Big Beat STL 2009 FAQ’s
What will I do and see at The Big Beat STL?
- Raise funds and awareness for music education by supporting the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation.
- Play along with the Big Beat Band and up to 200 other drummers!
- Big Beat award presentations – Create your own fundraising page for a chance at great prizes!
- Big Beat hourly raffle drawings – Over $12,000 in drum gear to be raffled off at the event!
- World’s Fastest Drummer Competition – Go up against the Drumometer and compete for prizes and the title of Big Beat STL’s Fastest Drummer!
- Perform The Big Beat with over 1200 drummers in 11 cities across North America and help set a new World Record!
- Spend the afternoon with tons of drums, hundreds of drummers and loads of drumming!
When is Big Beat STL and where will it take place?
- Sunday, November 1, 2009 from 11am to 5:00pm at the Family Arena.
- The Family Arena is conveniently located in St. Charles County, just 10 minutes West of Lambert International Airport, and just 1 mile off the Page Extension. The physical address is:
The Family Arena
2002 Arena Parkway
St. Charles, MO 63303 - Directions can be found here.
What equipment do I need to participate?
- Drum Set participants are required to have a minimum of a: bass drum, snare drum, stool, hi-hat with cymbals, at least one tom and a carpet or rug.
- You are welcome to bring your complete drum set if you wish. Each drum set registration includes a 7' by 6' space.
- Because of the concrete floor, drum set participants must bring a drum rug or equivalent.
- Hand Percussion participants are required to have a single, hand-played percussion instrument.
- Ear protection is recommended. Earplugs will be available at the Big Beat store.
Where do I unload my drum set and enter the arena?
- Check-in and drum set load-in opens at 11:00am. Look for volunteers at the loading dock entrance at the rear of the Family Arena. There will be drive-through lanes for cars to pull in for unloading. These are the only areas where unloading will be allowed.
- After unloading, drummers should park their cars before proceeding to check-in.
- Volunteers will be available to help you unload your gear and if needed, to watch your gear while you drive straight through to the lot to park your car.
- Each drummer will set-up in their designated 7’ x 6’ space (based on registration date).
- Drum bags and cases must be stored in your car.
- All hand percussion participants and spectators should enter though the main (front) arena entrance.
What is the complete Big Beat STL schedule of events?
- 11:00am: Drum Set check-in / load-in opens at the loading dock entrance at the rear of the Family Arena. Raffle table opens.
- 12:00pm: Take part in the Big Beat Band sound check. World’s Fastest Drummer competition opens.
- 12:30pm: Play along with the Big Beat Band, followed by raffle drawings.
- 1:30pm: Play along with the Big Beat Band, Drum Set Big Beat rehearsal, followed by raffle drawings.
- 2:00pm: Hand Percussion check-in opens in the front lobby of the Family Arena.
- 2:30pm: Play along with the Big Beat Band, followed by raffle drawings and fundraising awards presentation.
- 3:00pm: Hand Percussion Big Beat rehearsal.
- 3:30pm: Drum Set / Hand Percussion Big Beat rehearsal. World’s Fastest Drummer competition closes.
- 4:00pm: Final raffle drawings and World’s Fastest Drummer awards presentation.
- 4:45pm: Perform the Big Beat with over 1200 drummers in 11 cities in the world’s largest multi-city drum set event via an internet video connection.
- 5:00pm: The Big Beat STL 2009 comes to a close. Tear down and load out.
- The schedule of events can change without notice. Watch DrumHeadquarters.com and your email inbox for updates.
How do I raise funds for The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation?
All drummers are asked to help raise money for The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation by setting up their own fundraising page at: www.firstgiving.com/bigbeatstl. This is like other charitable events where you run, walk, bike or swim and get your friends and family to sponsor you, except for The Big Beat STL all you have to do is play the drums and get your friends to sponsor you.
Every drummer who raises at least $100 will have his or her name entered in the "$100 Club" drawing for a chance to win fabulous prizes. The top fundraisers will win individual prizes and will be introduced on stage during the event. The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible, as allowed by law.
What about the activities and raffles?
A World’s Fastest Drummer contest will take place from Noon to 3:30pm. A $5 fee (benefiting MHOF) gives you a chance to play the Drum-o-Meter and record your results.
Prizes and t-shirts will be awarded to the top finishers on stage at the event. There will be hourly raffle drawings for merchandise valued at over $12,000 which was donated by our generous sponsors. Raffle tickets will sell for $5 or 3 for $10, to benefit the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation.
A nationwide drawing will be held for a Neil Peart autographed bass drum head. If St. Louis is drawn as the winning city, an individual winner will be drawn at the event. Tip: Buy your raffle tickets soon after you check-in, to get in on all of the drawings.
Other:
- The Family Arena will operate a concession stand throughout the entire event. No alcohol will be served.
- No outside food or drink allowed.
- Drum Headquarters will have a booth at the event with various drum supplies.
- Spectators are welcome at a cash donation admission.
- Spectators are welcome on the arena floor during breaks, but are expected to stay in the arena seating for the majority of the time.
- The Family Arena is a non-smoking facility.
- Lost & Found will be located at the prize table.
- The Big Beat STL sponsors and the Family Arena are not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged property. Everyone is responsible for what they bring with them.