Frozen Funk band auditions
Apparently, the Lightning has added a new entertainment element to its game-day operations. Here is the announcement from the team:
The Frozen Funk, the Lightning's in-arena band, will hold auditions Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Music Showcase in Brandon. The band is looking for individuals with unique personalities who are exciting, outgoing and capable of providing plenty of energy at Lightning home games.
The Frozen Funk, arranged much like a collegiate athletic band, will perform high-energy music at all Tampa Bay Lightning home games. The instrumentation of the band consists of saxophones, sousaphones, trombones, trumpets and a drum set. The band will be directed by John Schnettler, director of the USF "Herd of Thunder" Marching and Pep Bands.
Those interested in auditioning will be asked to perform a high-energy marching, pep, rock, jazz or blues piece of their choice, along with a mandatory piece, "Shake a Tail Feather," which is available for download on the Music Showcase Web site (http://www.musicshowcaseonline.com). Applicants will be asked to sight read a pep band song provided at the audition. They will also have the option to perform an improv piece, in B-flat blues, in the same tempo and style as "Shake a Tail Feather."
Interested applicants must be at least 18 years old and own their own instrument (Sousaphones excluded). Applicants must also be able to sight read music and good improvisational skills are encouraged. Candidates should be able to work as many as 20 Lightning home games throughout the season and be willing to stay as late as 11 p.m. Marching or pep band experience is a plus.
The Lightning will provide the band with uniforms and members will be compensated $50 and given a meal voucher and a parking pass for every game they work. Bonus pay is available for those interested in being The Frozen Funk's music arranger. Those with previous experience in this area are asked to bring a sample of their work.
For more information, please contact John Schnettler at (813) 974-0845 or at schnettler@arts.usf.edu.


Follow the Lightning through the season with beat writer Damian Cristodero and the Times sports staff. We invite your participation in the comments area.
Bingo,Don- Do I hear you setting up a Bloggers Band Night?
Posted by: coach bill | August 25, 2008 at 07:03 AM
Well, I used to play a mean Bass Guitar in another lifetime, but I think I'll be staying retired.
Posted by: Don in St. Pete | August 24, 2008 at 07:49 PM
Don, no not the tuba it would be the keyboards!!!! Still waiting for a repost on the lick's they're looking for.
Posted by: bingo | August 24, 2008 at 07:01 PM
I thought that when the USF Pep Band played during the game last season that it added a better level of entertainment for the fans.
Now, if the can get some "energy" for the Energy Team, and give Thunderbug something more than an air-raid siren, they'll be in business. Maybe "Raymond the Ray" will be able to give lessons to ThBUG on how to entertain?
GO BOLTS!
Posted by: Phil | August 24, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Anything would be better than " Put your hands in thee air...Put your hands...In...thee....air!"
Over and over every night.
Posted by: coach bill | August 24, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Whaat?!
Posted by: | August 23, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Whatever happened to people just being able to talk to their friend/neighbor (who's sitting RIGHT NEXT to them) while at a hockey game? Or has SCREAMING over the loud speaker/band the new norm?
::shakes his head::
Posted by: Patrick | August 23, 2008 at 01:22 PM
I got dibs on vocals!
Posted by: Elvis | August 23, 2008 at 08:15 AM
anything is better then piped in music
Posted by: chicago | August 23, 2008 at 06:55 AM
Frozen Funk...
What a terrible name.
Posted by: Poop | August 23, 2008 at 01:06 AM
Bingo, Are you thinking of pulling that old tuba out of retirement? It would be great to have one of our bloggers on the frozen funk.
Posted by: Don in St. pete | August 22, 2008 at 09:47 PM
the link for the music is not correct.
please repost
Posted by: bingo | August 22, 2008 at 09:16 PM