Detroit Pistons Game | Marching Band Performance

Date | Monday, Jan. 19, 2026

BHS MB Student Report Time | 4:45 pm

BHS MB Performance Time | 7:15 pm

Location | Little Caesars Arena. Click Here For Directions

Itinerary

4:15 pm | Band Room Open

4:45 pm | Mandatory Report Time for Students

5:15 pm | Depart Berkley High School

6:15 pm | Arrive at Tigers Garage (staging point)

6:30 pm

  • Buses Drop students off at the Meijer Entry (SW): Located on Henry Street and Park Street

  • Doors open to LCU

6:45 pm | Meet Pistons Representative at the Meijer Entrance w/ Instruments - No Cases

7:15 pm | We will perform somewhere between 7:15 pm - 7:30 pm

8:00 pm | Game Starts

10:30 pm | Game Ends

  • Students will travel together to load the buses at the South West Entrance.

11:45 pm | Arrive at Berkley High School

ASAP - Waiver DO THIS NOW

All students — whether in marching band or concert band — must complete the waiver linked below. Students under 18 must have their legal guardian sign the waiver.

Click on this link: Waiver Here

ASAP - Permission Slip DO THIS NOW

All students — whether in marching band or concert band — must fill out the permission slip and have it signed by a legal guardian. Please print your student’s name so it is readable by other people.

Click on this link: Student Permission Slip

ASAP - Permission Slip DO THIS NOW

All students — whether in marching band or concert band — must fill out the permission slip and have it signed by a legal guardian. Please print your student’s name so it is readable by other people.

Click on this link: Student Permission Slip

Transportation for Marching Band Students

All marching band students must ride the bus to and from the Pistons game. No exceptions.

There are many moving parts required for a smooth performance — checkpoints, equipment handling, and coordinated timing. Requiring students to travel on the band buses ensures everyone is where they need to be, that all instruments and props are loaded and unloaded correctly, and that we can return together after the event. Thank you for your cooperation.

Transportation for Concert Band Students

If you are not a member of the marching band, you may travel to the game with your family. If you plan to provide your own transportation or ride with family, please notify Mr. Thomann that you will not be riding the bus.

How to Watch BHS MB Perform

If you plan to attend the game and are not a student, please come and watch the marching band students cheer on. Doors open at 6:30 pm. The Berkley HS Marching Band will perform at 7:30 pm. Go to Portal 9 (Section 112) before 7:30 pm to view the show and take photos.

Timeline

As noted above, the timeline is very specific, and all students must arrive on time. The bus will depart at 5:15 p.m. and will not wait for late arrivals.

Please be prepared for periods of “hurry up and wait”—there will be staging checkpoints and moments of downtime leading up to the performance. Expecting this will help you stay calm and focused so we can deliver a memorable performance.

Mr. Thomann will be riding the bus with you and will provide detailed instructions at each step.

What to Wear

Marching Band students must arrive in full uniform so we can load buses and depart on time. Wear pants or shorts under your uniform and one of your show shirts. Be sure to wear black socks with your marching shoes. You may bring different shoes to change into after the performance; this will be discussed in class. If you have questions, please ask.

Non‑Marching Band students are encouraged to wear Berkley or Pistons apparel.

What to Bring - Marching Band Students

  • Load the bus in uniform with/

    • Garment Bag

    • Shako Box

  • Load the bus with your instrument out of the case

    • Exceptions are tubas and percussion.

    • Flutes, Clarinets, Mellophones, and Baritone Saxophones need to load their cases on the bus.

    • Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trumpets, and Trombones need to load their cases in the undercarriage of the buses.

    • Percussion, Rhythm Section, and Sousaphones will load their instruments in their cases onto the equipment truck.

  • Students only need to bring money if they want to purchase souvenirs or other snacks/food. Remember that the tickets include an all-you-can-eat buffet-style hotdogs, nachos, popcorn, soda, and water.

  • Students should wear clothes under their uniform that they can wear back into the stadium.

Student Conduct

Performance opportunities like this are a privilege, not an entitlement. Please behave appropriately. Remember that when we travel as a team, you represent more than yourself — you represent our school and community. I believe you are a point of pride for Berkeley Community Schools. With that pride comes responsibility: act so that others may continue to have the same opportunities you are receiving now.

Students must remain with the group at all times. No student may leave the group alone. If a student needs to use the restroom, visit concession stands, or purchase souvenirs, they must go with another Berkley Band student (buddy system).

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Thomann.

^Picture of the South West Meijer Entrance to LCU for Bus Dropoff