● ARRIVAL: Plan on arriving with time to unload, change, and use restrooms so you may begin
your warm-up at the assigned time. Restrooms are located through the Hickory Middle School
main entrance. Your guides will be instructed to ask if anyone needs to use the restrooms. Bands
will not be permitted to dress early and rehearse in a separate area.

● WRISTBANDS: We will be issuing wristbands for your staff (based on your Competition Suite
registration info), 1 wristband for each bus driver, Pit Crew/Equipment Trailer Driver and 1
chaperone wristband per every 10 performing students. Should your band wish to purchase more
wristbands, please let our volunteers at Registration know so they can take necessary payments.
(Checks payable to: HBPA) (See Ticket Prices)

● GUIDES: Student Guides will be assigned to each band. They will meet you at registration when
your buses pull into Hickory HS and will be available to assist you throughout your time on
campus.

● WARM UP AREA: A warm-up area has been assigned to your band (A,B,C). We have scheduled
40 minutes for your warm-up. Please adhere to the schedule so that the show runs on schedule.
Our volunteers will help monitor the time and will communicate with you about when to leave the
warm-up area, please respect the designated times. There will not be electricity in the band warm
up areas. Bands who wish to warm up with pit and guard should all warm up in the Band
Warm Up Area and not in Front Ensemble or Color Guard warm up areas.

● TRAVEL TO THE GATE: The walk from the warmup area to the stadium is along the outside
of the home bleachers. Please refrain from using an audible tap when passing the stadium as it
can be heard inside the stadium. Do NOT tune instruments at the gate. It keeps us from running
on schedule, and/or interrupts the band performing on the field.

● FRONT ENSEMBLE EQUIPMENT: Front ensemble equipment and props will enter AND
exit through the North gate (nearest HMS). We ask that your equipment be in place at the PIT
Entrance gate at the designated gate time. If your band needs assistance moving equipment to the
gate, please let us know in advance and we will be happy to assist.

● ON FIELD WARM UP: Your band may perform an on-the-field warm up.

● EXITING FIELD: We ask that the band exit and follow the pit out of the North Gate (nearest to
HMS). Please see the map. The gate area is plenty big enough for the entering and exiting traffic.
Please keep your band/equipment to the right side of the gate.

● RE-ENTERING STADIUM: When re-entering the stadium after your performance, please enter
at the Pit Entrance/Staging gate (Closest to Hickory Middle School). We ask that you bring your
band in as a group. Please remember to be courteous towards the groups in the warm-up and
performance areas as you pass through. We would love to have your students visit our concession
stands!

● RAIN: Should it rain; directors will be contacted as soon as possible with alternate plans. In the
event of poor field conditions, a standstill performance in the stadium may be possible. Please
make sure your cell number is listed in Competition Suite.

● LEADERSHIP RETREAT: Drum Majors and leadership will gather on the track near the
scoreboard for retreat 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE SCHEDULED AWARD CEREMONY.

● SCORES AND JUDGE RECORDINGS: Scores and recordings will be available shortly
following the conclusion of the competition. Judge recordings will be available via Competition
Suite. Recaps will be posted in Competition Suite following the conclusion of the competition.

● VIDEO: We will have one Video Pass in the director’s packet. Please give this to who you would
like to video your show. Video area will be to the left of the press box in a marked off area.

● AUDIO ENGINEERING AND SEATING FOR STAFF: There will be a roped off space near
the press box for staff to watch their band’s performance. This is only for viewing your own show.
Please be mindful that the judges are trying to judge and do not obstruct their view.

● HOSPITALITY: Hospitality is available for DIRECTORS, BUS DRIVERS and STAFF ONLY.
We invite everyone to visit our hospitality tent which will be located at the north end of the
stadium (near the Band Re-entry gate).

● WORLD’S FASTEST DRUMMER: We will have a World's Fastest Drummer Competition
where your students can compete in the "SEVMG Battle of the Hands"! See how many single
strokes you can do in 60 seconds. $5 per try.

● EMERGENCY REPAIRS ON SITE: Top Hat Music will be onsite to provide emergency
instrument repairs. The Top Hat tent will be located just outside the main entrance to the stadium.
Your guides will be able to assist you if needed.

● SPECTATOR TICKETS: Ages 13+ $15, Ages 6-12 $10 and Children 5 and under will be
admitted at no charge. Tickets available at the gate or in advance via Go Fan.

● Email address: Directors@hickorybands.org

● Cell phones: Mitchell Reed - (804) 815-9035, Yvonne Daye - (757) 343-2110

Good luck to your band.
Have a great performance!!!