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You read that correctly.

My BD and the guard instructor want to put tarps on the marching field. Two of those Winterguard/Winter Percussion tarps, along with 3 of the props Winter Percussion typically uses. And we're supposed to march on them at tempos of up to 172. Why are they doing this? Visual aspect and G.E. points. Their way of saying that was, "We want to set the stage for this field show, so it's more like a performance than just a marching show!"

Two years ago, we attempted to go for big G.E. points by adding 12 5-foot-wide/8-foot-tall pyramids on the field, with 5 "thrones" with "queens" on them. The parents were in charge of the pyramids, and for the most part, it was all a disaster and a financial blunder. We didn't even make finals with those stupid things, and they probably detracted rather than attracted points.

These two tarps are to be painted with cobblestone and the nine rings of Hell or whatever, just for staging. The problem? There's lots... I'll name a few:

- Weather conditions, like rain and wind, are going to be a hassle. It'll be a slip-and-slide riot, especially when we're moving at 172.
- We're not always going to rehearse with them, since they'll burn the grass. We'll be using the yard lines to reference our spots during the week, and Tuesday nights are the only "tarp" rehearsals.
- Our circuit allows 15 minutes (I think) to be on the field total. We have to set up three large props and two tarps, not to mention get the band, guard, and pit set. Then we have to remove everything. Our show's about 7:30, but add in any tempo changes and between movements, it'll probably amount to about 8:00.
- We won't be able to see any holes or in the field hidden under the tarp, which could cause some of us to trip.
- Tripping could also occur when we pass onto the tarp going backwards.
- The tarp is gonna get super bunched up from everyone walking on it and the grass being an uneven, squishy surface.
- We wear basically all white, minus our jackets, and WE have to set up the tarps (and they'll probably be all icky and dirty). That'll look ugly on our uniforms...

Ugh! No one I've talked to thinks this is a good idea, but the directors seem so bent on it.

-sigh-

Thoughts?

^ That's what I was thinking, it's a good idea to dress to yard lines and hashes. But the color guard director's like, "WELL color guard and percussion do it all the time, so stop whining about that band." She really thinks that's the only problem. x_x;

But that's not the *worst* thing we'll be dealing with. There's really no way to secure these tarps, and I doubt they'll just let us punch holes in the tarps and grass and stuff to secure them...

But I guess they want the nine rings of Hell on the tarps, but I'm thinking...why can't we just use big hula hoops and decorate them all nicely with flames and stuff? Why can't we just stick with painting the percussion props with hellish stuff?

Gaaghdafhdsajfda.

We did crap like this two years ago, what with an excess of props and what not. I don't want to repeat that pain in the butt.

That's a setup for a failed performance, not even kidding. What are your directors on?! D<

Idk but I want some

classic.

Marched on the tarps tonight, which have yet to be painted.

They make a lot of noise, and the color guard has no idea how to tell us to put the tarps away.

The tarps are going to say, "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here."

I'll say.

that sounds dangerous & scary, is it really worth all those recovery points?