Our Panther-In-Training or PIT Crew began three years ago and it was a huge success, so we want to continue to bring the opportunities to the upcoming 8th grade students at Hampton Cove and Huntsville Junior High. THIS IS FOR 8TH GRADE STUDENTS IN BAND or middle school siblings of current band students who are also in band!
We created this group to give your student a reward for being successful in your middle school band and to give you and your family a hint of what high school band is like. Students must be in good behavior, good attendance, and good academic standing with your band as well as your school.
If selected, you would participate in select high school band events. To give you an idea, PIT Crew members were asked to choose at least 4 events in the Fall (football games, band competitions, parades) last year, but some chose to do more and thats fine! Most of these happen on Friday night or Saturday. As a member of PIT Crew, you will get a band t-shirt, sit in the stands with the band (no instruments atleast at first) and perhaps be given some additional responsibilities. In the case of a competition or away football game, you would get to travel with the band. You will also get to help do some important things in the band such as help move props or instruments to prepare for the game or halftime - basically learning some of the responsibilities of a HHS Band member! There are other perks along the way. We will also invite you to our big band banquet (typically at the VBC) at the end of the year. Parents are responsible for getting students to the home game (Milton Frank) or to HHS to leave on a school bus for an away game.
To apply, fill out this application. We will also check your standing with your band director! Not sure if you want to apply? Talk to a member of the pit crew from your school last year! They had a blast!
**As always, YOUR band events at HCMS or HJHS will trump being a member of PIT Crew, so you would never be asked to sign up for an event to miss a HCMS or HJHS band event**
Here are a list of events you will be able to sign up for:
Events to choose from (pick 4 minimum)
Friday, Sept 2 - Game against Grissom at Milton Frank (visiting team) 5:30-10:00 pm
Friday, Sept. 9 Game against James Clemens at Alabama A&M. 5:30-10:00 pm (travel on school buses)
Thursday, Sept.15 Away Game vs. Bob Jones HS at Madison City Stadium 5:00-10:00 pm (travel on school buses)
Saturday, Sept 17 - Marching Competition in Hendersonville, Tn - Charter Buses. Depart in the early afternoon. Return late.
Thursday, September 22nd - Homecoming Parade 5:00-7:00 pm Huntsville High school and surrounding area.
Friday, Sept. 23 - Game against Jemison (homecoming) at Milton Frank Stadium 5:30 - 10:00 pm
Friday, Sept. 30 Away game vs. Albertville at Albertville High School. Schedule TBA. Day before spring break starts.
Friday, Oct. 7 - Away Game against Florence. Braly Stadium (UNA). This is a game during Fall Break. Schedule TBA
THURSDAY, Oct. 13 - Game against Sparkman at Milton Frank Stadium (Senior Night) 5:30-10:00 pm
Saturday, October 15 - Marching Competition at Muscle Shoals HS. Depart early afternoon and return late.
Friday, Oct.21 Away Game vs. Austin at Austin High School. Schedule TBA
Saturday, October 22 - Marching Competition at Soddy Daisy, Tn (Chattanooga). Depart early afternoon and return late.
Friday, October 28th - Away Game vs. Hazel Green at Hazel Green HS Schedule TBA
Nov. 7 Possible Playoffs TBA
Friday, November 11th - Veteran's Day Parade. Downtown Huntsville. 10 am - 1 pm
Pit Crew members are invited to the end of the year band banquet with the HHS Band.
