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

Normandy Uniform Order

Normandy Participants,

It is now time to place your order for the Normandy trip uniform. Your uniform will consist of some items you already have (black pants, black socks, black shoes, white collared shirt) plus some new items - a Jacket, Orange Button-Down Shirt, Orange Polo Shirt, and Stetson (Stetsons are optional for twirlers, but required for all other performers, even you TUBAS!).

SIZING INFORMATION REQUEST ONLY  ---  NO PAYMENT IS DUE AT THIS TIME
Please go to http://www.lhab.org/normandy-info for updated FAQ

You will need to order at least one of each of these new items at this time. (NOTE: If you still have a Stetson in good condition from the London trip, please check the appropriate box and you will not need to purchase a new hat). Every performer will need to order at least one of each of these new items to be able to participate in our performances while in France. You may order multiple shirts if you would like as there will not be laundry services at the hotels in France.

The approximate costs are listed next to each item, but the exact final costs are not known at this time. We are expecting the uniform, including Stetson, to cost approximately $250 plus tax and shipping. Please reference the size charts linked below to determine your correct size. We highly recommend going to a retail store to try on Stetsons to determine your correct size.

This is the final order, so please double check your selections before submitting this form. You may also place orders on this form for your family members if they would like to purchase anything as well (non-performers are not required to have any of these items). Please only submit one form per family as this will help reduce shipping costs.

If you have any questions, email Heather Knolle at heatherknolle@gmail.com before placing your order.

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR ORDER NO LATER THAN JUNE 30, 2018.

Click Here to Create Order:
             
  

Helpful Sizing Tips:

Stetson Size Chart:

6 3/8 6 1/2 6 5/8 6 3/4 6 7/8 7 7 1/8 7 1/4 7 3/8 7 1/2 7 5/8 7 3/4 7 7/8
20.25" 20.625" 21" 21.5" 21.875" 22" 22.625" 23" 23.375" 23.75" 24" 24.5" 25"

Button Down Shirt and Polo Size Chart:
https://www.universitycoop.com/sizecharts/1

Jacket Size Chart:
Size S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL
Body Length 28" 29" 30" 31" 32" 33" 33"
Chest (on the half) 22 1/2" 24" 25 1/2" 27" 29" 31" 33"
Sleeve Length 34" 35 1/4" 36 1/2" 37 3/4" 39" 40 1/4" 41 1/2"

Welcome New LHB Graduates

Welcome New Longhorn Band Seniors!

Now that the 2018 LHB Band Banquet is behind us and graduation is just around the corner, you are now all cordially invited to become official members of the Longhorn Alumni Band… Congratulations, and welcome! 

LHAB began in 1964 with only 67 members and has since grown to over 4,000 members spanning seven different countries. We are so excited to have you join us as the newest generation of the Alumni Band, and we sincerely hope that you will connect with us and become involved.

Follow LHAB on our social channels 

            

Be part of The Blast from the Past
Here are some of the exciting things that happen in LHAB! There are many opportunities available to you all around the State of Texas in our local chapters.

1. LHAB Playing Events:  We perform throughout the year-- area chapters of the Alumni Band are invited to perform for various functions, such as weddings, parties, parades, etc., in return for donations to the Scholarship Fund. These occasions provide additional opportunities for socializing for the members who participate. There are LHAB chapters in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. For information about upcoming playing events and other important info, visit http://www.lhab.org/the-blast- blog 

There is already a playing event coming up on June 2nd … this could be your first gig with LHAB in Austin! More information is coming soon

2. Traveling on awesome trips-- LHAB has been invited to the 75th D-Day Anniversary in Normandy, France in June 2019 to participate and serve as the main musical ensemble celebrations. Registration for this unique opportunity is now open! For more information, visit http://www.lhab.org/normandy-info

3. Attending Alumni Band Day—LHAB meets annually for Alumni Band Day - our yearly designated UT home game for a weekend of camaraderie, performing together, and the Business Meeting. Our Friday Family Fun Fest also provides opportunities for families to interact and catch-up. On game day, LHAB and LHB each perform half-time shows of their own and then combine (often numbering over 1,000 in total) to perform for the ever-appreciative DKR-Texas Memorial audience.  No doubt you've done this a few times already, so you know the drills; (entrance, wall-to-wall, Script Texas, etc.)  Do you know what the Robinson Block is?

*For all Alumni Band playing events, we wear black pants with black shoes, socks, and a white collared or polo shirt. LHAB will provide a burnt orange vest.

Membership has its privileges...

Annual membership is just $15 for individuals and $25 for couples, and comes with:

• Invitation to register for Band Day each year
• With registration, your seat in the stadium for Band Day
• Invitation to attend the LHAB Friday Family Fun Fest the evening prior to Band Day
• Alumni Band Member Access to the online directory on our website which allows you to stay in touch with fellow members
• LHAB playing opportunities to perform at area events throughout the year to help raise scholarship funds

Your first year* in LHAB is free!

*First year free applies only to your first-year removed from LHB.

The "Blast from the Past" represents all of the pride and spirit of countless LHB generations and always looks forward to their next appearance as ann alum of the Showband of the Southwest. We hope that you will become a part of our history by keeping your annual membership active!

JOIN NOW to become a LHAB member. Once a member, you will be able to update your account at any time, register for Band Day, access sheet music for Band Day and playing events, and visit the directory of other LHAB members. For more information, log into the LHAB Member Area:

LHAB Swag:

Want to purchase some fabulous LHAB swag? Go to our online LHAB store where you can shop for a variety of spirit items, including a white dri-fit polo shirt that you can wear to Band Day and playing events: BUY HERE

LHAB Scholarship Fund:

We also welcome you to contribute to the 501(c)(3) non-profit LHAB Charitable Fund to support worthy Longhorn Band student scholarships. No donation is too small, and you can give online anytime! Your cumulative donations earn awards over time. Membership dues, scholarship-specific gifts, and donations for playing gigs all contribute to this fund. Click Here to make an online donation.  If you are interested in making a donation to create a named scholarship or an endowment, please contact us.

You loved Longhorn Band during your college years… Longhorn Alumni Band makes those memories last a lifetime! We are happy to have you, and we hope to see you very soon.

Normandy 2019 Newsletter

Dear Normandy trip participants,

We are just over a year away from one of the most exciting and important trips the LHAB has participated in and a lot has been going on behind the scenes.  Below we've included the latest and most up to date information available at this time.

LHAB REGISTRATION:
We have 503 registered with just under 300 players.  Registration will continue to be OPEN at least through the start of the fall semester to allow students from the LHB to have the opportunity to join us (see below). The longer one waits to register the greater risk they have in securing seats on a flight.

Registration is still open.  If you are aware of LHAB members who are on the fence and have yet to register, please encourage them to register soon and forward this email or link to them: REGISTER HERE

Here is a break down by instrument.

  

NORMANDY ATTENDEES:
Email Updates:  Numerous participants are registered and we do NOT have their email address on record:  Please access this MISSING EMAILS file and update your guest email addresses or email geofsloan@gmail.com and provide their full name and email address.

LONGHORN BAND REGISTRATION:
During the first few weeks of the 2018 fall semester, Dr. Hanna will distribute information to all LHB students, and we will make sure that any student that wants to go with us and can afford the trip has the opportunity. We hope that many students can travel with us. We will be playing some challenging music, so fresh “chops” are always welcome.

FLIGHT RESERVATIONS:
We are looking into the possibility of a charter flight but charter flights are generally expensive, so we do not expect to have a chartered flight.  Those waiting to register flight schedules are released by airlines will run the risk of flights being filled and may have to arrive earlier so they are in Paris at the appointed Normandy departure times.

• Airline flight schedules will be released sometime around July 2018. Chris Meeker (one of the trip organizers) will advise us about group sales, arrival times and specifics of reservations.
• Using your own airline miles will require those to make their own reservations.
• Arrival to Paris is expected to be sometime on June 5, 2019. EVERYONE will need to arrive within an allotted window of time to ensure everyone has transportation to Normandy. Once airline flight schedules are released, you will see reservation information pushed out quickly.

Instrument shipping is currently being reviewed.  We will be meeting with representatives from other schools that shipped via DHL or took their instruments with them on the plane

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Normandy
June 6:  St. James Cemetery
Due to crowd sizes at the cemetery, we may be asked to perform for two ceremonies. Due to the stage size, the band will be limited to around 100 players. We expect to see two bands share playing duties. and we want to coordinate so everyone will have the opportunity to play ceremonies.  Available space and size restraints prevent us from all performing at the same time as one ensemble
June 7:  Normandy Cemetery - Official Public Ceremony
This event is the official public ceremony and will include upwards of 3,000 participants with 14 bands. June 7, 1944, is the date the cemetery became active. The only other US Cemetery to become active during a battle was Gettysburg, PA.
June 8:  St-Mere-Eglise
This is an all-day event “International Salute to Liberation”. It will include flyovers and several parachute drops throughout the day. The LHAB will OPEN the ceremony with Longest Day March, we will play the national anthems from allied countries and other selected tunes. At 4:00 p.m., we will line up and be the finale for the 75th D-Day Memorial Parade.

PARIS
Performances are still being worked out for dates and locations and should be more relaxed.  We will provide more information once confirmed on the next Normandy trip update email.

MUSIC:
Music is currently being assembled and cataloged by Dr. Hanna and will be made available to musicians via download. Music will include the national anthems for the US, Canada, Great Brittan and France, and a few other military-style tunes to include the Longest Day March. We will need to rehearse before we traveling to Normandy, as there may not be an opportunity once in France.  We are working on the most efficient schedule and will let everyone know in advance when and where rehearsal will be. FYI, a Sunday rehearsal following Band Day in November is being discussed for those who can stay.

UNIFORMS:
We are currently working on a uniform which will include our standard black pants, white shirts and Stetson hat.  A light burnt orange windbreaker or jacket and white shirt are currently under design. They will look great!

TRIP PAYMENTS:
We have numerous registrants (47) who have not yet paid their deposits as to date.  If you are still on the fence, we hope this informational email helps you cross over.  If you just need to pay, please do so to help confirm your attendance.  Payments can be made monthly or in one full payment.

Step 1:
Click on the invitation link below, and create your account – Once you’ve entered it, be sure to remember your login and password!
https://mytouraccount.com/Account/Register?code=s75k4z1QVj6w

Step 2:
Once logged in, click on the “My Participants” tab at the top of the page.  Enter all the participants that you will be paying for.  Start by clicking the “Create New” link.  Be sure to include yourself if you are participating in the tour.  When you have entered all your participants, click the “Next” button, and you will be able to access your payment and account page.  On the “Tour Selection” page, click the “Select Tour” link.

Step 3:
Make your payment.  When you are ready to do so, click the “Make Payment” button on the top right of the screen on the “My Account” page.  From here, you will be able to make your secure payment with your credit card.  You may also pay by check or over the phone, and instructions for doing so can be found on the “My Account” page.  When paying online, simply enter the amount you would like to pay for each participant in the area provided, enter your credit card information, and submit the payment. Please catch up on the payments that were due before now.

Step 4:
Follow the payment schedule found on your “My Account” page and make subsequent payments.  Monthly email invoices will be sent to you! Check your spam folders - if you're not seeing emails, contact Historic Programs, Cherish Walser at cherish@historicprograms.org.

Important note:
For subsequent logins, save this website as a "favorites" on your browser: mytouraccount.com

Reminders:
1. Please access the FAQ section on LHAB website for any questions/answers on Normandy topics.
2.  If your guest would like to be on this update list, please email  geofsloan@gmail.com with their name and email address, and we will add their name to the listserve.

That’s it for now! We will circulate a new update as soon as the airlines release their flight schedules. Should anyone have any questions not answered on the FAQ page, please email the steering committee lhabnormandy@gmail.com

Look for our next newsletter update in July. We will also post updates on here on our LHAB blog page.

Hook’Em,

Bill Phillips
Normandy Steering Committee Chair

Sara Beth Purdy
LHAB President

Scott Hana
Director, Longhorn Band

Normandy 75th D-Day Ceremonies LHAB
Infogram