Good Morning Marching Tiger Families,

Last Friday was a resounding success!  The band was on their best behavior, they performed well and the stadium logistics were running like a well oiled machine. This does not just happen!  There are so many people that make a great first game possible.  From the AD to the volunteers rolling a wagon.  Thank you for a great first game.  

We are home again this Friday and pending any sudden changes in the forecast we should have another beautiful night for football.  One important note about this Friday:  Due to travel time, kick-off is at 7:30.  Please make note of that in your planning.  I'll list it below as well.  

Not only do we have a game Friday but we are also marching in the Pickerington Labor Day Parade.  This is a mandatory parade for students as we also have a concert in Victory Park immediately after the parade concludes.  More details later will be shared later in the FYI.

Football Friday Night info
As mentioned before, Friday's game will start 30 minutes later than normal to account for travel time from Dayton.  Note the Timeline changes.  We will wear full fall uniforms which have very specific Dress code criteria all students and parents should go over together.   I want to encourage more students to utilize the pre order option for concessions.  It saves time for the boosters and students who are required to be back to the band stand with or without food before the 4th quarter.  Use the link below to preorder. 

​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.
5:30 - Band room opens 
6:15 - Report to flag poles in uniform 
6:30 - Warm-up and pep session. 
7:05 - Parade from Flag poles to (NEW) Tiger Stadium
7:20 - Pregame
7:30 - Kick-off


Full Uniform Dress Code
Students will wear their full Fall Uniform with black tube socks and white drill master shoes Friday night.  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.  When in full uniform there are no sun glasses or blankets.  No students should carry in a personal bag into the stadium.  

Uniform pieces are to be worn at all times unless directed to remove by a director.  If you are seen not in uniform, you will be given 3rd quarter discipline.  Examples of "not in uniform" are:
1. having your jacket off for longer than the time it takes to remove a carrier.  
2. Jacket on Backwards.
3. Hat on Backwards. 
4. Bibbers not over your shoulders.  
5.  leaving your bibbers unzipped. 
6. wearing someone else's uniform pieces.  

Each year I see something new and will gladly add it to the list of what it means to be out of uniform. 

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 conduct 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.

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. 


Volunteers for Friday 
Chris Mirakian is our Volunteer coordinator.  He has compiled the list of volunteers for this Friday night.  After halftime I'll need those parent volunteers to help load equipment into the box truck for Monday's parade in Victory Park.  Mr Gorgas and Mr, Knapp will be at the box truck to give guidance and assist with the load in. 

Nurse:
Kelly Long

Field Help:
Chris Mirakian
Brittany Taylor
Heather Edwards
Athe Norris
Emily Haverfield
Kristie Blanton
James Pelfrey
Lisa Mezquita

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.  Both Pickerington Bands use the early report time to do a quick rehearsal for our combined pregame for the Central v. North football game.

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 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

Labor Day 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. 

Happy Tuesday -Marching Tigers and Parents,

We made it!  It's finally game week and with that our weekly FYI for the Marching Tigers and families.  In these FYI's I provide specific information regarding the current week's schedule and expectations for students. Listed below are the topics covered in this rehearsal. 

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 great practice, attendance was very good.  During the summer I keep a very open mind, understanding that this is a time for family.  Now that school back in session, 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.  It is also the responsibility of the student to know the rehearsal schedule and give those dates and times to employers.  "I had to work" is not a responsible excuse, as everyone has had the calendar for months at this point. 

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 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
Given the game time temperatures on Friday we will be wearing our summer uniforms.  Students will wear their marching band shoes and short white socks.  As always hair needs to be off the shoulders and no large or colorful jewelry.  I will ask you to remove any unacceptable jewelry to maintain a uniform look.  Gentlemen,  It seems like cargo shorts are back in style, however the Marching Tigers do not wear cargo khaki shorts.  Chino style khaki shorts are what we ask you to wear.  Please plan accordingly. Uniform moms will have extra shirts and some shorts for sale in the case of emergency. 

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) 

Concession preorder form
Want to skip the line and avoid being late for 4th quarter?  Preorder your concessions snacks by clicking this link!  

​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.  A huge thank you to our new Volunteer Coordinator Chris Mirakian for  for organizing our volunteers! 

Nurse
Kelly Long

Field Help
Chris Mirakian
Barb Gilbert
Jennifer Dryer
Heather Edwards
Joy Shaw
Melissa Wyatt
Kristie Blanton
Dan Kruse
James Pelfrey

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