Band Gala

Final Schedule, Information & Reminders

To: Band Enthusiasts of our TGTBTG Edition of our Tiger Bands
The Gem Alumni
The Friends of the Family
From: Pete LaRue, Tiger Bands
Re: Band Gala ~ Final Schedule, Information & Reminders

Note 1
any errors or omissions are mine and mine alone – changes and adjustments shall be made as necessary – without a doubt, I forgot “something” and we shall correct this as time goes by

Note 2
to stress the importance of “peruse carefully and digest fully” that which follows is arguably a bit of an understatement

Note 3
we have said and said this is truly a “OSD [aka One Shot Deal] cherish and enjoy each moment of all – as we shall never [at least I will not] ever pass a similar way again

Hard as it is to imagine the Band Gala [for which is some ways we have planned for nearly five years] is nearly upon us – I for one simply cannot actually imagine that it is all about to finally happen. I hope from these few days – you have experiences and memories that you shall cherish for a lifetime.

I hope that you each move a bit closer to understanding our “BPTBB” [aka Better People Through Better Bands] concept [maybe from the experience itself, maybe from meeting and/or chatting with the Gem Alumni, maybe upon reflection of the concept of “sacrificial service” of which we spoke last week, et al]. In some cases – I/We know these thoughts/these concepts shall not become “real” to you – until long after you have left our shores. But I am an optimist – I know sooner or later, some aspects of our “BL” [aka Band Life] shall be of help to you. That is what I live for – the journey, the future … never the here and now.

General Thought …

- the Band Gala shall be a time of celebration – a time commemorating the legacy of our College, the legend and lore of our Tiger Bands … the Gala is about so much more than just one piece of music [albeit a pretty important one], about so much more than any one of us

Performance Thoughts …

- for us musical performance is always a “Gift back to the Giver”

- we are not seeking a flawless performance – but a humanly great one [paraphrasing the genius of Maestro R. Shaw]

- please remember always the “crowded stage” concept

- play pretty don’t play on the rests

- LAC-SAP [and maybe a lot of both – smile – I hear Wal-Mart is having a sale]

Specific Performance Thoughts …
- Head: greater mental focus, enhanced breathing and moving of air, thinking ahead, greater attention to issues of dynamic shading, note length, style and rhythmic accuracy [phasing]

- Heart: greater expression, really “selling” each selection, maximizing the potential of the “goose bump spots” in each tune, celebrating and cherishing this great music, celebrating and cherishing our time together

Special Thanks to …

- each Band Enthusiast of our 2007-2008 Tiger Bands … you have consistently stepped up to the plate as/when needed and I know you shall for the Gala

- Team Saxophone … for the extra work and effort you have afforded the special musical offering for our friends from Windsor Gardens

- Gavin … for serving as our featured student soloist for the Gala and sharing of your incredible artistry on Manhattan

- Friends of the Family … for sharing of your time and talents with us and being a part of the Gala

- Gem Alumni … for going to considerable expense, and making a major time commitment so that you may be with us for the Gala

- BLT/Worker Bees/Cobras … for in many assorted ways, helping for months and months plan the Gala – and now facilitating the actual event itself

- all Alumni of our Tiger Bands – not just the GA, not just Friends of the Family, not just from the MA [Modern Era] but those who have been a part of Bands at Georgetown College since 1844

- our Band Friends … the many, many, many folks from around the country who believe in what we do, assist with what we do and provide the material sustenance to enable us to hold an event such as the Gala – and generally allow us to live in the style to which we have grown accustomed

In General …
much as I dislike the “F” word [that would be “fun” ~ you skeptics] I do hope in all, with all, about all – you have FUN … including ENJOYMENT – LAUGHTER – TEARS [of joy] – GOOSE BUMP MOMENTS, et al … I know I shall ~ so here we go …

Comprehensive Schedule

Monday [4/14]
- Rehearsal 4P [long-ways set]
- all about comfort level
- distribute Gala Posters to Band Enthusiasts for Housing Units

Operational
- preliminary check of LeMarcus & PP for Seniors & Welcome Loop
- install long black zip ties in Plaques/Frames
- ensure Grrr… Banner have been re-strung with new, white zip ties and washed
- plan for shirt installation
- work on 2008-2009 MPS [Sprechen Sie Grrr…]

Tuesday [4/15]
- Woodwind Sectional II – 10:00 P

Operational
- pick-up GA shirts from CLS

Wednesday [4/16]
- Rehearsal 4P [long-ways set]
- all about comfort level

Operational
- complete draft of Announcements
- begin final preparation of the GA Plaques/Frames
- work on 2008-2009 MPS [Sprechen Sie Grrr…]

Friday [4/18]
- DRIV 4P [some Friends of the Family might again be with us ~ Regular Set]
- preliminary test on Old Scottish of “timing” with PP
- test run of The Baton on LM

Operational
- complete final preparation of GA Plaques/Frames
- complete revised seating/stage set plan [taking into account Friends of the Family & Gem Alumni]

Monday [4/21]
- Rehearsal 4P
- collect folders – Team Woodwind
- check timing on Senior PP

Operational
- final check of PP’s
- final check of Plaques
- final check Best Ever Meal
- final check for Reception
- final check for GA breakfast
- final check Windsor Garden Folks
- ensure all lights working in Chapel
- finalize order for hanging the GA plaques
- final pre-arrival note to GA

Tuesday [4/22]
- Jason Arrival
- B&P Sectional 10P
- collect folders – Teams B&P

Operational
- after sectional prep all I/E for move
- have Gala Banner & Grrr… Banners ready for shipping
- final prep at Shenandoah for all post-gala needs

Wednesday [4/23]
- Rehearsal 4P in Chapel [Friends of the Family present]
- Dress Rehearsal 8P in Chapel [all Worker Bees arrive at 7:00 PM ~ all personnel arrive at 7:30 PM]

Operational
- initial set of stage and all needs for the Gala
- check for Ryan pick-up Wednesday
- to hotel – final check on rooms Wednesday [take welcome bags]
- ship all I/E to Chapel
- ensure LeMarcus & VGA projector set and ready
- set stage – revised seating to include Friends of the Family [plus extra chairs for GA on LM]
- pick-up Chad L’Ville – late
- post dress rehearsal reception
- special meal for “Friends of the Family” – between 4P & Dress Rehearsals
- hang American Flag, Gala Banner & Two Grrr… Banners
- hang GE Plaques
- after DR stage needs to be cleared as much as possible [Student Life Honor Thursday AM]

Thursday [4/24]
- Special 4P Rehearsal in Chapel [LM only – 30” only]
- Special Supper 6P ~ Gem Alumni [Hall of Fame Room]
- Gathering 7:15 P ~ of all Band Enthusiasts – Band Central
- arrival of Windsor Gardens folks 7:30 P
Tiger Togs: Ladies Enthusiasts: Band Blazer, Black Skirt, White Blouse, Limit Jewelry & Perfume
Tiger Togs: Gent Enthusiasts: Band Blazer, Black Trousers, White Shirt & GTC Tie, Limit Jewelry & Perfume
- Band Gala 8P
- Post-Gala Reception 9P
- Post Reception Gathering of the Gem Alumni 10P

Operational
- roses, band-bands & programs to HOF for each GA setting
- carnations to Chapel for Windsor Gardens
- large floral arrangements to Chapel
- special awards and flowers to Chapel
- Gala Programs to Chapel – have in four “areas”
- necessary posies to Band Central
- set Band Central for pre-concert warm-up [Band Enthusiasts & Friends of the Family]
- ensure seating reserved for GA & Windsor Gardens folks [with signage]
- re-hang American Flag, Gala Banner & Grrr… Banners
- re-hang GA Plaques
- ensure multiple copies of Announcements are ready
- ensure LeMarcus & VGA projector set/ready
- re-set stage – revised seating to include Friends of the Family [plus extra chairs for GA on LM]
- after Gala all I/E cleared from stage – ready for Friday AM shipping to Band Central
- after Gala the GA Plaques to each Gem Alumni

Friday [4/25]
- GA Breakfast – 8:00 AM [Hall of Fame Room]
- ship all I/E back to Band Central
- Worker Bees/BLT/Cobras ~ “BDTH” [aka Batten Down the Hatches]
- Cookies for all at 3P [if we are still alive]

Thanks & Thanks
Pete LaRue
Tiger Bands

Band is our Business … and Business is Definitely Good