So, you want to be a 'Rounder?

Application can be completed online at www.secondimearounders.org

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS/GENERAL INFORMATION:

We are always looking for new members to join our band. Although the Second Time Arounders^® Marching Band exists as a performing unit for 6 weeks a year (February through April), the band exists as a community organization and social group all year long! Don't wait until next season to decide you want to play, you can jump in right NOW and be a part of our organization. Below are some frequently asked questions (and answers); click on a specific question, or scroll down to see the whole bunch! If you are ready to join it can be done online at www.secondimearounders.org

Q. How well do I have to play and march?
A. The band is open to all musicians and performers with experience and desire. You should be proficient enough to be able to play music which is a level of difficulty generally seen in high school or college. Our field routines are straightforward so we can concentrate on our sound and visual "flash", and street marching is heel-toe (no fancy steps). Most people can learn the routines and music without much difficulty.

Q. Is there an audition?
A. We do not have auditions, in the past members have judged for themselves whether they are capable of playing the music. (Remember, practice makes perfect !) The only requirements to be in the band is to be over 18 years old and to show up for all the rehearsals (5 rehearsals for musicians, 7 for percussion, 8 for auxiliary) and to be able to perform. The rehearsal and performance schedule is also posted on the website.

Q. Do I have to supply my own instrument?
A. Many people own their own instruments and can just bring them. For those who do not have one, instruments from trombones and smaller can be rented for a nominal fee for the band season from Bringe music. Larger instruments such as mellophones, baritone horns, tubas, drums, etc. are owned by the band and are supplied to players. There is a nominal fee for the use of these instruments, to provide for upkeep and repairs. As in years past the fee for the season is $25 for instruments and percussion as follows: $25 for quads, snares, bass drums with mallets; $10 for cymbals and bells. . Auxiliary members also have a nominal fee for use of equipment and supplies.

Q. Will I be the only new person in my section?
A. The beauty of the band is that we are not "static". Some members don't play every year, some move away, new members join. Every section will have people JUST LIKE YOU who are new, as well as many "old hands" to help you out and answer your questions !

Q. Can my spouse/significant other be involved? (with no real past experience but a desire not to be left out)
A. There are many levels of "involvement" possible in our performance and support units. For instance, our "letter carriers" (kind of like the Standard Bearers of yore) perform in all of our functions, yet do not require any musical ability or extraordinary physical skill. Our group has a squad of people essentially to keep us moving from place to place, supplied with equipment and after-performance refreshments, and do things essential to the operation of our group. If you are willing to show up, we will find a place in our organization that is just right for you!

Q. How much does it cost to be a member?
A. There is no "membership fee" to be in our band. Performers will need to have an official uniform (we have a band shirt and hat combo available for less than $20) and of course, an instrument for musicians. Equipment for auxiliary members is provided.

Q. Who are typical members?
A. There are not "typical" members - we are from all walks of life, ages 18 through 90+. The common thread is a love of music and marching bands. (After observing my bandmates for the 14+ years that I have had the privilege to belong to this fine group, my observation is that the "typical" member is a creative, witty, outspoken non-comformist with a love of life and a tendency to be somewhat exhibitionistic. -Ed)

Q. Can you accommodate people with disabilities?
A. Yes, the facilities we use are fully disabled-accessible, and wheelchairs or other devices are welcome in our parades and performances. Each member may decide if they are capable of participating in our marching and/or concert performances.

Q. I’m interested in the color guard groups such as drill team, flags, rifles or majorettes. How do I get started?
A. Fill out and submit the application form, be sure you are on our email mailing list, and keep an eye on the Rehearsal and Performance Schedule section of this website for dates, times and locations of rehearsal. Then, just come on out and we’ll get you started! There's an auxiliary group to fit every level of experience. Here's a breakdown of five different options:
Rounderettes Dance and Drill Team: Were you part of a drill team, cheerleading, dance, or pom-pon squad? If so, the Rounderettes drill team is for you! During parades, this group focuses on crisp precision movements, high kicks, and changing street formations. No formal dance experience is needed but you do need to be in good physical condition, able to do high kicks, have good timing/coordination, and a huge smile!
Majorettes: This highly motivated group focuses on dance twirl movements and tosses with plenty of flash, precision and pride! Split parts are sometimes used to accommodate multiple ability levels. Lighted batons are used for night parades. Previous twirling experience is required. Members supply their own baton(s).
Rifles: This group is top notch! New members should have previous color guard experience and be comfortable spinning rifle with either hand, tossing a controlled 'double', etc. “Split” parts are sometimes used to accommodate multiple ability levels. Members supply their own rifle.
Flags: Working on 6' flag poles, this group uses a combination of intermediate level moves to create sharp routines that are high impact, but are not overly difficult to execute. Previous flag experience is a must. Both practice and show flags are provided.
Tall Flags: Has it been a while since you marched, or are you new to flags but want to learn? This is a great opportunity to learn routines that are a little less challenging but still have pizzazz. Using 7’ poles, this group works closely with the flag line. Routines between flag groups are coordinated to be complimentary. Both practice and show flags are provided.
For more information or questions regarding any of these groups, please e-mail Auxiliary Coordinator, J.F. Thomas, at: jennisthomas@verizon.net

Q. I have never marched in band before but want to join. What can I do, and how do I get involved? (Perfect for spouses, friends, relatives!)
A. No marching experience? No problem. We have three different options specifically designed for first time arounders who want to be Second Time Arounders! Just fill out and submit the application form, be sure you are on our email mailing list, and keep an eye on the Rehearsal and Performance Schedule section of this website for dates, times and locations of rehearsal. Then, just come on out and we’ll get you started. Here's a breakdown of the three ‘no experience required’ options:
Letter and Banner Carriers: The letter carriers provide a beautiful backdrop for the band. Each member carries a different letter of our band name to spell out SECOND TIME AROUNDERS. No previous marching experience is required. The banner carriers march at the front of our parade block with a large banner that introduces our unit to parade viewers. The letter and banner carriers rehearse and work together as one unit.
National Flag Pageant: (for 2008): The "National Flag Pageant" (NFP) is a formal collection of every flag that has ever flown over the United States, dating all the way back to the 13 Original Colonies – over 200 flags. Collectively, this group creates an emotional and patriotic spectacle that leaves a lump in the throats of spectators. No previous marching experience is necessary. This group does not march at every Rounder performance but WILL perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, among other events. When signing up for this group - please list "NFP" when asked what instrument/auxiliary group you are interested in.
Honor Guard: This group carries our American Flag, State and local flags at the front of our parade block. This group is currently at capacity. Those interested will be referred to the Letter Carriers or to the National Flag Pageant.
For more information or questions regarding any of these groups, please e-mail Auxiliary Coordinator, J.F. Thomas, at: jennisthomas@verizon.net

Q. After I send in my registration form, when/how will I hear something back from you?
A. Presently, we are not geared up to mail out a reply to each registration form received, but your name and address are added to our mailing list. We have 4 mailings per year - 2 of them are our newsletter, Note Worthy News, which is usually published in May and November (the most recent issue is also viewable on the website), our notice of annual meeting (usually mailed in May), and our yearly mailing with our application form (we need one every year to get a number count and insurance release) and info in January. ALL of the important information is on our website, and if you happen not to get the mail for one reason or another, you can always show up at early music pickup or even at the first rehearsal and fill out your application form then. Bringe Music in St Petersburg also has information about the Second Time Arounders as well as applications when they are printed each year.

Q. Where do I get a uniform?
A. The band shirts and hats are available from the band before our performance week begins - plenty of time to get one. Other portions of the uniforms (navy blue "Dockers" style pants, white tennis shoes, etc) are widely available at local merchants. Specialty items (sashes, headbands, etc) for auxiliary units are suppled by those units.

Q. Only five rehearsals....wow! What's the quality of your performances like?
A. We are UNBELIEVEABLY GOOD!! Nothing matches the thrill of a live performance - recordings do not do our AWESOME sound justice, and a tiny screen never can show the spectacle of almost 500 performers spread out over a 100 yard football grid. Over the years the band has tried different rehearsal schemes. Fewer than 5 rehearsals was not sufficient to get the music and field performances down, more than that led to a longer season and people dropping out due to other commitments (auxiliary and percussion have a couple more practices since they have routines and cadences to memorize, respectively). Our aim is to have FUN and put on a performance that we can be proud of, and our present schedule allows us to do both!

Q. How do I keep track of what's going on?
A. Our official newsletter Note Worthy News has upcoming events, but due to the lag in printing and editing time, may not be the most current source. Updates are posted on the website (www.secondtimearounders.org ) as well as the Rounders HOTLINE (727) 825-8060. The annual information packet (mailed in January) contains the dates and events, and any changes are announced during the rehearsal and performance season. Want to have the news DELIVERED TO YOU? Email me webmaster@secondtimearounders.com and I will put you on the Email list (I also get the Email addresses off the applicaitons but there is a delay) so you can receive the Seond Time Arounders Email News (everything I email to the band also appears on the website, by the way).

Q. Is there someone I can contact if I still have questions after reviewing the web site?
A. You can contact me, Mike, at webmaster@secondtimearounders.com for all questions, as well as JF Thomas jennisthomas@verizon.net for questions specifically about the auxiliary. You can also page me with voicemail (727)692-1399 and I will call you back!

OK YOU CONVINCED ME !! WHERE DO I SIGN UP?? Application can be done online at www.secondimearounders.org

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