PIT CREW HELP NEEDED

 

GHS Band & Guard Family:

 

The season is quickly approaching and it is time to begin to organize our 2013 Pit Crew. The pit crew assists with moving the pit (front ensemble), props and drum major stands on and off the field prior to and after performances at football games and competitions. You will be assigned a pushing/pulling/carrying position that you will remain in for the season to help the kids associated with that equipment to get comfortable with you and to get you comfortable with where your equipment needs to be located.

 
Here are the 2013 performance dates:

·         Fri 9/6 – EHS football game (Citizens Field)

·         Fri 9/13 – Madison HS football game (Citizens Field)

·         Fri 10/11 – BHS football game (Citizens Field)

·         Sat 10/12 – Southern Showcase of Champions (Santa Fe HS – Alachua)

·         Sat 10/19 – Ocala Marching Band Festival,  Westport HS (Ocala)

·         Fri 10/25 – Citrus HS football game (Citizens Field)

·         Sat 10/26 – FBA at Williston HS

·         Sat 11/23 – FMBC State Championships (Tampa / St Pete)

 
In general the times are as follows:
·         Football games – arrive near game start (7:30p) – we will prepare to mobilize near the start of the 2^nd quarter which will vary in time depending on the speed of the game.
·         Southern Showcase and Ocala Marching Band Festival competition performances – exact times are yet to be determined but plan on committing to an all- day adventure. We will likely perform around noon and again in the evening. However, the band moves around the competition sites periodically for warm-ups, etc and the pit crew moves them from location to location throughout the day.
·         FBA – this is a one performance and done – but times are yet to be announced – likely late afternoon.
·         FMBC Championships – this will be a very early start – leaving GHS likely prior to sunrise and returning in the wee hours Sun am (possibly 3am) – you are encouraged to ride the parent bus which will stay with the band throughout the day as we move from the prelim’s performance location (yet to be determined) to Tropicana Dome for finals.
·         Transportation - You will be responsible to provide your own transportation to these performances.  However, there will be a parent bus for the state championship (Sat 11/23) for a fee (last year I believe the cost was $25).
·         Cost – Pit crew members do not pay entry fees to football games or competitions. However, we will purchase pit crew shirts which will likely cost approximately $10 to $15 each and we request that you wear black shorts or black pants/jeans for competition performances.
Please make sure to check your availability prior to committing to be a part of the pit crew as you will be needed at each of these performances. We may “rehearse” our responsibilities at one of the last practices prior to the Band’s first performance which is on Fri, 9/6 (maybe 9/5 but that is not yet confirmed). 

We are also looking for help in the event one our existing trailer pullers is unable to pull to a football game or competition. If you have a vehicle that can pull the band trailers (they are parked in the bus loop area) please let me know. Your vehicle should be equipped with a brake actuator.

If the pit crew is not your thing or you are unable to commit to the requirements of the schedule, don’t worry there are plenty opportunities to help in other ways. You will receive communications throughout the year soliciting help in various tasks associated with the band’s rehearsals and performances.
If you are interested in joining the 2013 Pit Crew (or trailer pulling) and are able to commit to the schedule, please email me your name, preferred email address, and your cell phone number.  My email address is cpafrank@cox.net. You will find this is a great way to really immerse yourself into this awesome GHS Marching Band & Guard tradition and experience – we have a terrific time and it is very rewarding to participate up close and personal with our wonderful kids!
We appreciate your volunteerism – it takes all the parts to make the whole, no matter how big or small the part, all the parts are necessary.
Frank Mason