MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR NAVAL ACADEMY BAND
"ELECTRIC BRIGADE" PERFORMANCE

The sponsor should designate a specific representative as the on-site coordinator for the band’s performance(s). This representative should be present at the performance site when the band arrives and serve as the primary point of contact concerning logistical support. Operational control of the band will remain with the bandleader at all times. Thorough planning and communication between the sponsor, the on-site coordinator, and the Electric Brigade operations coordinator will help to ensure successful band performances. The bandleader or his designated representative will make an advance visit to performance sites as needed.

COSTS INCURRED BY SPONSORS

Per Diem:
The sponsor is responsible for Messing, when the band travels outside the normal area of operations (outside a fifty mile radius of the U.S. Naval Academy) in accordance with the Joint Federal Travel Regulations.

Lodging:
The sponsor is responsible for lodging, as necessary, when the band travels outside the normal area of operations. When billeted in government quarters, Band members must be housed together, with lockers provided for all personnel. Band members should not be required to observe reveille due to their irregular schedule. Sponsors must provide suitable double occupancy rooms with adequate security when billeted in non-government quarters.

Transportation:
The sponsor is responsible for fuel and toll costs incurred with government owned or leased vehicles when the band travels outside the normal area of operations. If government vehicles are not utilized, a 5-ton, lockable, roadworthy truck, and a 15-passenger van are required for ground transportation. Band members can serve as drivers for these vehicles. When the band is airlifted, an aircraft capable of accommodating equipment and baggage weighing approximately 8000 pounds (500 cubic feet) is ESSENTIAL.

LOGISTICAL LIMITATIONS

Performance Schedule:
Band performances are restricted to a maximum of two locations per day due to the complex nature of Electric Brigade performances and the amount of equipment required. No performances will be scheduled before 0830. Individual shows will not normally exceed 60 minutes. Total working hours, including all evolutions, will not normally exceed 12 hours per day.

The following requirements apply when more than one performance site is scheduled in the same day:

a) Time must be allowed for safe load-in at each site, avoiding stairs and long loading distances.
b) No more than 30 minutes travel time between sites, with additional time allowed for meals.

Gear Move, Sound Check:
Allow 3 hours before each performance for setting up and checking sound reinforcement equipment, and 1½ hour after each performance for re-packing and loading.

PERFORMANCE SITE REQUIREMENTS

Electrical:
Three dedicated 110-volt, properly grounded 20-amp circuits. These must be on a public power source and should be no more than fifty feet from the stage. If an electrical power cord run must be made by the sponsor, it should be with 8 or 10 gauge, 3-conductor, insulated cable. These circuits must not contain a “ground fault circuit interrupt” (GFCI) system. If a generator is to be used it must be of professional grade. It must be capable of providing 110-volt at 60Hz service and provide 80+ amps of current (Home Depot or Lowes products will not suffice).

Staging:
The stage must be at least 28 feet wide by 24 feet deep in size. If the performance is outside, the stage site must consist of concrete, asphalt, wood or some other solid structure capable of sustaining five tons of equipment and personnel without swaying (sheets of unsecured plywood on the ground does not meet these requirements). If a multi-piece stage is erected, the panels must be secured underneath via C-clamps or comparable device to prevent separation, sliding, and/or shifting during the performance. The stage must be shaded from direct sunlight to protect sensitive electronic equipment when performing outside between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Methods of acceptable protection are either a canopy covering the stage, or complete shade provided from buildings, trees, or other structures for the duration of the evolution.

Lighting:
Adequate lighting must cover the entire stage area. Note: please ensure that the lighting/spotlight circuits are separate from those providing the band’s power.

Other:

a) Provide clean dressing facilities for 7 males (air-conditioned during summer and heated during the winter if possible).
b) Ensure close and easy access to the performance area for a van and 5-ton equipment truck.
c) Provide drinking water on stage during performance.

Questions concerning these guidelines or requirements can be addressed to the Naval Academy Band Operations Department at:

(410) 293-1257 (Voice)
(410) 293-2116 (fax)
DSN 281-1257
bwsmith@usna.edu

Mailing address:

Director
U. S. Naval Academy Band
101 Buchanan Road
Annapolis, MD 21402-5080