2008: THE YEAR OF THE ROUNDERS!
Hello All Existing, New, and Potential Second Time Arounders,
The upcoming 2008 season is the most eagerly anticipated year in the history of our band and will certainly be among our most rewarding! This mid-year update is to communicate important, timely information that you need to know about, and take action on.
We're thrilled to announce that record numbers have already signed up for the 2008 season and to participate in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! We're easily on our way to fielding the largest group in our band's history and also the largest marching band to ever to participate in Macy's! Wow!
But due to the tremendous response, we're also presented with a new challenge. For the first time ever, the band is faced with capping participation. Simply put, there's a limit to the number of performers we can fit into Herald Square and still produce a quality presentation.
As sections (musicians and auxiliary groups) are capped, the website will post a notice, along with the option to sign up on a waiting list. Effective immediately, the following groups are capped: Tambourines, Honor Guard, Letter Carriers and Banner Carriers. For now, all other sections remain open though some are very close to being closed. Special Note: To balance the outstanding participation in other sections and to allow us to create the best possible musical performance in Herald Square, at this time we could specifically use additional tuba and trombone players.
Actions to be taken NOW by all:
- If you have NOT registered for the trip and intend to, do not delay. To secure your position, go to www.secondtimearounders.org and complete the Macy's survey. No Internet access? Call Lisa Rice at 727-725-2774.
- If you have already registered on paper or the Internet, all surveys are now online. Access your online survey ASAP and confirm or update your file, and verify previous payments. Important: Compare survey responses with any traveling companions who also filled out a survey. Did you possibly duplicate responses? (For example, did you both claim plane seats or hotel rooms for your entire party?) Please eliminate duplicates so that we are working with the most accurate numbers.
- Make a payment, if you haven't already. Those who have made initial deposits are in good standing. Those who we don't hear from go to the end of the line and could risk missing the opportunity.
How Do I Access my Online Account?
Each person who has completed a Macy's survey will receive an email containing his/her website ID and password by July 27th. This information will allow you to access your account. If you do not receive the email by July 27th, click on the "contact us" button on the website and send us a note to let us know.
Four-Digit Band Membership Numbers
New for 2008, each band member (and trip tag-alongs) has been issued a four-digit membership number. This number will help the volunteers working on our trip to easily access details that are specific to you. Anytime you communicate with the band, write a check, etc. please include your band membership number.
If you need to find out your membership number, go to the website and key in your last name on the membership number table. Then, make a note of your number and start using it!!
Questions?
Send and email to communications@secondtimearounders.org and someone will get back with you.
Our season will be here before we know it. So read ALL the contents of this mail package carefully and stay connected to the band during this important time. Get ready to experience 2008: The Year of the Rounders!
Don’t be left out of the loop!
E-mail is our first choice for communicating with band members because it's fast and efficient. If you aren't currently getting emails from the band, you're missing important updates. At least two emails were sent within the last month. Did you get them? If not:
- Update your email address in your online survey information, and then watch for--and read--emails from the band!
- If you use spam filters, set them to accept email from:
o communcation@secondtimearounders.org
o communications@secondtimearounders.org
Trip Payment Schedule
Depending on your travel package..
- FULL OR GROUND PACKAGE: $200.00 due by SEPT 15th
- PEFORMANCE OR UNIQUE: depends on your trip details. If you're unsure whether or not you owe a payment, send us a 'contact us' email from the website.
Make a secure online payment at the website using Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express, or even PayPal. Paying online makes the band's accounting job a little easier!
Or, mail checks to:
Second Time Arounders
PO Box 15062
St. Petersburg, FL 33733
- Be sure to write your membership number on the check!
You can also drop off checks at: Bringe Music, 2129 First Avenue, N., St. Petersburg. Be sure to ask for a receipt.
WWW.SECONDTIMEAROUNDERS.ORG
The Hub of Band Communication
Now more than ever our rapidly evolving website is THE source of information and the best way to stay informed. Visit the site regularly - with Macy's on the horizon, there are frequent updates. A sample;
- Read about and sign up for volunteer opportunities - with such a big year ahead, we could use additional helping hands.
- Check your personal trip account to make changes, and track payments
- make a trip payment using a major credit card or Paypal
- access the very latest details about the Macy's trip
- access and print out helpful info such as the 2008 rehearsal and performance schedule
- download your '08 sheet music (coming Fall '07)
- witness exciting progress as the new website evolves. There's always something new and exciting be added!
Broadway Ticket Announcement!
If you requested Broadway tickets as part of your Macy's package:
· payment will be due soon (theater deadlines to get the discounted pricing)
· Watch for an email stating that payment is due. Be sure we have your correct email in your survey.
· If you need to adjust your ticket request, go to your online account and do so as soon as you have your ID/password.
· From the date of the email, you will have 14 days to pay in full to receive your tickets through the band at the discounted rate.
· After 14 days, you will need to buy your tickets, full price, directly from the theater.
· Payable by check only. Make checks payable to: Performing Arts Consultants
· There are no theatre refunds. If unable to use your tickets, hopefully someone will want to purchase them directly from you.
Mail check to normal band PO Box, or drop-off at Bringe Music.