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. 

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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!