Welcome to Gaia! ::

NEVER THROGH MALLETS AT PIT PEOPLE!!!one time the co-captian got a little mad at me.

also, if you want them to learn there music, you meed to learn it. then play ot until you have it memerized. then play ot more. don't be mean to the freshmen.

Lets see. I totally know how you feel cause I just became a Pit instructor as well. I have multiple things I do with my students.
1. Depending on how long the band is going to take charting, I practice them getting on and off the field.
2. If the band is doing minro repair work on forms, I have them stand at attention (if attention is broken they either do push-ups or run a lap).
3. Sometimes I'll have them take thier mallets/sticks (they all have to have rubber,brass, synthetics, or sticks for this), sit in a circle and have them alternate hands. This improves technique, form, and speed.
4. If your pit is having difficulty with a run or a complicated rhythm, sit them in a circle like above and have them work it out on the floor. Most people call them floor exercises and it can be boring, but its productive and can be fun if you keep the students interested.
5. Let them sit down from time to time and have a moment to themselves underneath thier instruments. I usually allow quiet chatting as long as it does not disrupt the BD, DM's, or other instructors.

Hope that helps. I know its helped me to stay sane this season.