Good Morning Marching Tiger Families,

I failed to post an FYI yesterday because we are not traveling to Wayne HS in Dayton this Friday.  So the logistics FYI slipped my mind...  However I'd like to take a moment to address last Friday's football game and give a few updates.   

1.  Last Friday was our first real home game in nearly 30 years.  It was so nice to be able to parade from the school to the field and not have to move EQ in box trucks between Central and Ridgeview.  This takes a huge burden off many people's shoulders involved with the band! I loved this aspect! 

2.  Huge shoutout to the concessions volunteers that took a space with literally just outlets and made a usable space in a short amount of time.  Also thank you to those volunteers for helping trouble shoot some of the logistical problems of the new space.  I shared all your suggestions with admin.  

3.  For our next home game we are going to change end zones for the band seating.  We followed the recommendation of our Admin for week one and sat the band closest to the student section.  However the play clock was directly in front of the band.  After some rules checking we discovered that the play clock has to be in the right side corner of the end zone.  In an effort to stay clear of the play clock we are going to move the band to the north end zone, in front of Concessions. 

4.  I had lengthy discussions with both our AD and Principal regarding the divider fence.  Student and spectator safety is and will always be our (PLSD) #1 priority.  In the future there will be a few games where we know attendance will be low on the visitors side and the gate will be open! However, there will be games when the gate will be locked, most notably, next week's rivalry game agains NORTH. There will be an administrator or staff volunteer allowing people to pass through for the remainder of the season, to support the band concessions.  I ask that you, BE KIND, STATE THAT YOU WISH TO SUPPORT THE BAND BOOSTERS, AND WAIT FOR THE GATE ATTENDANT TO ALLOW YOU THROUGH.  We will continue to monitor this practice moving forward with the season.  

On the whole, our first game in the new Tiger Stadium was a success.  We will continue to learn the space and flow of events and do what is best for the kids.  As always please send me or our administration team any concerns, thoughts or recommendations.  


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 basketball courts.  Students will be dismissed at the conclusion of the concert which 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

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 bands every year for marching in this parade and we are very appreciative  of their support. 

Cant wait to see everyone on Monday along the 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 of our new Tiger(?) Stadium for Friday's game. I'm not aware of any updated name for the turf stadium.  We have much to cover for this week 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. Parking for students, volunteers and band parents.  
3 Friday night timeline
4. Summer uniform dress code/full uniform dress code for photos.
5. Behavior Expectations
6. Volunteers for Friday 
7. 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. 

Just like in years past, students have important benchmarks to meet weekly regarding attendance and music checks.  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.    

Parking for home games at NEW Tiger Stadium
All students will park in the lot back by the tennis courts.  Students should not be parking back in the "cove" by the loading dock or band room doors. There is no need for parking passes, as their report time is well before the influx of spectators begins. 

Parent Volunteers, either for concessions or equipment help will be allowed to park in the lot behind the tennis courts as well.  With that said, anyone arriving later than 5pm will most likely be rerouted to the Hill Rd parking lot by parking attendants.  

General spectator parking will be in the Hill Rd parking lot (aka the front of the school).  Parents will then use the sidewalk to the main gates for NEW Tiger Stadium.  Handicap and QB Club parking will be in the Bus Lot.  This lot requires parking passes or handicap credentials. 


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 (NEW) Tiger Stadium
6:50 - Pregame
7:00 - Kick-off


Full Uniform Dress Code
Students will wear their full Fall Uniform with black tube socks and white drill master shoes.  the white show shirt must be worn under the uniform.  This allows us to take our jackets off and still look uniform.  Hair must be put up and fit inside your hat.  No colorful or large jewelry is permitted.  

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 physical 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 

After some discussion with the athletic department our field helpers will simply check in at the pass gate before entering Tiger Stadium.  No badges this year!  For home games our traditional "truck loaders" will simply help move any last pieces of equipment into Tiger Stadium and help pre set podiums for pregame and halftime.  This, too is a much better than loading as if every game is an away game! I'm kind of pumped for it!  The band nurse and booster president should stay close to the band all night.  Field helpers should report to the field when they see the band go to warm-up for halftime.  As always a huge thank you to Natalie Matney for organizing our volunteers! 

Truck Help/ Large EQ help:
Chris Hartung 
Chris Mirakian

Nurse:
Sally Malaret

Field Help:
Natalie Matney 
Emily Haverfield
Brittany Taylor
Barbara Gilbert
Chris Mirakian
Heather Edwards 
Bridget McGeorge 

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! 

Picture Day is August 9th at 10:15am.  

If you think you have a uniform issue please arrive promptly at 10:15.  
All students must be in uniform by 10:30 and in the commons, I'll start seating sections in the stands at 10:45.  

The full band photo will be taken at 11am, with section photos to follow shortly after followed by individuals.  The entire process should take roughly 2 hours or less depending on what photos you wish to purchase.  (individual photos will take the most time.)

Uniforms should include black socks and purple uniform pants.  It will be easiest if everyone wears their marching shoes.  Hair should be styled for the full band photo so that the left side of the uniform is unobscured.