Less than 3 weeks to the first show!

VP of Percussion joins us again with more helpful reminders as the first show weekend is approaching.

It is three weeks until the first MEPA weekend at Miamisburg. You can make rehearsals and show days go smoother with some preventive maintenance and planning:

Travel. Do you have busses/transportation reserved for the first weekend? Do you know where you are going? (Have directions for bus driver and truck driver.) Is the equipment truck/trailer ready to go? Will the equipment you are using at the first show (including tarp and props) fit? If you are renting a tractor to pull a trailer or renting a truck, is that arranged? Are you staying somewhere over night? Where and when will the kids eat? Are there any possible construction delays?

Weather. We have been fortunate so far this winter and the snows have not fallen. What is district procedure for snow days? What is the transportation department’s policy? Do you have contact info for MEPA if you would have to cancel due to snow? I always consult several weather sites or forecasts as I make rehearsal plans for the week. Look ahead, so as not to be caught unprepared. Keep in mind that some missed rehearsal time is probable in January and February. Make the most of your time.

Show. The big question for that first weekend is usually- “How much show should we do?” I would do as much as possible. It is a great panel at this first weekend and you want them to evaluate as much of your program as possible. No one will be clean at this first show – try to be as complete as you possibly can though. Be sure to have a plan for uniforms if yours are not yet completed. Props may not be complete, but could help judges to better understand your concept and program.

School. Some districts have semester or quarter exams at this time of year. Be sure you have checked the school calendar and are not breaking rules by rehearsing during exams. Many kids also never quite come back from the holiday break and may become ineligible or get behind in studies – which can cause parents to get crazy. Encourage keeping up with school work whenever possible. I actually checked my kids’ grades each week. It really helped the cause.

Health. This is the time of year when kids (and adults) get sick. Encourage the kids to wash their hands (sticks and mallets too) and to eat and to get plenty of rest. There is nothing worse than trying to learn new material and having holes in the ensemble. It can really put pressure on the kids and the staff. Make sure they are also dressing appropriately for the weather. Some kids will wear shorts and a hoodie year round. If kids are missing from rehearsal, plan accordingly. -You might be able to save the cymbal tech a trip if 3 of the 4 cymbal players are out sick.

Money. Are your circuit fees all paid? Has your staff been paid? Are kids turning in their fees? Are there any fundraisers on the horizon? Do the boosters require a budget? Is it up to date? Will you need any checks from the school or the boosters soon?

Equipment. Is everything working? Does anything need to be purchased or borrowed or made? Are props ready to go? Is there a plan in place for making and or painting them?  How about uniforms and the tarp?

Preparation is the key and all of these things will help rehearsal and show days goes much smoother.

Best of Luck! Mike Maegly