<![CDATA[Pickerington Central Marching Tigers - MR. STOWE\'S F.Y.I.]]>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:02:55 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Groveport Madison @ Home and TVHS Contest]]>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 11:36:18 GMThttps://www.pickeringtonmarchingtigers.org/mr-stowes-fyi/groveport-madison-home-and-tvhs-contestGood Morning Band Families,

We made it to October and the first full competition on our way to State Marching Band Finals.  To complicate things though we have to throw a "fall break" in there, which will be nice.  I just want to be clear the band season does not take a fall break, only classes take a break.  Please be sure you have rides and are making plans to get to the school on Friday and to school on Saturday. (Details below) 

Busing for Saturday
The boosters are picking up the tab for transportation for the return trip for the competition.  We will have transportation to Teays Valley HS and Home. This is our first long bus trip of the season so here are your typical bus trip reminders.  There is no food or drink allowed on the Petermann buses, except for water. Please be mindful of this when loading the bus. (I do not set this rule) When on the buses students aren't allowed to have bluetooth or non-headphone speakers.  All music/audio should be consumed via headphones only.  Please be sure to adhere to all the bus rules and regulations.  I expect everyone to be on their best behavior and to represent our band and program with maturity.  

Uniforms - General Comments
We are having a problem with students having the correct socks.  We have already handed out a record number of long black socks for Friday games.  Please make sure your student is coming to school on game days with the correct uniform pieces. (Don't forget, Saturday is White socks!)

Secondly, all students who have long hair must have their hair up in a bun or in their hats.  If you have long braids, it is your responsibility to bring the appropriate hair accessories to pull back your hair into a low tight bun on the back of your head.  No loose hair from any student will pass a uniform inspection.  Clean it up, please! 

Friday uniform - Purple Pants (black socks) 
Saturday uniform - White Pants (white socks) 

Timeline - Friday
2:30 - Band room opens
3:00 - Dress Rehearsal
4:00 - Dismiss 
5:45 - Report to Flag poles
6:00 - Warm-up
6:30 - Parade to Stadium
7:00 - Kick-off

Teays Valley Contest Details
This is a great show with easy accessibility.  With that said, it is a very analogue show.  There are no online ticket sales or digital programs to worry about.  There will be plenty of tickets available but I encourage you to arrive early to support our kids and the other schools performing.  Attached below will be a campus map for parking and details about pricing and items for sale. 
Picture
Picture
Timeline - Saturday
2:30 - Band Room Opens
3:00 - Dress Rehearsal (Location TBD)
4:00 - Load EQ, Change, Snack (Be sure to pack a snack that will keep blood sugar and energy high) 
5:00 - Load Buses 
5:15 - Depart for TVHS
6:30 - Arrive at TVHS
7:25 - Warm-up
8:15 - Perform
8:30 - Load (This is the time to get concessions after you put your instrument away) 
9:15 - Awards (Sit in visitors bleachers together, in Uniform. No hats necessary) 
9:45 - Depart 
10:30 - Arrive at PHSC 

Booster Volunteers for Saturday

Friday 10/9 Groveport-Madison at Central
Nurse
Brittany Long-Selph
Guard Help
Holly Jean Hummel
Field Help
Chris Mirakian
Heather Edwards
Hope Hill
Barb Gilbert
Tony Gerardi
Lisa Mezquita
Melissa Wyatt
Heidi Meade
Kat Briggs
Sarah Hurst-Pelfrey

Saturday 10/10 Teays Valley Competition
Load Equipment
Jeffery Westforth
John Mezquita
Chris Mirakian
Joy Shaw
Nurse
Julie Ketcham
Guard Help
Holly Jean Hummel
Field Help
Chris Mirakian
Heather Edwards
Hope Hill
Melissa Wyatt
Joy Shaw
Sarah Hurst-Pelfrey
Kat Briggs
Emily Haverfield
]]><![CDATA[Homecoming vs Newark]]>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 18:06:21 GMThttps://www.pickeringtonmarchingtigers.org/mr-stowes-fyi/homecoming-vs-newarkGood Afternoon Tiger Families,

I didn't have the opportunity last week to share my gratitude for all the effort put into Band Fest.  I told the boosters this event doesn't happen without the support of the parents and boosters.  You all did a fantastic job and I couldn't be more proud of our performance as a team on and off the field.  Thank so much!  

As many of you heard, we are headed to Pasadina California for the 2028 Tournament of Roses Parade!  This is a huge testament to the hard work of both the kids and the parent organizations.  We will be one of 8 high school bands marching in on January 1, 2028.  (Make sure you let that date sink in, all the prep, fundraising and planning will happen in 2027) 

All this information is still very much new to all of us, but we have set up a website to present the FAQ about the trip and a place to ask questions you might have.  As we get more information you will want to look here first! https://sites.google.com/plsd.us/pickeringtonroseparade2028/home?pli=1&authuser=0#h.h5piacrv8awp This is the official website for the trip.  (not a very convenient web address but we will create links from our website to it for everyone) 


Homecoming
We will be performing at halftime this year!  Our plan is to present the final two movements of the show, all which will be new to parents and spectators.  

Be sure to remind your kids to be smart at Homecoming, with  "Band-tober" on the horizon we do not want kids to make any teenager mistakes and miss out on what we've been working hard at over the last two months.  

Uniforms
Uniforms are operating as they should Friday night with Purple pants and black socks.  Shoes are turning into an issue again.  They need to go home with the students.  I need your help reminding kids the band room is not their bedrooms and shoes should not be left on the floor or at school.

Timeline
3:10 - Dress Rehearsal
4:10 - Dismiss 
5:15 - Band Room Opens
5:45 - Full Band Report to Flag poles.
6:00 - Warm-up/ pep session
6:25 - Parade to stadium. 
6:45 - pregame (homecoming Court Presentation)
7:00 - Kick-off
TBA - Band Room Clean-up Mellophone SECTION (Jazz Band witnessed the random draw)

Important Dates
10/10 - Teays Valley Competition (Evening Comp - Plan on a middle afternoon dress rehearsal)
10/24 - Newark HS Competition (Afternoon Comp - Plan on an early morning Dress rehearsal) 
10/31 - ***Tentative*** State Marching Band Finals @ Hilliard Bradley. (Requested 12-5pm)

Nurse
Brittany Long-Selph

Guard Help
Anne Shreffler
Kristina Blanton

Field Help
Chris Mirakian
Barb Gilbert
Hope Hill
Heidi Meade
Heather Edwards
Kat Biggs
Tony Gerardi]]><![CDATA[Week 5 vs. CWHS and Pick Band Fest]]>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 11:37:33 GMThttps://www.pickeringtonmarchingtigers.org/mr-stowes-fyi/week-4-vs-cwhs-and-pick-band-festMarching Tiger Families,

This week is going to be a busy one.  My suggestion is to get as much sleep as you can before this weekend.  With two events happening I'll cover the game on Friday then Band fest specifically. 

Friday
We are home vs Canal Winchester. We will also host the 8th graders from Central Junior High.  This doesn't impact our performances.  

We will institute an old procedure this Friday.  The band room is not getting picked up as it should after every use.  I will randomly assign a section for each Friday night and Contest Saturday for the rest of the season.  Once your section has served you will not be asked to do it again.  

Uniforms
Everyone should be well aware of uniform expectations by now.  I do want to reiterate there is no face paint, glitter or accessories while in uniform.  This is to keep the uniforms looking sharp and clean.  If it is unseasonably hot again on Friday we will shed the jackets.  Be sure to wear your white show shirt under your bibbers. (It will be warm to start the night, but I expect the weather to cool with the sun setting)

Friday Timeline
3:10 - Dress Rehearsal
4:10 - Dismiss
5:30 - Band room opens
5:45 - Report to flag poles
6:00 - Warm-up
6:30 - Parade to stadium
7:00 - Kick off

Saturday Band Fest
Band fest still needs volunteers.  We host this event every year and always need last minute parents to step up and help out.  Please email Emily Haverfield our booster president to get the latest regarding volunteer needs.  phscbbcopresident@gmail.com 

Please stick around after awards for the traditional Band Fest activities.  In addition to these we will have a special video announcement for all parents and students.  I've been holding this information a secret for a few months now and I'm super excited to finally be able to share with everyone!

Uniforms for Contests
We wear our white contest pants for competitions.  This means that white socks are needed and students should be mindful of the shorts worn under their bibbers.  Light colors work best, grays and lighter.  Avoid dark or neon colors as we will be able to see your shorts through the white bibbers!!!  (yikes...) 

Busing for Pick Band Fest
Busing for Band Fest is 1 way!  This is always something we have done to save a few $1,000 in transportation budget and to encourage parents to come to the competition to see their child perform.  This group is really finding their stride, please come celebrate their hard work with us by attending Band Fest.  You will have to pick up your kid anyway!!!!

When At Pick Band Fest
I plan to let students who don't have unload responsibilities to dismiss to the stadium once we arrive at North to take care of any last minute needs.  Bathroom, water, etc.  (No pop/soda). I will give them a specific time to return to the EQ trucks before we head to warm-up.  Please eat before we get on the busses.  Do not get food on the uniforms!!!!

After we perform, students involved in presenting awards will need to quickly celebrate our run with friends then report to side 1 of the home sideline to get ready for the awards ceremony.  Booster parents will be there to help you get lined up in order and hand you the trophy to present.  

After Awards we will perform Amazing Grace with North.  Do not rush the field, we will call both bands out.  North will set their music arc and we will fill in between based on instrumentation. 

Once Amazing Grace is complete, Central will block up on the field and Cadence back to the EQ trailers for a load-in.  When at the trailers, students can grab their small cases and return to Central to hang uniforms and put instruments away.  This is much faster than waiting on the semi trailer to return! 

Saturday Timeline
12:00 -2:00 - Dress Rehearsal in Tiger Stadium. 
4:30 - Band room opens.
5:30 - depart
5:45 - Arrive at PHSN
6:40 - Warm-up
7:30 - Perform 
8:30 - Awards
TBD - Amazing Grace
TBD - Parade to EQ truck, Load
All students return to Central to unload EQ and hang uniforms. 
TBD - Percussion have final clean-up duty 

Friday Parent Volunteers
Nurse
Kelly Long

Guard Help
Holly Jean Hummel
Kristina Blanton

Field Help
Chris Mirakian
Heather Edwards
Melissa Wyatt
Lisa Mezquita
Katie Melton
Jennifer Dryer
Tony Phan
Ishbel Browne-Welch
Sarah Hurst-Pelfrey​

Saturday Parent Volunteers
Load Trucks @ Central
John Mezquita
Jeffery Westforth
Tony Gerardi

Nurse
Melissa Wyatt
Guard Help
Holly Jean Hummel
Field Help
Chris Mirakian
Trish Mirakian
Heather Edwards
Lisa Mezquita
Janel Theiss
Sarah Hurst-Pelfrey
Melissa Wyatt
Tony Gerardi
​
]]><![CDATA[Week 4 - Parent Preview]]>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 11:30:21 GMThttps://www.pickeringtonmarchingtigers.org/mr-stowes-fyi/week-4-parent-previewGood morning Marching Tiger Families,

Last week was a great week.  Friday night was especially good for the Marching Tigers.  I always expect the band to perform well, but the kids did really well in the stands, following instructions, being courteous to our friends from the North. It was a great night.  

Labor Day was also a great day!  The weather finally cooperated and made for a pleasant Fish Fry.  Thank you to everyone who came and supported the band.  Your attendance makes a difference! 

Parent Performance

We will host our first parent performance on Friday.  These are great for us to get meaningful performances in front of an audience before it counts at Band Fest on 9/19/2026.  Practicing is important and meaningful but practicing while nervous in front of an audience takes our preparation to the next level.  We will run our show twice on Friday for anyone that can attend in full uniform.  Then dismiss for the evening.  

Uniforms

We will plan to wear our full band uniform for the parent preview.  This changes how the kids feel while performing and will impact the quality of their individual performance until we get used to the uniform.  

With that said, it is Ohio and weather has been unpredictable.  I will monitor the the temps and make a change no later than Thursday if it looks to be too warm to wear the full uniform.  

Timeline

3:15 - Dress rehearsal with Hats on the field.  
4:15 - Head in to get in uniform. 
4:45 - Report to stadium in full uniform
5:00 - Parent performance 
5:20 - Start the move of equipment back indoors,
TBD - Dismiss. More hands helping move equipment back will help the kids get out sooner!!! 
NOTE* I realize this is going past the 5pm pickup time that is on the band calendar but I wanted to make sure our 9-5 parents have at minimum a chance to get to the parent preview and watch their kid perform.  (I made the change for you, the parent) 


]]><![CDATA[Week 3, Home vs. PHSN]]>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 11:44:01 GMThttps://www.pickeringtonmarchingtigers.org/mr-stowes-fyi/week-3-home-vs-phsnAll, 
I'm excited to announce it is finally September!  The weather made the last 3 weeks of August a challenge  but we look forward to many sunny skies moving forward. 

Today's FYI will cover 
- practice schedule and attendance
- Uniform(s) Friday and Monday
- Friday, Game Day timeline
- Labor Day Parade  
- Fees
- 3rd quarter Food for this game only
- Parent volunteers. 

Practice and Attendance
Thank you for the flexibility.  Last month was difficult with all the weather conflicts and last minute changes to rehearsal times.  Despite the hurdles we are still on schedule for learning the show. 

As a reminder, it is expected that everyone attends every practice.  "My work scheduled me" or "I have homework" are not accepted excuses.  The band intentionally does not practice every day to allow students to balance life outside of band.  I expect every student to manage commitments and fulfill your obligations to not only band, but to work and individual studies.  Parent's you know this is the most important life lesson we can teach our children.  Please help me reinforce this at home.  It not only makes our kids more reliable, dependable, responsible but also makes them more employable when it is time to be a functional member of society.   

Parents, injuries happen and we do want injuries to heal.  As the parent of an athlete I know how important it is to give kids the time to recover when injured.  With that said, if your child is not cleared to participate in band we need a doctor's note saying they can not participate until X date.  This allows me to know who is injured and who is trying to avoid doing the work.  Most doctor's offices will ask you if you need a doctor's note after a visit.  You can send me a copy of the note via email or student! 

Uniforms for Friday and Monday
Due to the heat we are experiencing, we will wear our summer uniforms for the game Friday and the Parade on Monday.  

Make sure you have your summer band shirt, khaki shorts, white ankle socks and and band shoes ready to go.  Everyone should own marching shoes by now so no tennis shoes will be allowed for Friday and Monday.  

As always, no accessory jewelry allowed when in uniform.  Bracelets, large necklaces, additional piercings will not be allowed when in uniform. 

Hair needs to be pulled back into ponytails or buns.  

Sunglasses are approved for the parade on Monday, but will not be necessary for the game on Friday.

Friday Night Timeline
3:10 - Dress rehearsal on turf field
4:10 - Dismiss.  Leave sound EQ and front ensemble on the field by the band stands.
5:00 - Band room opens 
5:45 - Report to flag poles in uniform 
6:00 - Warm-up and pep session. 
6:35 - Parade from Flag poles to Tiger Stadium
6:48 - Pregame
7:00 - Kick-off

Labor Day Parade and Concert in Victory Park
The Labor Day parade is a Pickerington Tradition.  It begins with a parade and ends with a brief concert in Victory Park.  Report time is 8:30am, Step-off for the parade is 10am.  The early report time is to avoid any road closures or traffic issues. 

The concert in Victory Park start time varies from year to year.  It simply begins when the parade has concluded and the bands are completely set-up.  The best viewing of the concert is from a lawn chair on the Victory park basketball courts.  Students will be dismissed at the conclusion of the concert. This has ranged anywhere between 12:30-1:30 in the past.  Please come support both awesome bands in Pickerington.  

Pro Tips
1. Drop student off in the morning, then go to Victory Park and set down chairs. 
2. Bring an umbrella, rain or shine, it will provide relief from the elements.
3. Sun screen and water make the event more pleasant

Pay to Participate Fee
As a reminder, this is a SCHOOL FEE from the district and not a booster fee.  The district's policy on unpaid district fees can result in your child not participating in marching band.  

I fully anticipate the district to enforce this policy this week.  Please make sure you are current on all school fees.  Especially the band PTP.

If you are experiencing financial hardship you may apply for payment plan options with the Athletic Office.  Feel free to email me with any questions regarding this matter.  

3rd Quarter Food
Due to the numbers expected for this game we will be serving pizza to both bands during the 3rd quarter of the game.  This is provided by the boosters. Kids will receive 2 slices of pizza and as much water as they need.  Sometimes the clubs include a cookie or snack, we will just have to wait and see!  If your child has a dietary concern and pizza needs to be substituted please contact myself or Mrs. Haverfield ASAP for planing purposes. 


Parent Volunteers for Friday

Nurse
Julie Ketchum

FIeld Help
Chris Mirakian
Heather Edwards
Hope Hill
Tony Gerardi
Janel Theiss
Melissa Wyatt
Katie Melton
Lisa Mezquita
Jennifer Dryer

Guard Help
Holly Jean Hummel
Kristina Blanton]]><![CDATA[Preview Concert and Contest]]>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:33:52 GMThttps://www.pickeringtonmarchingtigers.org/mr-stowes-fyi/preview-concert-and-contestGood Morning Parents,

This week, March 5th we have a preview concert in Preparation for the OMEA LG (Large Group) Competition on March 13th.  The purposes of the preview concert are 2 fold, it allows the students to get a run of their concert music in front of a friendly audience before we perform in front of a Judge.  It also allows parents the opportunity to take video and photos without risk of disqualifying the ensemble at LG Contest.  (I'll Explain more on that later) 

Dates, Times, Locations, Dress codes

Preview Concert 
March 5th 
@ PHSC PAC
Report Time, 7PM
Jeans and summer band shirts

This is a combined performance with the Choirs!  We will begin at 7pm with the choirs performing first.  There will be a brief transition between choirs and bands to reset the stage for our portion of the concert.  Both the Choirs and Bands are dressing casually for this concert to match informal nature of the stage.  We will get a sneak-peak of the the set for the musical, Mamma Mia! which will run the week before spring break.  (Be on the lookout for tickets soon)  

As I mentioned earlier, this concert is where photos and videos ARE allowed.  OMEA does not allow for videos at LG Contest and only allow photos for a brief moment at the end of a performance.  If you are caught taking video at LG contest the consequence is disqualification of the performing group.  This is mostly due to copyright infringement, as purchasing a piece of music only warrants you the right to perform, not the right to perform, record and publish.  This is different during Marching Band Season as I obtain full copyright licensing for our music to meet the requirements from OMEA. 

OMEA LG Contest
March 13 
@ Teays Valley High School 
Report Time to PHSC Band Room, 4:00
Concert Black 

No School on Friday the 13th
This is simply a coincidence.  OMEA and PLSD do not share calendars.  Due to resources OMEA is on a 3 week rotation annually to serve all the districts in Ohio. March 13/14 is the assigned date for District 15, also known as, our district. 

Uniform for contest
All students must wear ALL BLACK clothing.  Gentlemen should wear a long sleeved dress shirt (with a collar), dress shoes and black pants.  Ladies should wear all black as well, making sure that their shoulders are completely covered, dresses or skirts must fall below the knee when seated.  Every year I'm asked about an accent color, completely black clothing is the answer.  


Timeline for Contest
As you can see Wind Ensemble instructions are in red while Symphonic Band instructions are in Purple. All students will have an opportunity to grab something to eat at concessions.  Please plan to send money or pack a snack.  It is a late night for everyone.  

4:30 - 3 Buses arrive at PHSC
4:45 - Depart (hopefully we can depart sooner) 3-4 Parent chaperones needed 
5:30 - Arrive at TVHS, check-in to home rooms/ Wind Ensemble to Cafeteria for food (with Chaps)
6:25 - Symphonic Band to Warm-up
6:45 - Wind Ensemble to Auditorium with chaperones
7:00 - Symphonic Band Stage Performance
7:30 - Symphonic Band Sight Reading/Wind Ensemble to Home Room/ Symphonic Band to Cafeteria after putting gear away.
8:25 - Wind Ensemble to Warm-up
8:50 - Symphonic Band to Auditorium 
9:05 - Wind Ensemble Stage Performance 
9:30 - Wind Ensemble Sight Reading/Symphonic Band take cases to box truck (Chaps & Hakes?)
9:50 - Finalize the Load 
10:15 - Depart for Pickerington 
11:00 - Arrive at PHSC

Volunteer Needs
We will need 4 chaperones.  Preferably 2 Wind Ensemble parents and 2 Symphonic Band parents to look after each group while Directors are with the performing group.  The timeline/schedule is made and you will be able to see your student perform.  ]]><![CDATA[Winter Concert Program 12/10/25]]>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:43:55 GMThttps://www.pickeringtonmarchingtigers.org/mr-stowes-fyi/winter-concert-program-121025
Picture
]]><![CDATA[Week 4 of the Playoffs and so much more...]]>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:55:32 GMThttps://www.pickeringtonmarchingtigers.org/mr-stowes-fyi/week-4-of-the-playoffs-and-so-much-moreMarching Tiger Families,

First off, thank you for your patience waiting for this FYI.  The larger company that owns weebly and other sites had technical issues yesterday and shutdown all access to their products, preventing me from posting the FYI. 

Friday's Football Game
Our game this Friday is an away game at the Historic Crew Stadium.  Tickets are available through the OHSAA website.  I'd just be sure to make a note that we are at the "Old" Crew Stadium.  We are not the home team, which means we play in the stands and do a brief halftime show.  

Timeline
4:15 - Band Room Opens
5:15 - Load buses
6:15 - Arrive at Historic Crew Stadium
7:08 - Kick-off
TBD - Arrive at PHSC 


Uniform Update
We will wear our purple uniforms and maintain the same expectations for uniforms inspection.  As a quick reminder, face paint is not allowed in uniform as it can stain the white portions of our uniform jackets.  If we the rain holds in the forecast we will issue raincoats for this game.  The raincoats are limited and we ask students to wear the smallest jacket they can fit in while still being able to button up the jacket.  This typically ensures the large sizes are available for those who need them.  Do not use the raincoat pockets.  Inevitably students will leave personal items in the coat pockets.  This makes for a frustrating evening once you realize you now have to check every raincoat pocket for your phone...  Just don't use the raincoat pockets and your evening will be fine! 


****TONIGHT*** November 19 London Parent meeting
If you are traveling to London we will have our Final Parent Meeting virtually at 7pm on November 19th.  Please plan to come to the meeting as we will cover the travel plans, explain flight groups and protocols and more.  The final Chaperone Meeting is December 3rd at 7pm.  This is an organizational meeting for directors and chaperones.  Students and followers do not need to attend.  

Solo and Ensemble
Solo and Ensemble is early this year.  Every 3 years the Districts in OMEA rotate though a 3 weekend cycle, There is an early, middle and late weekend which ensures that there are enough judges to go around the state.  As luck would have it, we are the first weekend this year on January 17th at PHSN. In the next few days I'll be sharing forms with students to enter their plans for Solo and Ensemble.  Students in Wind Ensemble are required to participate in this event, Symphonic band and concert band are not required but encouraged to participate as Solo and Ensemble promotes the most individual growth for student musicianship.  Please start making those final selections for S&E so that I can start finding accompanists and selecting music for everyone. 

Breakfast with Santa
This is a fundraiser and community service project on December 6th, 7:30am-12pm.  The Jazz Band is the only band ensemble that performs at this event, however we ask the rest of the band students and parents to volunteer in various capacities throughout the morning. In addition to the obvious breakfast with Santa we host a themed basket raffle, craft table, hot chocolate bar and donation station for the Ronald McDonald House. 

The Section leaders for each section of the band are responsible for putting together themed baskets for the raffle.  These range from baskets for young children with crayons and coloring books to portable fire pits and and s'more kits for the adults.  As long as there is a theme and all the items in the baskets are school appropriate we are fine! 

Because BWS is the week after Thanksgiving break I know kids are going to be scrambling when we come back to get their baskets started.  As parents, if you work in retail or have the ability through your line of work to offer something to "kick-start" your child's basket please let them know!  This could be the starter they need to get rolling on the project. 

Parent Volunteers 11/21
Nurse: 
Julie Ketcham

Bus/Chaperone/Field Help:
Chris Mirakian
Emily Haverfield
Hope Hill
Heather Edwards
Lisa Winters
Lauryn Winters
Melissa Wyatt

Guard:
Anne Shreffler

]]><![CDATA[Playoff's Week 3 vs Upper Arlington, Changes to Winter Concert and Solo & Ensemble]]>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:30:59 GMThttps://www.pickeringtonmarchingtigers.org/mr-stowes-fyi/playoffs-week-3-vs-upper-arlington-changes-to-winter-concert-and-solo-ensembleMarching Tiger Families,

This week's FYI​ is going to cover a wide-range of topics, I do apologize in advance for the jumping around various upcoming events.  

UA at Home this Friday
We are hosting our final Home football game of the season on Friday.  If we win this week then all additional football games in the playoffs will be held at neutral sites.  Fortunately the weather looks like it is working out in our favor and will warm-up for Friday's game.  So lets enjoy our last night with a "home" game.  

Halftime this Friday will look vary familiar.  With a large portion of our leadership participating in Capital University's Honor Band Weekend we will do another simple halftime performance.  

Winter Concert
There has been some issues surrounding the scheduling of our winter concert, the logistics schedule for London and our students who are involved in both Christmas Chorale and Band.  Without getting too deep I will simply say, we can't have a concert with instruments that are in a shipping container headed to London...  (The previous solution was a concert date swap with Ridgeview)

The finalized plan for the winter concert was decided by prioritizing the student opportunities to perform, both in band and chorale.  I realize the changes made might inconvenience some families but we felt it is necessary for students to meet the expectations of their previously made commitments vs convenience to families and friends.    

We will use the following Schedule for our Winter Concert. And I do apologize for all the confusion caused by my quick solutions without taking an additional step back and seeing the complete picture before communicating home to you.  The PHSC High School Winter Band Concert will be held on December 10th at 5:00pm.  The Ridgeview Junior High Concert will also be held on December 10th but at 7:00pm.  

Solo and Ensemble
Solo and Ensemble is early this year.  Every 3 years the Districts in OMEA rotate though a 3 weekend cycle, There is an early, middle and late weekend which ensures that there are enough judges to go around the state.  As luck would have it, we are the first weekend this year on January 17th at PHSN. In the next few days I'll be sharing forms with students to enter their plans for Solo and Ensemble.  Students in Wind Ensemble are required to participate in this event, Symphonic band and concert band are not required but encouraged to participate as Solo and Ensemble promotes the most individual growth for student musicianship.  Please start making those final selections for S&E so that I can start finding accompanists and selecting music for everyone. 

Uniform update for the UA game
We will wear our purple uniforms and maintain the same expectations for uniforms inspection.  As a quick reminder, face paint is not allowed in uniform as it can stain the white portions of our uniform jackets.  

The weather looks good for Friday but as the weather gets colder, we are still required to be in proper uniform.  No winter hats when on the field and no hoodies popping out the back of your uniform jackets.  Any blankets need to be pre-placed in the band stand for the home games in advance as we will not get to the bleachers until after we march pregame.  This 

November 19 London Parent meeting
If you are traveling to London we will have our Final Parent Meeting virtually at 7pm on November 19th.  Please plan to come to the meeting as we will cover the travel plans, explain flight groups and protocols and more.  The final Chaperone Meeting is December 3rd at 7pm.  This is an organizational meeting for directors and chaperones.  Students and followers do not need to attend.  

Friday Timeline
5:00 - Band room opens
6:00 - Meet at Flagpoles in uniform 
6:40 - March to stadium
6:45 - enter stadium
6:50 - Begin Pregame 
7:00 - Kick-off 

Parent Volunteers
Nurse:
Julie Ketcham

Guard Help:
Anne Shreffler

Field Help:
Chris Mirakian
Emily Haverfield
Lisa Mezquita
Hope Hill
Heather Edwards
Jennifer Dryer
]]><![CDATA[Play-offs Week 2 vs GMHS]]>Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:34:59 GMThttps://www.pickeringtonmarchingtigers.org/mr-stowes-fyi/play-offs-week-2-vs-gmhsGood Morning Marching Tiger Families, 

We are into week 2 of the playoffs!  After a successful competition season we are also in full swing converting to concert band.  You could call this portion of the fall "limbo" between marching and concert seasons.  This essentially means we are switching our focus from 100% marching band to 20% marching 80% concert band.   This will outwardly look like less involved halftime shows on Friday night.  


Uniform update
We will wear our purple uniforms and maintain the same expectations for uniforms inspection.  As a quick reminder, face paint is not allowed in uniform as it can stain the white portions of our uniform jackets.  Uniforms for week 3 as with any additional playoff game will be determined based upon the weather forecast in the weekly FYI.  

Additionally as the weather gets colder, we are still required to be in proper uniform.  No winter hats when on the field and no hoodies popping out the back of your uniform jackets.  Any blankets need to be preplaced in the band stand for the home games in advance as we will not get to the bleachers until after we march pregame. 

November 19 London Parent meeting
If you are traveling to London we will have our Final Parent Meeting virtually at 7pm on November 19th.  Please plan to come to the meeting as we will cover the travel plans, explain flight groups and protocols and more.  The final Chaperone Meeting is December 3rd at 7pm.  This is an organizational meeting for directors and chaperones.  Students and followers do not need to attend.  

Friday Timeline
3:10-4:10 Dress rehearsal in Tiger stadium
5:15 - Band room opens
5:45 - Meet at Flagpoles in uniform 
6:20 - March to stadium
6:30 - enter stadium
6:45 - Begin Pregame 
7:00 - Kick-off 

Parent volunteers
​Nurse
Julie Ketcham
Field Help
Chris Mirakian
Lisa Mezquita
Emily Haverfield
Hope Hill
Anne Shreffler
Miranda LeMaster
Tony Gerardi
Tracy Gerardi ]]>