TourPac - KC3

Grrr… Excursion ~ KC3 – 2007

March 13^th through March 18^th +

Tiger Bands “On the Road” Series

Dear Band Scholars

At the outset, I would like to extend to you my warmest welcome to the nineteenth [yep, I said 19^th – hard to imagine] “Grrr...Excursion” as we continue with our Tiger Bands “On the Road” series. This should be an especially exciting journey – one for which we have planned for nearly a year. It is particularly gratifying that for the first time, we shall be able to support either/or/both our Lady Tigers and Hap & Co. at their respective national tournaments [contingent upon their successful selection]. To this end, KC3 – 2007 shall take us to Jackson/Memphis – then on out to Kansas City. We have great memories of both these locales from past Grrr… Excursions – and look forward to this, the 2007 edition of our travels. This Grrr… Excursion, as with our excellent past travels to Tulsa I, St. Louis I, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Dayton, Tulsa II, the Tennessee Caravan, Tulsa III, St. Louis II, Savannah I, Tulsa IV , Savannah II, Kansas City I, Savannah III, Savannah IV, Kansas City I, MGE to Nashville in 2003 & KCII – 2005 will enable us to remain true to our “Band Travel Tenets” of: opportunities to perform in new and varied venues; opportunities to be a focal point of excellence, excitement and enthusiasm for Georgetown College, opportunities to visit important educational/historic sites; opportunities to be strong ambassadors for the College; and opportunities for the continued growth of esprit de corps among members of our Tiger Bands. I know each of you will commit yourself to the unqualified success of the KC3 – 2007 Grrr... Excursion.

Additionally, although it is hard to believe, this will be the eighth [yep, I said 8^th] National Championship Event in which our “Fighting Tiger Grrr...Pep Band” potentially shall participate [i.e. if we “round the weekend” and get to the final game] during the Modern Era of our Tiger Bands [aka Tulsa II-1996, Tulsa III-1998, Savannah I-1999, Tulsa IV-2000, Savannah II-2000, Savannah III-2001 and Savannah IV-2002]. These events have provided a not-to-be imagined “boon” for our Tiger Bands, bringing a level of exposure [live and via television] and national respect for the excellence in performance and imaginative “flavor and flair” for which we have become well-known. We are humbled by this great legacy, and grateful for the wonderful efforts of previous Band Scholars and the help of our many, many Band Friends that make our Tiger Bands “On the Road” series possible.

I cannot help but remember with greatest fondness our Grrr… Excursions of the past, starting with Tulsa I [Spring of 1994 when most of you were still in elementary school]. Over the years – the many memories – the many great Band Scholars & Band Friends who have traveled with us – well, I have said it many times, I am the luckiest feller in the world – I have the best job in the world. KC3 – 2007 shall add to the great, ongoing, ever-growing legend and lore of our Tiger Bands.

As always, there might be some changes, adjustments and alterations for KC3 – 2007 ~ as we get closer to the date ~ please know that I shall keep you posted. Please also remember that we are representing not only ourselves, but our entire Tiger Band Program and Georgetown College. It is a privilege for us to once again embark upon a Grrr...Excursion but please remember that with privilege goes responsibility. Let’s have a great trip. Grrr...

Dr. Pete

In this TourPac you will find …
(and yes, you must peruse carefully and digest fully all information)

(any/all E&O – aka Errors or Omissions are the sole responsibility of The Management)

1. purpose and objectives of the trip

2. loading and departure schedule

3. basic itinerary for trip

4. emergency telephone numbers

5. travel and behavior guidelines

6. room/housing assignments/alpha list of personnel

7. equipment needs

8. other general travel information

9. “FTGPB” Play List of Music

10. Medical Information/Release Form

(which we must have “on file” for each participant)

Purpose and Objectives of the KC3 – 2007 Trip

1. provide a focal point of excellence, excitement and enthusiasm for our Teams and our College

2. enhance the visible representation of Georgetown College at the NAIA National Basketball Tournaments

3. provide exciting venues in which our “FTGPB” may perform –

Oman Arena, Jackson, TN and the Municipal Auditorium – in Kansas City

4. provide a tour setting where our sensational “FTGPB” may further enhance their esprit de corps and pride

5. re-affirm the position and role that our Tiger Bands have earned and hold – as one of – if not the ...

premier small-college band program in the country

6. provide an opportunity for the Band Scholars of our “FTGPB” to view/visit sites of educational interest, to be chosen from; Casey Jones Museum, Pinson Mounds, Shiloh National Battlefield Museum & Park, National Civil Rights Museum, W.C. Handy Home & Museum, Rock & Soul Museum, Sun Studios, New Madrid Historical Museum [New Madrid Fault & Sand Blows/Plumes], Truman Presidential Library, the Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum & American Jazz Museum, The Kemper Gallery, the Kansas City Museum, the Thomas Hart Benton Home & Studio,

the Buffalo Soldier Memorial at Ft. Leavenworth, et al

7. continue the excellent travel habits which we have established on our Tulsa I, St. Louis I, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Dayton, Tulsa II, the Tennessee Caravan, Tulsa III, St. Louis II, Savannah I, Tulsa IV , Savannah II, Kansas City I, Savannah III, Savannah I, Kansas City I, MGE to Nashville in 2003 & KCII – 2005 trips.

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Croswell Bus Lines: 800-782-8747

[Ext 132-Anne-Marie; After Hours/Emergency-Ext 110]

Charter Number #16144

Supertel Inn – Jackson: 731.664.4312

Ms. Molly Schlafer [Sales Manager]

Hilton Garden Inn: 816.350.3000

Ms. Judith Watkins [Sales Manager]: 816.277.0097

NAIA Championships

Scott McClure [Championships Event Administrator] 913.791.0044-Ext 132

Renee Hultgren [Championships Event Administrator] 913.791.0044-Ext 118

Ruth Feldblum [Championships Event Administrator] 913.791.0044-Ext 129

NAIA National Office: 913.791.0044

******

Tiger Band “Hotline” [Band Mobile]: 859.806.6142 [PLUR/Tink ~ Lucas]

Dr. Peter LaRue – Mobile Telephone – 859.221.1315

Basic Information

Travel Synopsis

[changes/adjustments will be made as necessary]

Departure: 10:00 AM, Tuesday, March 13^th

Return: 10:00 PM on Sunday March 18^th, or Tuesday, March 20^th or Wednesday, March 22^nd

Destinations: From Georgetown, KY to Jackson, TN [360 miles]

From Jackson, TN to Independence, MO [493 miles]

From Independence, MO to Georgetown, KY [570 miles]
Purpose: NAIA National Basketball Championship DI Women ~ Game Venue: Oman Arena

NAIA National Basketball Championship DI Men ~ Game Venue: Municipal Auditorium

Media: TBA [local radio for early games 104.9 FM, local and national television feed for Championship Games]

Transportation: Chartered VIP Coach [Croswell]

Charter Number #16144

Chaperones: Mr./Mrs. Lobitz

Director: Dr. Peter LaRue

Travel Party: thirty-one (31)

27 Band Scholars [25 “playing members” + 2 “student-staff” members],

02 Chaperones, 01 Driver, 01 Director

Housing: Supertel Inn – formerly the Hampton – Jackson, TN

Hilton Garden Inn – Independence, MO

Meals: $15.00 per participant/per day [will be divided into three “cycles” – CI-90.00, CII-30.00, CIII-15.00]

General Travel Information and Itinerary

Schedule Information

Please read the following schedule information with the GREATEST OF CARE [i.e. peruse carefully and digest fully]. Although there are some variables at this juncture – it is essential that you are fully aware of the basic schedule information. That which follows will serve as the framework upon which we will operate, knowing that changes and adjustments will be made as necessary. Please watch your email for updates and/or changes in our KC3 – 2007 plans. Grrr...

Monday, March 5^th

04:00 PM Symphonic Band Rehearsal – TourPac Distribution

[ongoing KC3 preparations by all work crews, prep/cleaning/painting of the drums]

Wednesday, March 7^th

04:00 PM Symphonic Band Rehearsal – Collect Med Info Forms

[ongoing KC3 preparations by all work crews]

Friday, March 9^th

04:00 PM FTGPB – Final Rehearsal – Required – KC3 – Final Plans

Monday, March 12^th

[dorms open for any FTGPB Members needing to come back early]

08:00 PM: R&L Hands – Final KC3 Prep

Tuesday, March 13^th

08:30 AM R&L Hands Report to Band Central

09:00 AM Coach Arrives
All Band Worker Bees Report to Band Central

09:15 AM All Travel Roster Personnel in Band Central

09:30 AM Complete Loading Sequence

09:45 AM Departure Devotionals as coordinated by Miss Kelly

10:00 AM Depart for Jackson, TN [via E’Town, N’Ville & Shiloh]

**morning break – Exit 86, lunch in Gallatin, then to Shiloh National Battlefield Park**

06:00 PM arrive at Supertel Inn, Jackson, TN

**check-in, tuck-in, rehearsal, supper**

Wednesday/Thursday, March 14^th and/or 15^th

Performance at Oman Arena in support of our Lady Tigers First Round National Tournament Game [contingent upon selection]

*if the Lady Tigers are not selected for participation in their National NAIA DI Championship Tournament – we shall embark upon site-seeing at educational/historic sites in the greater Jackson/Memphis, TN area*

*at the conclusion of the Lady Tiger’s first round game, we shall then immediately depart for Kansas City – there shall have to be some flexibility with these plans – as the Lady Tiger’s First Round game might occur on Wednesday or Thursday. We shall be in Kansas City [even if all-night travel is involved] for Hap & Co.’s 2^nd Round Game (if still in tournament play) on Friday or educational/historic site-seeing in the greater Kansas City metroplex as deemed appropriate*

*if we get to Kansas City – and Hap & Co. are still in play – we shall follow the basic schedule as listed*

Tournament Daily Schedule

Basically, we will follow the same daily schedule as we have in the past [Tulsa II, III & IV, the sadly abbreviated KCI & the incredible KCII] with necessary adjustments and changes. Each day will be comprised of the following elements.....

[times will vary substantially – depending upon if the “game” on a given day is 2^ndRound,

Quarter-Final, Semi-Final or the Championship Game – see “game times” later in the TourPac]

--Scholar Wake-Up

--Scholar Breakfast

--Daily Informational Meeting & Morning Devos

--Morning Visiting of Historic/Educational Sites of Interest

--Scholar Lunch

--Afternoon Prep For Games ~ R&R

--Warm-Up Rehearsal

-- Hotel Rally for Hap & Co.

--Game

--Scholar Supper

--Evening Activities

--Scholar Bedtime

[additionally – and as always – we shall add our special flair and flavor to assorted rallies for the Team and Alumni and other institutional events for the College – for these – we shall just be ready and flexible]

Departure Day [Sunday, March 18^th or Tuesday, March 20^th or Wednesday, March 21^st]

06:30 AM Scholar Wake-Up

07:00 AM Loading Crew – Packing Sequence

07:30 AM All Luggage Packed, All Keys/Cards Turned In At Front Desk

07:45 AM Morning Devos

08:00 AM Depart for Georgetown

**morning break, lunch, afternoon snacks, supper & evening snacks en route**

10:00 PM Arrive Back in Georgetown

General Information

**further amplification of the following occurs – throughout the “TourPac”**

You Will Need To Take

01. Necessary Tiger Togs:

a. FTGPB – Classic Black Grrr...T Shirts

b. FTGPB – White [Five-Fold Band Tenet] T Shirts

c. FTGPB – Orange Viva la Grrr… Basics T Shirts

d. FTGPB – Special Kansas City T Shirts

e. FTGPB – Black Warm-Up Suits [pants and jacket – which shall be worn at every game]

f. FTGPB – Band Hoodies

g. Band-Bands

h. Band Blazer

i. khakis [tan or light brown]

j. Tiger Bands Orange & Black Garment Bags [all Tiger Togs should be hung/stored in the Tiger Garment Bags]

*notes*

For either final four or championship games – we shall wear – khaks, designated t-shirt and band blazer*

*please attach your name/name tag on your Grrr… garment bag*

*personal expressions of your Grrr… Spirit are encouraged but not required*

Probable Game Wear

[changes and adjustments will be made as necessary]

Game One – Jackson

Full Warm-Up Suit – Orange Viva la Grrr... T Shirt

Game Two – Kansas City

Full Warm-Up Suit – Special Kansas City Tiger Bands/Tiger Basketball T Shirt

Quarter-Finals – Kansas City

Full Warm-Up Suit – White Five-Fold Band Tenet T Shirt

Semi-Finals – Kansas City

Band Blazer, Khaks, Classic Black Grrr… T Shirt

Championship Game – Kansas City

Band Blazer, Khaks, Orange Viva la Grrr… T Shirt

*note*

[no apparel (i.e. hats, etc.) will be permitted at any of the tournament games

which say other than Georgetown College and/or Tiger Bands (i.e. no UK hats, no LCA hats, et al)]

02. appropriate clothing for up to nine days and eight nights [if we go all three “cycles”]

*Note*

for bus travel – you should plan on dressing neatly – but comfortably – as always – it is particularly good to have any assorted Georgetown paraphernalia to wear at all times –

this is also true for our touring of educational and historic sites

03. swim suits [there is a beautiful indoor/outdoor pool/weight room at the hotel in Independence but not Jackson]

04. necessary toiletries and personal needs

05. any extra money which you might wish to spend on food, souvenirs, extras, etc.

06. books/materials of academe for your studies [never hurts to study]

07. instrument and musical supplies as needed [valve oil, reeds, sticks, beaters, trombone prophylactics, etc.]

08. cameras, etc. for “photo-ops” as they occur

09. audio and video offerings for group enjoyment on the bus [no “Something About Mary” – The Management]

10. Pillow or blankie [woobie] for comfortable coach travel

Again – you will want to dress comfortably, but NEATLY for travel, as we will be stopping along the way,

eating, etc. and you want to always leave a good “Band Scholar” impression.

It is only necessary for each person to take ONE LARGE SUITCASE, your Grrr... TIGER BANDS GARMENT BAG [in which you will hang all Tiger Togs] and ONE SMALL CARRY-ON. Excess luggage is cumbersome, takes up too much room and items are likely to get lost or damaged. Remember – please do not take more luggage than might be necessary. Space – as always – will be at a premium even with taking the VIP Coach. IF YOU NEED LESS, TAKE LESS.

As I always say, please do not take large sums of $$$$$, six zillion dollar ear rings, DVD players, Ming Dynasty Vases or Faberge Imperial Easter Eggs. These items might get lost, damaged or misplaced, somewhere along the way.

It is very important for you to remember that YOU are responsible for your personal items. WE WILL NOT BE PROVIDING A VALET SERVICE FOR YOU!!! Also, it is your responsibility to help with all institutional equipment when loading, etc. And as always it is important to.....

“Protect the Womenfolk”

The Tournaments

We are so very excited that the performance aspect of this year’s Grrr… Excursion is supporting our Teams and our College both in Jackson, TN and Kansas City, MO. Although the brackets shan’t come out until the middle of the week [after you have already received your TourPac] I will forward them to you for your files and perusal. Game times, however, follow …

2007 Women ~ 27^th Annual Division I Basketball Championship Tournament ~ March 14-20
Oman Arena ~ Jackson, Tennessee

First-Round [Central Time]
Wednesday, March 14: 8:30 AM; 10:15 AM; 12:00 PM [noon]; 1:45 PM; 4:00 PM; 5:45 PM; 8:00 PM; and 9:45 PM

Thursday, March 15: 9 AM; 10:45 AM; 12:30 PM; 2:15 PM; 4:30 PM; 6:15 PM; 8:00 PM and 9:45 PM

We shall perform at the game in which our Lady Tigers have been selected to play

2007 Men ~ 80^th Annual Division I Basketball Championship Tournament ~ March 14-20
Municipal Auditorium ~ Kansas City, KS

301 W 13th & Wyandotte

Second, Quarter-Final, Semi-Final & Championship Games [Central Time]
As with all tournament performances, there will be some logistical questions to be answered – we will hopefully – have the opportunity to "scope-out" the place prior to our performance at Game Two.

Second Round – Friday, March 16: 9:00 AM; 10:45 AM; 12:30 PM; 2:15 PM; 4:30 PM; 6:15 PM; 8:00 PM; 9:45 PM.

Quarterfinals – Saturday, March 17: 2:00 PM; 4:00 PM; 6:00 PM.; 8:00 PM.

Rounding the Weekend – Semifinals – Monday, March 19: 6:00 PM; 8:00 M

Championship – Tuesday, March 20: 8:00 PM – Live nationwide on CSTV.

We want to remember that while we are at the NAIA National Championship tournaments and at the Oman Arena in Jackson, TN or the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City that – WE ARE THEIR GUESTS. Although we are obviously partisan advocates for OUR Team and OUR College, we want to be gracious guests and well-remembered for our courtesy, decency and politeness to all others. At all times, please remember the “magic words” PLEASE & THANK-YOU. I want you to be FLEXIBLE, kind, gracious and pleasant in all dealings that we shall have while there. It is a guarantee that we will not have the “run” of the venue as we do in our much-beloved Alumni Gymnasium – and we will have to abide by dozens of specific guidelines regarding the tournaments and each game including implications of media coverage. For some of the games – other “bands” will be present to represent other “teams”. We shall – as always treat them with dignity and respect.

It must also be remembered, that because of your great work and efforts – and that of earlier Band Scholars – at many previous NAIA National Championship events such as Tulsa II, III & IV and at Savannah I, II, III, IV and at Kansas City I & KCII we have quite a reputation to maintain with the NAIA folks. We arguably are … and maintain something of an anomaly with our much-beloved “FTGPB” we run a DI operation at a relatively small, liberal arts institution [and in many folks’ minds – at this time there is none other like us]. The NAIA folks know us well and have serious expectations for the high quality and standards of excellence that we bring to our performances.

Media Guide

When at National Championship venues, there will be a great deal of media [print, radio and television] and bands tend to be “featured” in this coverage. Please remember and heed the following regarding media …

01. if television cameras are turned towards you – ignore them in toto – your job, your responsibility is to play or cheer in the generally prescribed fashion

02. if someone comes and asks [aka “axe”] to interview you – refer them to me or P/T [aka Lucas]

General Travel Guidelines and Behavior

As we are representing not only ourselves, but also our entire Georgetown College family, in Jackson, Memphis, Kansas City and Independence, we must be MINDFUL ABOUT OUR GENERAL BEHAVIOR. It is essential that each of you act like mature adult Scholars and DO NOT WHINE [Hoss-Cat – in spirit – will still get you]. Some basic guidelines that will make our travels enjoyable …

1. all basic rules for student behavior on campus must also guide your actions and behavior while we are on the road.

2. kindness and a general cooperative atmosphere is not only encouraged, but highly recommended. When we get tired [and on this trip we might] we sometimes get “grumpy” – do not however, take this out on your fellow “FTGPB” travelers.

3. items in your possession which are illegal, unethical, unwise or in any way violates the “general spirit” of our band travels or college policy are forbidden [verboten] – home you will be sent.

4. any of your general behavior which we deem unsuitable for “FTGPB” travel is also forbidden – home you will be sent.

5. remember always – do not fondle priceless works of art.

6. we want everyone we meet, whether at tournament games at Oman Arena, the Supertel Inn in Jackson, Municipal Auditorium, the Hilton Garden Inn in Independence or any other stops along the way, to have a lasting impression that the students of Georgetown College are the well-behaved, polite, courteous, bright young Scholars which you are – REMEMBER ALWAYS THE MAGIC WORDS – PLEASE & THANK-YOU!

7. as we will be spending a great deal of time in and around Jackson, Memphis, Independence & Kansas City – all of which are rather large metroplexes [unlike happy Georgetown] it is very important for you to remember to stay with the group, do not wander off and be careful of your general actions and possessions.

8. it is ESSENTIAL that you are always PUNCTUAL; if we say to meet somewhere at a certain time, be there a tad early. On any of our travels, the schedule is always “tightish” so be responsible for being where you are supposed to be, when you are supposed to be there.

9. generally ALWAYS BE HELPFUL and help watch out after each other. When we travel, we travel as our Band Family, and like all good families we must display collective concern for our entire unit.

10. please NEVER get off of the bus, until you are given the signal that we are ready to unload – this is for your own safety, and the well-being of the group.

11. please remember at both hotels there will be [might be] an “access fee” for local calls – though “we” pay for the rooms – any individual expenses which you accrue are your responsibility.

12. beware of the dreaded “VANZANT TAX” [even long-since Jeff's departure] it might creep up on you it is an evil [666] thing!

13. Make sure you identify all emergency exits in the hotels upon your arrival – ALWAYS … BE PREPARED

We want to continue the great trend of excellent “FTGPB” travel which we have established on our “GC Bands On The Road Series” in the past, including the Tulsa I, St. Louis I, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Dayton, Tulsa II, Tennessee Tiger Caravan, Tulsa III, St. Louis II, Savannah I, Tulsa IV, Savannah II, Savannah III , Savannah IV, Kansas City I, the MGE to Nashville in 2003 and KCII – 2005 trips. I trust that we will have no problem in any of the areas listed above. We must remember that this is another great opportunity for our “Fighting Tiger Grrr... Pep Band” and we want to take this responsibility seriously. We will definitely want to continue our “FTGPB” – On The Road Series, and how we get along on this trip will decide what our future plans might include. Please remember that ANY TRIP – CAN BE OUR LAST if you choose to misbehave. We are all in this together, and must respect each other, in all ways and in all places, and everyone with whom we come into contact.

PLEASE PUT YOUR BEST SCHOLAR-FOOT FORWARD AT ALL TIMES