All,

Thank you for an awesome weekend.  We had a great night at Grove City.  Qualifying for SMBF yet again as well as finishing 3rd overall and 2nd in music.  We will continue to mold and polish this show into something really special!

This week is Homecoming week, due to this fact we will not be performing our competition show, rather we will be performing for the homecoming presentation.  This will result in less parent help needed as we will be bringing limited percussion and no props or sound equipment. 

Uniforms
We will be wearing our purple uniform this Friday.  Please make sure your students are wearing the correct uniform socks.  Student hair is becoming increasingly a struggle.  Students with long hair need to make a bun or ponytail that sits on top of their heads and doesn't push the uniform hats back on their head.  This creates a "flat plume".  Flat plumes are not uniform.

3:10 - Dress rehearsal on band practice field
4:00 - Dismiss.  Take uniform and instruments with you! 
5:30 - Full Band Report to Ridgeview parking lot
5:45 - Warm-up
6:25 - Parade from Ridgeview parking lot. 
6:50 - pregame
7:00 - Kick-off
*I want to continue to encourage SAFE car-pooling and/or parent drop off.
9:30 - return uniforms and clean band room 

Important Upcoming Dates
Double Header competition and picnic - Oct 14th, all day
Ronald McDonald House Charity event - Oct 21st, 9am - 11am. 

State Marching Band Finals 
I have requested October 28th at Hilliard Bradley for our first choice and second choice. I would plan on making sure this date is completely clear of conflicts.  Once we have an assigned time and date I will pass the information on to our booster club! 

Parent Volunteers
Because of homecoming we will NOT be performing our competition show.  We have to do a homecoming activity.  This makes for an easy week for parent volunteers.  Once I talk with our exact needs I will have Mr Horton send out an email with the nurse and volunteer list for this Friday.  

Good Morning Marching Tiger Families

Below is the information for Friday and Saturday September 29 & 30th. 

Uniforms
We are doing great with uniform protocols! Keep reminding kids to have the correct length socks.  I witnessed a few kiddos on Friday night wearing ankle socks instead of full length black socks.  Please make sure you have a pair of full length socks in black and white.  Lastly, parents please remind your students that marching shoes and marching band hats should go home with students.   The band room is not a bed room.  

Ronald McDonald House Update
We have booked the local McDonalds for our charity event for October 21st, 9am-11am.  I will divide the band into two equal smaller bands and post the locations for each band the week of the event.  Dress for this is simply to dress warm and wear PHSC/Marching Tiger gear.  As mentioned last week this is a charity fundraiser for the RMHC, the Band Boosters do not make any money off of this event.  With that said, teaching our students how to use their time and talents to help others is an invaluable lesson for everyone.  

PLSD Community Day
On Saturday 9/30, the leadership team will have a short gig for the PLSD Community Day.  The report time for this event is 10:30 and should conclude at 11:30.  The actual performance time of the event is at 11am in the PHSC Hill Road parking lot.  The venders and community participation for this event has doubled in size from last year.  Everyone should consider checking out this event. 

Grove City band invitational
Information regarding the contest can be found at with the link below. 
​

Friday Timeline
3:10 - Dress rehearsal
4:10 - Load/eat/change
5:20 - Load Busses
5:30 - Depart for CCHS
6:15 - Arrive at CCHS
7:00 - kick-off 

Saturday Timeline
3:30 - Practice
5:00 - Load/eat/change
6:00 - load busses
6:10 - depart for Grove City High School
7:00 - Arrive at Grove City High School
7:50 - Meet host, go to warm-up
8:45 - Perform
9;00 - awards
9:30 - load equipment, load busses
9:45 - depart for PHSC
TBD - Arrive at PHSC

Parent Volunteers
Thank you to all the volunteers who answered the call last week!

Friday’s game at Central Crossing 
Truck Help
David Horton
Chris Mirakian
Chris Hartung
Tim LeMaster

Nurse 
Kelly Long

Travel with Band & Field Help
Emily Haverfield
Natalie Matney
David Horton
Chris Mirakian
Tim LeMaster
Mark or Kelly Brick
Theresa Garee
Patricia Mirakian
Marie Renner 


Saturday Evening Grove City Band Competition 
Truck Help
David Horton
Chris Mirakian 

Nurse 
Melissa Wyatt

Travel with Band & Field Help
Natalie Matney
Emily Haverfield
David Horton
Joy Shaw
Chris Mirakian 
Mark or Kelly Brick
Kristie Blanton

Good afternoon Marching Tiger Families,

We had a fantastic weekend at the Pickerington Band Festival.  I want to say thank you to all those who attended and volunteered.  It is no small feat to put on a marching band show and you all did a fantastic job! In addition to the hard work of the parents it should also be noted that the band received straight superior ratings (1's) from every judge.  The students worked hard all last week to tie up the loose ends and put on a respectable performance.  I look forward to finishing the show in the next week and a half so that we can move onto cleaning up things and making sure everyone is prepared for our next contest on Sept 30th.  

Music Checks
We had some chomebook issues at the beginning of the school year regarding SmartMusic.  We backed off on the due dates for music checks due to this.  I believe we have all the accessibility issues worked out and can start the push to get everyone caught up on their music comprehension checks.  Please be sure to check-in with your student to make sure they are submitting these recordings.  

Uniforms
This Friday will be purple pants and black socks.  We are really doing well with keeping uniforms up to the prescribed expectations.  The only reminder I have is that students need to make sure they take all their uniform pieces with them after the dress rehearsal when it is a home game.  Too many students are forgetting shoes, hats, etc in the band room and not realizing their error until they arrive at Ridgeview.  

Ronald McDonald House Charity Event
Every year we try to do some type of community service project.  Our favorite way to do this is to take a Saturday morning and busk outside of the two McDonald restaurants in Pickerington.  This typically begins at 9am and ends around 11.  All money that we collect is then donated to the RMHC which goes towards consumable goods for the Ronald McDonald House on Parsons Ave, next to children's hospital.  The kids have fun and learn how to use their time and talents to help others in need.  

Currently we do not have an official date for this event but it is looking like we are closing in on a late October Saturday.  (Not Homecoming and not the Double header day). The date will be released as soon as the two stores have confirmed! 

Friday Timeline
3:10 - Dress rehearsal on band practice field
4:15 - Dismiss. Change/load/eat  Take instruments with you! 
5:30 - Report to Ridgeview parking lot. Students park in grass lot closest to C3 church. (on the ridge)*
5:45 - Warm-up
6:25 - Parade from Ridgeview parking lot.
6:50 - pregame
7:00 - Kick-off

Friday Volunteers
Truck Help
Chris Mirakian
Chris Hartung 

Field Help
Natalie Matney 
David Horton 
Kim Kinnison
Brittany Taylor
Kelly Brick
Chris Mirakian

Nurse 
Melissa Wyatt

WE ARE IN NEED OF PARENT VOLUNTEERS FOR THE SEPTEMBER 29TH AWAY GAME TO CENTRAL CROSSING.  PLEASE CONTACT NATALIE MATNEY TO VOLUNTEER. phscbbvolunteer@gmail.com

Good Morning Students and Families, 

We are about to embark on our first contest of the season.  We are really excited to perform 4.5 movements of our competition show Saturday night 8pm at the Pickerington Band Festival. 


Pickerington Band Festival 
Our home show is this Saturday at PHSN.  Please invite your family and friends to attend and support the Marching Tigers.  The booster clubs have been working very hard to organize a great show.  If you get a chance, please say thank you to a Tiger or Panther Booster.  This is a time consuming project for them, both clubs have done a great job collaborating.  Not all booster clubs in town work as well together as our two band booster clubs. 

Uniforms For Saturday and Sunday
Friday night is purple pants and black socks.  We did a great job with uniform socks last Friday. Let's get it right this week too!

​Saturday we will be wearing our competition white pants.  This impacts a few details regarding uniform.  Sock must be all white and students should wear neutral colored shorts under their uniform.  Students need to continue to wear their show shirts for the season.  
I noted last Friday that many students are not following the uniform pant cuffs when in uniform.  Additionally students must not have hooped or colored ear rings of any kind when in uniform.  Small ear rings are acceptable.  Students must remove all bracelets and fingernail polish that is not neutral.  

Transportation
The most important bit of parent information on Saturday night is transportation for the Marching Tigers is "one-way".  Parents must pick-up their student at Pickerington NORTH at the end of the contest. This serves multiple functions, it encourages parents to come and support their child/children and saves money in our transportation budget.  The band room will be open after the show if students want to return instruments that night. 

Ticket sales and booster help
Tickets for the event are $10 per person.  However, the boosters are still in need of additional volunteers. If you consider that volunteers get free admission and parents need to pick-up their child after the contest, it only makes sense for you to volunteer TODAY!   It will cost $0 to help the band, see the show and pick-up your child!  ​

Friday Timeline
3:10 - Dress rehearsal on band practice field
4:15 - Dismiss. Change/load/eat  Take instruments with you! 
5:30 - Report to Ridgeview parking lot. Students park in grass lot closest to C3 church. (on the ridge)*
5:45 - Warm-up
6:25 - Parade from Ridgeview parking lot.
6:50 - pregame
7:00 - Kick-off

Band Fest Timeline
2:30 - Dress rehearsal at PHSC
​4:00 - Load/Change/Snack
5:10 - Depart for PHSN
5:30 - Arrive at PHSN
6:25 - Meet Host
6:30 - Warm-up
7:15 - Depart for Stadium 
7:30  - PERFORM
8:00 - Awards (Seniors help present awards) & group performance of Amazing Grace
9:50 - Load percussion equipment, sound equipment, props. 
****Students are dismissed to their parents after Band Fest.  There is NO bussing back to PHSC!****

Friday night Volunteers and a request for Saturday
​
Mr Horton sent out an email requesting help on Saturday.  If you are available to help please see his most recent email and sign-up to help.  Below are Friday's volunteers.  Thank you so much, all those who give their time to assist!  It would not be possible without you. 

​Truck Help
Chris Hartung
Chris Mirakian

Field Help
Natalie Matney
David Horton
Emily Haverfield
Brittany Taylor
Chris Mirakian
Mark Brick
Carol Webb

Labor Day Parade
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 8am, Step-off for the parade is 10am.  The concert start time changes 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 tennis courts.  Students will be dismissed at the conclusion of the concert which has ranged anywhere between 12;30-1:30 in years 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
3. Sun screen and water make the event more pleasant

Uniform
Students will wear summer uniforms.  Drill master uniform shoes and short white socks.  Jewelry needs to kept to a minimum and subtle. Hair needs to be up off the shoulders.  Sun glasses are allowed. 

This is always a fun way to spend the holiday, be sure to invite family/friends and support the Lions Club.  They give a modest donation to the band every year for marching in this parade. 

​

Happy Tuesday -Marching Tigers and Parents,

It has been an awesome summer and preseason up to this point.  I'm very proud of our members and look forward to finally getting onto a football field and in the stands for Friday's game.  We have much to cover for this weekend and beyond.  This will be a longer than normal FYI, if you are looking for specific info I will be covering the following topics in our first addition FYI:

1. Practice Schedule.
2 Friday night timeline
3. Summer uniform dress code/full uniform dress code for photos.
4. Behavior Expectations
5. Volunteers for Friday 
6. PTP vs Booster fees. 

Practice Schedule and Changes from last year
Last night we had a good talk as a band about the importance of being at practice now that school is starting.  Over the summer I’m very much aware of making sure there is time for family and fun.  Now that school is in motion, we need to minimize the number of absences taken by our membership.  Missing practice for unapproved reasons can impact the student’s 3rd quarter time and potentially their membership in the organization.  Students who are no-call, no-shows for practice will spend 3rd quarter in the band stands. 

Now that we are in a much healthier place as a band we are bringing back one of our disciplinary consequences from pre-covid.  Students who have not met the requirements for music checks will spend 3rd quarter in the band stands on Friday nights. 

Any student who loses 3rd quarter privileges WILL be given time to get food or use the restroom after 3rd quarter without the company of their friends.    


Friday Night Timeline
3:10 - Dress rehearsal on band practice field
4:30 - Dismiss.  Take instruments with you! 
5:30 - Report to Ridgeview parking lot. Students park in grass lot closest to the old C3 church. (on the ridge)*
5:45 - Warm-up
6:25 - Parade from Ridgeview parking lot.
6:50 - pregame
7:00 - Kick-off

* In order for the parking to work I want to encourage SAFE car-pooling and/or parent drop off.  I will take class time to explain this  plan with the entire band in class.  


Summer Uniform Dress Code
Students will wear their white polo shirts and purple jersey shorts with white ankle socks and white drill master shoes.  Hair past the jawline will need to be in a bun or ponytail.  No colorful or large jewelry is permitted.  Students will want to make sure their undergarments are a neutral white or light grey to prevent any unfortunate wardrobe issues.  Shirts need to be tucked in at all times. 

Behavior/expectations at games
Students represent our organization and the school when wearing the uniform.  At no point will any behavior outlined as inappropriate in the student code of be acceptable.  Public displays of affection are not permitted as well.  As a person who met his spouse in band I can attest that it is possible to maintain a healthy relationship without being in constant contact with your special someone...   😅 (Mr and Mrs Hakes also met in band and agree, it will be ok!!!) 

Students are expected to return to the band stands before the start of 4th quarter.  Yes, students are at the mercy of the game clock, but our responsibility is to perform at the games.  We will start each 4th quarter with a full band fight song, then dismiss the 4th quarter band members to the student section. 

Uniform pieces are to be worn at all times unless directed to remove by a director.  (for example: Hats and jackets) 

Volunteers for Friday 
Parent volunteers will be issued a badge to wear at all times before entering the visitors side track gate.  Brian W. will have the badges for you and will collect them at the end of the night.  This does not get you into the press box or into the bleachers.  You may bring a folding chair for your comfort.  In other words the passes are for field access only.  Friday's team consists of the following parents:

Truck Help:
Chris Hartung 
Chris Mirakian

Nurse:
Melissa Wyatt

Field Help:
David Horton
Kim Kinnison
Emily Haverfield
Brittany Taylor 
Kelly Brick
Melanie Hamman
Paul Hamman
Chris Mirakian
Natalie Matney 

Pay to Participate vs. Booster Fees
I have yet to receive any updates from the district regarding balance dues for Pay to Participate fees.  This is simply a friendly reminder to get it on your "family radar".  

If you have yet to pay your PTP fee with the district or set up a payment plan with the athletic department the district has the option to prevent your student from participating in marching band performances. 

The boosters do NOT have the ability to do this with booster fees.  We do hope everyone understands that our booster fees help fund the many aspects of the band that the school does not.  Our parents will be able to see and hear what your dollars support at our first contest! 

Marching Tiger families!  

Good afternoon, I'd like to take a moment to share with you the information regarding Large Group contest this Friday night.  

Dresscode:
We are changing our dress for contest this year.  Don't worry, the students know.  We will wear ALL BLACK.  Meaning no one should wear a white shirt.  Students should wear black shoes, socks, pants/dress and a black shirt.  No color at all! Parents please help me make sure that our ladies in the band are wearing an appropriate length dress, it needs to be well passed the knee when sitting down.  (they are going to be elevated on a stage, I don't want this to hinder proper posture or make students uncomfortable while performing. Also please help our young ladies know that they need to keep their shoulders covered.  We want the attention to be on the music and not anything else! 

Contest expectations:
This will be the first time some of our parents have been to large group contest.  Parents and family are more than welcome to attend!  However, there are a few OMEA rules/oddities you need to know about before hand.  
1.  There is no video or audio recording allowed.  Just keep your phones away during the performance and we will be fine. 
2.  There will be judges close by who are talking into microphones.  They are not being rude, they are giving us critical feedback that will help us improve and justify their rating of our performance.  
3.  Once in the auditorium you may not leave until we have finished performing.  Conversely, the door monitors will not let you enter late once the doors have closed. 
4.  NEW THIS YEAR - after our performance we will keep the band on stage for a quick photo.  You are more than welcome to take photos of your own at this time! 
5.  After the band performs on stage we then go to sight-reading.  This is where the bands have to play a piece of music for a judge with only 8 minutes of timed study.  Family and friends are not allowed in the sight reading room. 

As always, keep in mind this is a concert and not a sporting event.  We love it when you are excited but make sure there is no "shout-outs" or excessively loud yelling and screaming.  

Location/Directions
Teays Valley High School 
3887 State Route 752
Ashville, Ohio 43103

Once on campus follow the signs for spectator parking and spectator signs once in the building.  If I recall correctly there will be signs that point you in the direction of the auditorium.  There is no admission fee to attend the concert but feel free to visit the cafeteria for refreshments. 

Timelines

The spreadsheet below outlines the timelines for both the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble.
The Symphonic band is highlighted in green and the Wind Ensemble is highlighted in light blue. 
​

I'm looking forward for a great night!  Please feel free to email any additional questions you might have. 

All,

I'll start my FYI with a sincere apology.  Scoring auditions and sorting through schedule changes with the main office took up quite a bit of time.  I do realize this weekly document is critical for family planning and I apologize for being so tardy. 

This Friday the band will travel to St. Francis DeSales to play Gahanna in round 3 of the Playoffs. 

Uniform
Full purple uniforms and raincoats. No plumes but we will bring hats.  Bring gloves! (but we will not be passing out new gloves.  Bring an old pair)  Since this is our first rainy game, I'll take the time to remind everyone that raincoats are NOT assigned.  Students must use the smallest size raincoat that fits them.  Larger raincoats do not mean warmer! **The uniform moms and staff are not responsible for items left in the raincoat pockets.  Clean out pockets before you HANG YOUR RAINCOAT CORRECTLY AT THE END OF THE NIGHT!** 

Timeline
2:55 - No DRESS REHEARSAL (go home)
4:45 - Report to Central band room
5:15 - Load Buses 
6:15 - Arrive at St. Francis DeSales 
7:00 - Kickoff 
10:30 - Return home 

Parent Chaperones
Patty Richardson
Patricia Manley
Leah Varone
David Horton
Emily Haverfield
Carol Webb
Melissa Wyatt
​