Need a winter guard rehearsal site this winter!

[dkproductions]

Hello!

We are looking to start a winter guard in central Maryland. Anyone have ideas or suggestions for a rehearsal gym? Looking for Saturday rehearsals from November to April.

We don't need to sleep at the site, just daytime rehearsals.

Inexpensive is good, free is better! Of course, we will provide certificates of insurance for any facility we use.

Schools are a possibility, however it seems that the facility rental rates are steep.

Any suggestions or past experiences?

Thanks!!!

[ATXguard]

Try local churches and/or private schools. Their gyms are not usually in such high demand as public schools. If you are a 501©3 non profit group, ask about receiving a discount or offering to start an after school activity/spin club for the students in exchange for the space or for a lower price on gym rental. Ask your members or instructional staff if their churches have a gym or an affiliated school that might have a gym.

Don't know bout your area, but I've also heard of groups getting unused warehouse space donated to them, so you might check into that as well. Also, we've been able to use one of the local branches of the YMCA in a pinch.

Also, get some local HS Guard instructors and/or band directors involved with your program. Here in TX, a lot of them will let you use the band room (many big band rooms here in TX) to rehearse on weekends if they don't have official band activities going on. Also, you might see about using local HS or MS cafeterias if their ceilings are high enough.

Good luck!

[dkproductions]

Try local churches and/or private schools. Their gyms are not usually in such high demand as public schools. If you are a 501©3 non profit group, ask about receiving a discount or offering to start an after school activity/spin club for the students in exchange for the space or for a lower price on gym rental. Ask your members or instructional staff if their churches have a gym or an affiliated school that might have a gym.

Don't know bout your area, but I've also heard of groups getting unused warehouse space donated to them, so you might check into that as well. Also, we've been able to use one of the local branches of the YMCA in a pinch.

Also, get some local HS Guard instructors and/or band directors involved with your program. Here in TX, a lot of them will let you use the band room (many big band rooms here in TX) to rehearse on weekends if they don't have official band activities going on. Also, you might see about using local HS or MS cafeterias if their ceilings are high enough.

Good luck!

Great advice! Thanks!