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.