Week 1 FYI

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!