8:00am:

Rehearsal at NNHS in marching shoes, starting with stretching, basics, and section warm-ups.

8:45am:

Clean final dirty spots in the show.

9:45am:

Run-thru.

10:00am:

Pit loads trailer, with help from parents. Drumline and tubas case-up the instruments, and load them into whatever vehicle you are instructed to. Likewise for the guard costuming/equipment. Do not just dump your stuff by the trailer and expect a parent to load it for you! Everyone eat a sack-lunch (heavy on carbs and fluids), then get into partial uniform (instrumentalists in pants and band t-shirts; guard in unitards). Load the bus you signed up for when they arrive. Small instruments and hatboxes go under your seat. Large instruments may be placed in one or two communal seats (please consider the effect of physics on a moving vehicle). Bring along street clothes to change into after our performances. Have the remainder of your uniform (and its hanger and garment bag) on your lap.

11:00am:

Outta here! Rules: 1. Chaperone and/or bus driver's word is LAW! If you are told to do something, or stop doing something, comply immediately! Do not talk back or roll your eyes. These people are giving their weekend time to act as your surrogate parents. Treat them better than your real ones! 2. No food or beverage! For these short trips, you don't need to bring that stuff along. 3. Do not communicate, in any way, with anyone outside the bus, whether it's moving or not! We want to come across as professional as possible (Nothing is more intimidating to other bands than a convoy of buses pulling in with people who look like they mean business). 4. No "snuggle-bunnies". Do that on your own time. From the time we arrive at NNHS in the morning, until we depart NNHS that night, you are representing the entire band. Act with class. 5. If you have any doubts about the appropriateness of something you are considering doing, your best bet is not to do it. 'Nuffsaid.

11:45am:

Arrive at Lake Park High School West Campus (see map), leave equipment and go into the back stands to watch a band or two from behind. Check out the turf, press box, judges, etc. Rules concerning watching a marching band contest: This is not a football game (or any other sports contest)! This is a concert! Do not leave or enter the bleachers during a band's performance! Do not talk during the performance! Applaud at appropriate times (after tunes, soloists, or cool visuals), and give each group a standing ovation at the end. Do not make snide remarks about what you see (in fact, don't talk at all). Every group out there is trying their best. Give them positive feedback!

12:30pm:

Return to buses; finish dressing; assemble instruments. DO NOT PLAY! We can be penalized or disqualified for making noise outside the prescribed warm-up area!

12:45pm:

Winds and Drumline depart for warm-up field. Pit prepare to leave for Pit warm-up area. Guard gather for warm-up on school lawn (with all equipment and costumes).

1:00pm:

Winds/Drums begin warm-up, consisting of stretching, basics, section warm-up and music rehearsal. Pit depart for Pit warm-up area (only keyboards may play there; no timpani or cage playing). Guard warm-up on school lawn. Parents get props lined up and ready to move to gate.

1:45pm:

Everyone start toward gate.

2:00pm:

SHOWTIME!!!

2:15pm:

Photo. Don't sign anything unless you intend to buy it!

2:30pm:

Stow equipment and change into street clothes. Go watch the rest of the prelims from the back bleachers (Sorry, only paying customers get to sit on the home side.). Do not leave campus! No Frisbee, football, etc! This is a music event. Go in and watch the show. You might learn something. No hanging out on the bus! Once you are dressed, the buses are off-limits!

5:15pm:

Awards ceremony. Cheer if we win something, but be classy. Applaud for other winners. Do not leave until all awards have been announced.

5:30pm:

Dinner. If you didn't sign up, I guess you'll go hungry. Everyone meet by the buses for instructions (whether we make finals or not).

5:30pm:

Dinner. If you didn't sign up, I guess you'll go hungry. Everyone meet by the buses for instructions (whether we make finals or not). If we do not make Finals, we will eat leisurely, lounge about, and then go watch Finals from the back stands. Bring a jacket or sweatshirt in case it gets chilly after dark. When we do make finals, we may draw an early performance time, which may necessitate eating quickly, getting back into uniform, and going right back to warm-up. So, be prepared for anything! The itinerary will be announced at dinner. The actual Finals competition starts at 7:30.

7:30pm:

Finals Competition.

10:00pm:

Finals Awards Ceremony.

10:15pm:

Board the buses; head for home.

11:00pm:

Back at NNHS. Please leave the buses clean! YOU ARE NOT DISMISSED UNTIL EVERYTHING IS PUT AWAY! The more you help, the sooner that will be!