17, 2018
Longhorn Band Hall - The Bubble - DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium

9:30 a.m.   LHAB Pick up name tags, instruments, BBQ tickets, spirit items

9:30 a.m.   LHAB Section leader meeting (Byrd Room or Bubble)
9:30 a.m.    Texas Drums Alumni cadence run-thru  (Bubble practice field)

10:00 a.m.   LHAB Walk or shuttle to Bubble

10:30 a.m.  LHAB Playing and marching rehearsal (Bubble)

12:30 p.m.  Combined rehearsal of LHAB/LHB (Bubble)

1:00 p.m.     LHB Rehearsal (Bubble)

1:15 p.m.     LHAB BBQ (Breezeway between BSOM and TPA)

2:30 p.m.     LHB rehearsal ends

2:45 p.m.     LHB Pre-game meal (Bands 5 and 6 eat first)

3:40 p.m.    Band 6 departs for BEVO Boulevard

4:00 p.m.     BEVO Boulevard

4:30 p.m.     LHAB pick up vests (Room 2.016)

4:35 p.m.    Band 5 departs for Stadium Stampede

4:45 p.m.     Stadium Stampede

5:45 p.m.     Percussion on the Green (Texas Drums Alumni invited)

5:45 p.m.     LHB Inspection

5:30 p.m.    LHAB line up for march into stadium

5:50 p.m.     LHAB step off for stadium

6:30 p.m.     LHB step off for stadium

7:00 p.m.     Kickoff (#BTHOOIS)

Schedule in PDF format

Band Day Social Media Hashtags:   #LHAB2018  #ThisIsTexas
Facebook:  @LonghornAlumniBand
Twitter:  @LHAB     Instagram:  @UTLHAB

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Deadline to register online is Monday, November 12th at 5:00 pm. LATE registration will only available on Friday, Nov. 16th at the business meeting and late registrants will incur a late fee.

We cannot guarantee a marching position for any late registrants, so don’t delay-- register today! For more detailed information about the weekend, check out the Blast Blog. http://www.lhab.org/band-day

See you at Band Day!
Hook ‘em,
LHAB

Band Day Updates - 1 week to go

Longhorn Alumni Band Day is almost upon us!  Please remember that the deadline to register online is Monday, November 12th at 5:00pm. Walk-up registration is only available on Friday, Nov. 16th at the business meeting and will incur a late fee.  We also cannot guarantee a marching position for any late registrants, so don’t delay-- register today! For more detailed information about the weekend, check out the Blast Blog. http://www.lhab.org/the-blast-blog/tag/BandDay2018

Guest Seating Update

GREAT NEWS!  UT Athletics has heard your voices!  All guest seating for the Alumni game will now be adjacent to LHAB in the South End Zone.  If you were hesitant to register for Band Day due to guests being seated in the North End Zone, we have arranged for an additional allotment of 25-30 guest tickets adjacent to LHAB.  These tickets will be distributed on a 1st come, 1st serve basis.  Please register online and pay ASAP.  After registration is confirmed, email http://www.lhab.org/contact-us and identify the number of guest tickets required. A separate credit card charge will be made if guest tickets are available.

Music

Please download your music before arriving at rehearsal on Friday, Nov. 16th.  To access the music, you will need to login to the LHAB Member Area of the website and click on the Music tab.  Music is categorized by Halftime, Traditionals/Stands - Parade, and Normandy.  Reminder, for Normandy participants there is a rehearsal on Sunday, November 18th from 1:00-2:30pm at the Longhorn Band Hall.

Uniform

The Band Day uniform for all LHAB members is black pants (no jeans), a white collared shirt, and black shoes and black socks.  A burnt orange vest will be provided.  Per LHAB Bylaws, members who are marching are required to be in the appropriate uniform.

Spirit Items

Now is the perfect time to show off your LHAB pride by purchasing spirit items!  You won’t want to miss out on the great bargains.  Order online by Monday, November 12th and your items will be ready for pick up at the Friday night Band Day check in at the Band Hall. http://shop.lhab.org/

Please be aware that if you are planning to purchase spirit items in person during Alumni Band Weekend, the only time you may do so will be on Friday night.

Hope to see you next weekend!

Hook ‘em,

LHAB

LHB Legacy Request

If you are a legacy member of the Longhorn Band, (i.e. your spouse, parent(s) and/or sibling(s) were also in LHB we want to know!

Who are the legacy LHAB members? Inquiring minds wanna know. Did your parent, grandparent, child or grandchildren (great grandchildren?) march in LHB? Do you have a current family member playing? Let us know - names, dates in LHB, and instrument?

Here's a great example from the Dove Family:

Kerry Dove
Trumpet, 1986-1988
Sister: Keely Lewis-Dove
Piccolo, 1989-1993
Brother: Kevin Dove
Drumline; 1996-2000
Mother: Betty Dove
Clarinet, 1957-1961
*Co-Founder of LHAB
Father: Richard Dove
Trumpet, 1957-1961
*Co-Founder of LHAB
Uncle: Robert Burnett

Baritone, 1958-1962

What to do?

Please fill out this Google Form or email Mary McKenna with the family names, relationship, sections, and years in LHB.

2018 Alumni Band Day

WELCOME BACK TO CAMPUS!

We hope that you are planning to take part in this year's Longhorn Alumni Band Day Weekend on November 16-17th, 2018!  We will be playing Iowa State on Saturday, November 17th with a 7:00 PM kickoff.

• If you are a Legacy member of the Longhorn Band, (i.e. your spouse, parent(s) and/or sibling(s) were also in LHB, we want to know!

• Please fill out this Google Form or email Mary McKenna with the family names, relationship, sections, and years in LHB.

We are looking forward to another wonderful Longhorn Alumni Band Day! If you haven't already done so, please start contacting your friends from your section and making arrangements for everyone to attend.

Our Band Day recruiting motto is "Bring a Friend; Tell a Friend" – we anticipate an incredible turnout for the 2018 Band Day!   Welcome back to the 40 Acres! #Hookem

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Click HERE for online registration

Mail-in registration:  download PDF Registration form

PLEASE READ this entire edition of The Blast as it contains information that you need to know about our fun-filled weekend with your Alumni Band friends. Friday events for Alumni Band Day location will have a change this year for the Friday evening meeting and rehearsal. When this year's times are finalized, the schedule will be sent by email and posted on the LHAB website.

Check the website for updates, LHAB WEBSITE, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

ALUMNI BAND DAY NOTES

Things you want to know for 2018 Alumni Band Day Weekend:

• Check-In, late registration, business meeting and rehearsal will be at the Butler School of Music, Bates Hall and Band Longhorn Band Hall on Friday, November 16th, from 5:30 PM until 9:00 PM.  Final agenda TBA later.

• Dr Hanna is inviting LHAB members to perform with LHB during Bevo Blvd and Stampede parades for Longhorn fans and football team. Please check the box during registration if you're interested in playing and marching in these pre-game parades so LHB can allocate personnel properly. Bevo Blvd/Stampede event is a 1st Come - 1st Play opportunity based on online registration. Not everyone will be able to participate, as we have limited size restrictions, we will assign on a first-come-First-serve basis dependent on part distribution. We can’t accommodate everyone in LHAB to these events!

• Please download music before arriving at rehearsal. To access the music, you will need to login to the LHAB Member Area of the website and click on the Music tab.

• Guests are welcome to attend the game with you, and guest tickets can be purchased through your Band Day registration.  Guest tickets are $40/per ticket. All guest tickets must be ordered by November 2, 2018, by 5:00 pm.

• UT Athletics has placed guest seats in Section 18-19, northeast corner lower deck at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium (red-lined).  This is the same location LHB has sat the past several years.  We realize this is a change in protocol from previous years where LHAB guests were able to sit within proximity of LHAB, UT-Athletics option #2 was NE Upper Deck for LHAB and guests, and we felt this wasn't an option for our members and guests
  
  LHAB will be sitting in South Endzone bleachers Sections 37-38.
• 
• LHAB will close online registration at 5:00 pm Monday, November 12, 2018.  Mail-in registration must be postmarked by 4:30 pm Wednesday, November 7, 2018.  Walk-up registration is only available Friday, November 16 at the business meeting and will incur a late charge.  We cannot guarantee a marching position for any late registrants.

• Parking details for Band Day weekend will be sent at a later date.

• We will have a Normandy attendee's music rehearsal on Sunday at 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm in Longhorn Band Hall.

Hook’em,

LHAB

Normandy Uniform Payment Notice

Costs for our Normandy uniform have been finalized and it’s time to pay Historic Programs!  We have made arrangements for Historic Programs to collect payments for our uniforms.  The exact amount due from each person will be posted to your MyTour Account with Historic Programs.

This notice is to advise on what we feel are the final estimated costs.

UNIFORM PAYMENTS DUE NOVEMBER 30, 2018

Please send your Uniform payments to Historic Programs before November 30, 2018, and contact Cherish Walker cherish@historicprograms.org with payment questions.

Here’s the breakdown of costs, including taxes:
Jacket (with patches)                      $ 68.71 each
Orange Dress Shirt                         $ 48.71 each
Orange Polo Shirt                           $ 32.48 each
Stetson (with box and rain cover)    $105.67 each
Tuba Hat                                        $ 19.49 each
Uniform Shipping Fee $15.00 per performer
HP Processing Fee 3% of your Total Uniform costs

The uniforms will be ready for pick up in Austin in March/April, 2019.  

The exact date is TBD but is planned to be the same weekend as the Normandy Rehearsal in the Band Hall prior to the Orange/White game.

If you pick up your uniform in Austin, your unused Uniform Shipping Fee will be donated to the Longhorn Band Legacy Fund unless you request a refund.  


Remember, you must be in uniform to perform in France.

Normandy FAQ page

Normandy Update - Costs Notification

LHAB Normandy Attendees

This notice is to advise on what we feel are the final estimated costs.

Total: $4000 (approximate depending on your departure city)

Hotel/Trip: $2047 (double occupancy), $2647 (single occupancy)
Uniform: $300 (Total, with Stetson Hat)
Instruments/Shipping: $100
Airfare: Options include flying with the group from Houston, Dallas or Austin, as rates vary.
$1446 - from Austin, with Historic Programs
$1895 - from Dallas, with Historic Programs
$1342 to $1382 - from Houston, with Historic Programs

If you expressed interest in the group flight with Historic Programs, you must reply to Cherish Walker by October 15, 2018, if you wish to reserve your spot.  Please send a separate email to cherish@historicprograms.org by October 15, 2018.  Your party should have received a formal email from Cherish with all the flight details and city you will originate from.

The cost quoted includes all currently known fees, including uniform, instrument shipping and airfare from Austin. This price may be slightly different if you do not need to buy a Stetson hat or if you will be booking your own flights separate from Historic Programs. 

Additionally, all travelers are sharing expenses of instrument and equipment shipping, as none of us would be making this trip without these items.

Registration is still open.  If you are aware of LHAB /LHB members who are on the fence and have yet to register, please encourage them to register and order uniforms ASAP.  Forward this email to them: REGISTER HERE

Reminders:
1.  If you have NOT paid the initial invoice from Historic Programs due on October 1st, please remit payment.
2.  October 1, 2018 - Registration closes and uniform order due.
3. FAQ section on LHAB website for any questions/answers on Normandy topics.
4.  Add your guest to this update list, email geofsloan@gmail.com  with their name and email address, and we will add their name to the listserve.

PASSPORTS

UT International Office on campus  
https://world.utexas.edu/passport/apply
US Passport Office:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/how-to-apply.html

Thank you!
Normandy Steering Committee

Normandy Update - Sept. 03, 2018

Hello LHAB Normandy Travelers:

We’re now inside 9 months to embarking upon our 75th D-Day Anniversary trip to Normandy and a lot has been happening since the last update.  Lot’s to cover here, and we’ll send regular updates as we gather more details and travel plans become more finalized.

FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS (Chris Meeker – Historic Programs)

Travelers have two flight booking options.  If you have not yet notified Cherish Walker of your preference, please email her ASAP!!  
Cherish Walser   cherish@historicprograms.org

1. Book through Historic Programs
2. Book your own flight with a carrier of choice

If booking your own flight, you must schedule accordingly to meet the LHAB group on the morning of June 5th at the Charles DeGaulle (CDG) airport in Paris, France (info TBA later).

UNIFORMS (Greg Wilson – Chair)

1. Stetson Hat Order:  If you have not yet ordered  ORDER HERE.
   The deadline will be Oct. 1 at 12-noon if ordering thru LHAB at a cost of approximately $100, includes hat, cover and box. If you have to order on your own, expect the cost to be higher.
2. The uniforms have been ordered.
3. The cost of your uniform will be handled through Historic Programs, so stay tuned for billing updates. This will make it easy for all of us.

INSTRUMENT SHIPPING (Mike Haecker/ Scott Harmon – Chair)

1. Mike Haecker and his committee are working hard on determining costs and what company will be used to ship instruments. There will be an added instrument/equipment shipping fee spread out among all players and we are trying to keep as low as possible.
2. If you carry your instrument on the plane you must bring back with you. Due to the regulations, we cannot ship your instrument back.
3. If you know of a company that would be interested in sponsoring all or a portion of the shipping costs please send Mike an email: Michael.a.haecker@gmail.com

ROOM ASSIGNMENTS (Jo Lyn Peters – Chair)

1. Jo Lyn Peters will be coordinating with single room travelers who will need a roommate.
   Expect her to contact you within the next month or so.

NEWS AND MEDIA COVERAGE  (Bill Phillips/Geof Sloan

1. The KDFW FOX 4 News interview with Mel Kusin, LHAB 1942-43, and it was excellent. http://www.fox4news.com/news/ut-longhorn-band-wwii-vet-prepare-for-75th-anniversary-of-d-day
2. The Daily Texan wrote an article on the trip on August 31, 2108.
   http://www.dailytexanonline.com/2018/08/30/longhorn-alumni-band-headed-to-france-for-75th-d-day-memorial-parade

REHEARSALS AND MUSIC (Dr Scott Hanna - Director)

1. Sunday, November 18, 2018, from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm, Dr Hanna will be hosting a playing rehearsal, the day after Band Day in the band hall.

1. We have the music and it will be posted online for download and available before Band Day.   Dr Hanna anticipates using some of the music for Normandy during this next Band Day performance, so get your horn out, practice the scales and have those lips in shape.

BAND DAY FLY OVER (Bill Phillips/Dr Scott Hanna)

1. The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) will do a fly-over of several C-47’s including the plane that led the entire Normandy invasion during the November 17 UT pre-game.
2. We are working with the CAF to have the opportunity to coordinate a fee-based tour of the planes on Sunday, November 18.  More details on this once confirmed.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ADDITIONAL SUPPORT (Geof Sloan - Chair)

1. We are coordinating with Dr Thomas Hatfield, Director, Military History Institute and Dean Emeritus of Continuing Education for the Briscoe Center of American History at UT, who will be advising us on the historical significance of the D-Day Invasion. We may be circulating articles written by Dr Hatfield especially for us.
2. We will be asking for group leaders to help with logistics and communication once we arrive in France. Group leader duties could include being a point person at a hotel, bus captain, equipment coordinator, LHAB ambassador, etc.   These responsibilities will be finalized as we finalize trip details and needs. These roles are similar to a section leader.

PASSPORTS 

Here is the location on UT Campus you can go to obtain quickly. 
https://world.utexas.edu/passport/apply

US Passport Office: 
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/how-to-apply.html

Numerous participants are registered and we do NOT have their email address on record.  Please access this link for MISSING EMAILS and update your information and guest email addresses, or email geofsloan@gmail.com and provide their full name and email address, and traveling partner of LHAB.

We will provide updates on http://www.lhab.org/normandy-info and @LonghornAlumniBand Facebook page.  If you have any questions we haven’t addressed, contact us and we’ll answer as soon as we can via email at lhabnormandy@gmail.com.

Normandy Travel Overview

View a slideshow overview of the Normandy trip

NormandyLHAB

Mel Kusin: LHAB Alum and WWII Veteran

Mel Kusin is the embodiment of the greatest generation and former student from 1942-43 at The University of Texas, before joining the US Army and serving in WWII. Mel graduated high school in 1942 at age 16 with his eyes set on Austin and UT.

Mel Kusin, WWII Vet, LHAB Alum

He boarded a Greyhound bus to Austin, upon arrival asked for directions to the UT campus, walked in with a copy of his transcript and enrolled. Tuition was $35 per semester. He found a room at a nearby boarding house and walked over to the band hall to join the Longhorn Band as a baritone player.  

But he was called to duty and his unit was assigned to General Patton’s Third Army and Mel arrived in Bastogne, Belgium just days after the Battle of the Bulge. It had been a turning point of the war, with both sides suffering heavy casualties but Germany left permanently weakened. His combat ended on V-E Day, May 8, 1945, WWII ended after Japan’s surrender.  

The return of American soldiers was based on priority, married with children first, married without kids next, and so on. So he stayed a while. He was redeployed to Rheims, France as a musician to play big band music for soldiers. On the first anniversary of V-E day, his band led a giant celebratory parade down the Champs Elysees. Just behind him in jeeps waving to the crowd were General Eisenhower and Charles de Gaulle.

After the war, Mel returned to the states going to college on the G.I. bill at The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign earning a degree in marketing. After marrying and beginning a family, he moved back to Texas to help in the family furniture business in Texarkana for over 40 years.

Mel Kusin, Dr Scott Hanna, LHB

Never one to rest on his laurels, Mel helped create the Dallas World Affairs Council in 1998, bringing distinguished university professors to Dallas to address U.S. foreign policy issues during lunch and learn sessions. At 85 after serving as a judge at the World Chili Cook-off, Mel decided he could make better chili than the winners, so he started his own company selling his mix, The Devil’s Own Chili.

We're proud to have Mel represent the Longhorn Alumni Band and he plans to attend the 75th D-Day Anniversary in Normandy France in June 2019 organized by Historic Programs.

Registration for this LHAB one-time event is still open.

Mel was interviewed by KDFW FOX 4 at his home in Dallas recently, along with Bill Phillips, Normandy steering committee chair and Dr Scott Hanna, Longhorn Band Director.

See this only on KDFW-FOX 4 by reporter Richard Ray.

LHAB Normandy Flight Information

It is time to begin working on airlines reservations into Paris. There are two ways for you to book flights to Normandy for the June 2019 trip.

1)       Book your flight through Historic Programs as part of a group reservation, as Historic Programs does not book flights for individual passengers.

2)       Book your own flight.

Historic Programs requires us to meet at the Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport in Paris on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, between 6 am and 10 am.
 

BOOKING FLIGHTS
WITH HISTORIC PROGRAMS 

●        Reply to Historic Programs Email so they can reserve “group” seats on flights, but they will need to know how many seats to reserve and from what cities.  Members will receive an email from Cherish Walser with Historic Programs.  Please reply to their email by July 15th with what city you will be departing from and the number of travelers in your party.  Their email requires a simple YES or NO response and #s in your party.  DO NOT send your information to LHAB.  Please reply to the Historic Programs email.

NO PAYMENT IS NEEDED AT THIS TIME - It is just a poll to determine the # of seats Historic Program will need to order from airlines.

●        Airfare prices:  Generally coach tickets vary, but should be similar to the London trip, being in the $1,400 to $1,700 range. The final airfare rate depends on the airlines AND number of group travelers.
●        Group reservations allow for deviations and allow for a deferred final payment (February 15), but group fares are not necessarily lower than published fares online. Airlines sell a certain number of seats at certain fares, and often when booking a group, the fare available when 100 seats are needed might be different from the fare when on 4 or 5 seats are needed.
●        Seat assignments will be made by the airline upon the actual ticket purchase after group number of travelers are determined and can be secured, Historic Programs will notify all travelers regarding payment arrangements and due dates. 

●        FINAL PAYMENT FOR YOUR AIRFARE AS PART OF THE GROUP BLOCK WILL BE DUE NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 15, 2019.

●        On February 1, 2019, Historic Programs will require names and passport information for ticketing. The airfare cost will be added to your MyTourAccount page as soon as the fare is confirmed (likely between July 15 and September 15)

●        What if I change my mind?  That is not a problem, as long as you advise Historic Programs prior to February 15, 2019. Once ticketed you are responsible, just like any flight within the US. If you are worried or concerned, then we suggest you take out trip insurance. Note that some credit cards have trip insurance.  Upon email receipt from Historic Programs, Cherish Walser, please respond ASAP with necessary information NO LATER THAN JULY 15, 2018.  

If  you are 'Unsure' on making a group reservation, please give Historic Programs the following information:

• Your departure city
• Names of everyone in your individual party who needs seats
• Do you plan on deviating on your return?
  • If so, what date do you want to return and from which city?

Please respond by July 15th.

Travel insurance is NOT included as part of the trip fee.  Insurance is a personal choice you make to safeguard your trip investment.  There are several reputable companies to choose from - research and use a company that best suits your need.  We have a recommendation from the TexasExes Association:  
●        USI Travel Insurance Services
"Because we have had a relationship with the company for many years, and we know that they are conscientious and capable of resolving claims quickly and efficiently, we endorse tri-level SELECT USI Travel Insurance."  TexasExes

• TravelEx Insurance 
  This is a current sponsor of Historic Programs with many participants that use for their travel insurance to Normandy.

Q.  Where do I direct questions regarding trip registration issues or trip payment issues?
A.  Please contact Historic Programs coordinator, Cherish Walser

BOOKING YOUR OWN AIRFARE

Basically, you are on your own and responsible for arranging your own travel and responsible for expenses as you normally do on personal travel.  LHAB will not be responsible for your travel arrangements AND you will be required to advise us that you are booking on your own.  You must agree to arrive in Paris at the designated times by Historic Programs.  Below are some notes on travel questions.

Q. Can I use my airline points and book my travel on my own?
A. YES, absolutely as most airlines will not publish their flight schedules until 11 months out from return date (ie July 11, 2018).   You can use your airline points, rewards, miles, etc., but must schedule your arrival time in order to meet us at the CDG Airport in Paris at the appointed time (6 am - 10 am, Wednesday, June 5, 2019).

Q.  Do you suggest using travel insurance?
A. Because you are opting to book travel on your own and not thru Historic Programs, this is NOT included as part of the trip fees.  Insurance is a personal choice you should consider to safeguard your trip investment.  Please see the Normandy FAQ page for vendors or included with your airfare purchase.

NOTE:  If you go early, you are responsible for
1) Your hotel expenses for the nights before we arrive
2) Commute expenses getting to the airport to meet the rest of the band.

Q. Can we meet LHAB in Normandy?
A. It is not recommended as travel in and around the region will be extremely restrictive and vehicles will have to have a permit to drive in certain areas. 

FAQ's

http://www.lhab.org/normandy-faqs  - Go Here for the list of FAQ’s on our website (updated). They are a good reminder of what we can expect and what will be needed to make a reservation, and any other items related to the Normandy trip for June 2019.  We are updating regularly with new information monthly.

REMINDER:  If you have not submitted your uniform order, please do so immediately to meet our uniform vendor deadline.  Click Here to Create Order:

If you have any questions we haven’t addressed, please email us at lhabnormandy@gmail.com, and we will answer your concern or question as soon as we can.

Thank you and Hook em'
LHAB Normandy Steering Committee