TRANSPORTATION
Air transportation can be provided by the United States Marine Corps. In the event that air travel cannot be scheduled by the government, the sponsor will then be required to finance the transportation of our Marines to support your event.
Local ground transportation is the responsibility of the sponsor. As the Band travels from the hotel to the performance sites(s), restaurants(s), and other necessary locations, drivers will need to coordinate with our schedule. Our Marines will execute loading and unloading of all equipment. The Band requires:
The Band Master will inform the sponsor if the Government can accommodate ground transportation requirements.
MEALS AND LODGING
The sponsor is responsible for all meals and lodging for Marines while in your area. Meals consist of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, two of which must be hot. Due to the Bands transportation, rehearsal, and performance schedule, meal times must remain flexible. Hotel/motel accommodations for our personnel should allow for approximately 51 Marines (41 males and 10 females). We can provide you with exact numbers prior to the event. These rooms should be set up in advance to eliminate delays during check-in. We require no more than 11 single rooms and 20 double rooms. To maintain and control accountability, we are unable to accept housing in private homes.
Please refer to the Suggested Contacts page in this booklet for ideas on involving community support and defraying the cost of sponsoring a Marine Corps Band.
TICKETS
2ND MAW Band performances are presented as a public service and therefore, must be free of charge and open to the general public. We recommend printing free admission tickets for indoor performances requiring crowd control. A request by mail is effective, as individuals who take the time to complete a written request for tickets are most likely to attend the performance. Limiting distribution of tickets per address or family may be necessary. Publicity fliers and newspaper ads should include the address to mail the ticket requests.
PROGRAMS
A scheduled program for your event can be requested for duplication and distribution. Should a clean copy be needed for reproduction, please contact Sergeant Corbin Gonzalez at the Bands Public Affairs Office at (252) 466-2330.
Prospective program ushers may be found within local ROTC units, high school band members, or scout troops.
PERFORMANCE SITES
The following outline provides the requirements of the sponsor with regard to performance locations:
1. General Requirements
- Securable changing areas with chairs, tables, and racks or hooks for clothing bags/uniforms.
- One large changing room for 40 male Marines
- One changing room for 10 female Marines
- Warm-up room or area (if changing area is not large enough) for 51 Marines to stand in a formation. This room should be close to the performance area.
2. Concert Requirements
- Electrical outlets for sound equipment and electrical instruments.
- Music stands and chairs with no arms for 45 musicians.
- Stage area or open area of at least 40 feet in width by 30 feet in depth with appropriate backdrop or scenic view.
- Inclement weather plan meeting above requirements.
3. Additional Requirements:
Additional expenses such as auditorium rental, lighting, heating, publicity costs, custodial fees, and security are the responsibility of the local authorities or sponsor(s).
PROMOTION
Media promotion/publicity maximizes event attendance. The promotional materials contained in this sponsor package include Band biographies, ensemble descriptions, a personnel roster, and media materials suitable for radio and/or television public service announcements. Feel free to use any promotional materials for publicity purposes. If we can provide additional materials to support your efforts, please do not hesitate to contact our Band Public Affairs Office.
When a member of the Band is identified as a resident from your area, the Band Public Affairs Office will provide the Marines biography and photograph for publication. Additionally, when scheduling permits, a public affairs photographer and videographer will accompany the Band, further publicizing your event through various Marine Corps publications.
The following outline is provided as a guideline for your promotional campaign:
The following outlets may be useful in the promotion of your event:
- Local/regional daily and weekly newspapers
- Community news calendars
- Local TV programming, student channels
- Mainstream local radio or nearby college stations
- Church/synagogue mailings, newsletters
- Community/senior centers
- Libraries
- Grocery stores
- City museums and public halls
SUGGESTED CONTACTS
To promote community awareness and support of your event, we have provided organizations which have been an asset to past Band sponsors.
Local Marine Corps Recruiter
It is highly recommended for all sponsors to contact the local recruiter for possible support, advertisement to area Marines (past and present), and prospective recruiting purposes.
Marine Corps Musician Technical Assistant (MTA)
The regional MTA is a trained musician who assists the local recruiter with all aspects of Marine Corps Bands and instrumental auditions. The MTA will use this time to become familiar with community events, high schools, and colleges for future Marine Corps Band requirements and auditions.
Area VFW, American Legion, Marine Corps League
During past performances, these organizations have been extremely supportive to the sponsor by providing advertisement within their establishments, meals, social gatherings, and transportation.
High School and College Band Directors
Music educators can increase awareness and attendance to the concert, as well as other supportive roles mentioned above.
Community Music and Instrument Stores
Local vendors are enthusiastic in promoting fine arts. A coordinated effort between the sponsor and the business is not only beneficial for them, but is especially valuable for the event due to the many contacts with the community leaders, educators, professional musicians, and students.
Hotels and Restaurants
Many hotels and restaurants will cooperate by offering the sponsor a discount or possible full financial support to a Marine Corps Band with regard to lodging and meals.
2nd MAW Press Packet