Pyros in Training (PIT) is a seminar and workshop series targeted at families and student members, but open to anyone who wants to learn about the science and techniques involved in pyrotechnics. At Winter Blast, participants will have the opportunity builds items such as mines and fountains and will choreograph a fireworks display for Sunday Night’s WPA Member Showcase.
PIT Display Setup
Race Track | PIT Crew
February 19, 2023, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Presented by: Dave Tanner, Bill Stevenson, PIT Crew Staff
We’ll spend the day out on the racetrack laying out the elements of Sunday night’s display and wiring them to be electronically fired in sync with our choreographed pyromusical.
Pyros In Training Kickoff
PIT Tent | PIT Crew
February 17, 2023, 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Presented by: Bill Stevenson, PIT Crew Staff
Pyros in Training (PIT) is a seminar and workshop series targeted at families and youth members, but is open to anyone who wants to learn about the basic science and techniques involved in pyrotechnics. In this kickoff session, we will go over program details and schedule for the weekend and get started on planning our display.
Set Pieces for Beginners
PIT Tent | PIT Crew
February 18, 2023, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Presented by: Lynden King, Steve Wilson, Bill Stevenson, PIT Crew Staff
Set pieces, also known as brightwork, have been made for hundreds of years to augment various kinds of displays. Often shown as large words or flags, many approaches to this art can be used, sometimes dictated by materials available and/or how the piece will be displayed.
Using lance, drivers, and a bit of woodworking know-how, we’ll build a dynamic set piece to be integrated into Sunday night’s Member Showcase display.
Safety First
PIT Tent | PIT Crew
February 17, 2023, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Presented by: Bill Stevenson, PIT Crew Staff
New this year, PIT will be working with items like black powder, stars, mines, drivers, and fountains. This seminar delivers important safety information and includes a certification test required for youth attendees to work with energetic materials at Winter Blast.
Mines for Beginners
PIT Tent | PIT Crew
February 17, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Presented by: Tom Sklebar, Bill Stevenson, PIT Crew Staff
In this seminar, PIT participants will learn about and construct mines to take to the C line or to incorporate into Sunday night’s display.
Hand Fountains for Beginners
PIT Tent | PIT Crew
February 17, 2023, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Presented by: Peggy Purner, Bill Stevenson
In this seminar you’ll learn how to roll a hand fountain using simple supplies that you can take to the C line to enjoy.
PIT Display Preparation
PIT Tent | PIT Crew
February 18, 2023, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Presented by: Dave Tanner, Bill Stevenson, PIT Crew Staff
In this working session, we’ll arrange elements of our display onto boards, choreographing groups of effects with the cues of our pyromusical.
PIT Display Planning
PIT Tent | PIT Crew
February 17, 2023, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Presented by: Dave Tanner, Bill Stevenson
In this kickoff meeting, we’ll inventory donated product and work out the basic goals and choreography for Sunday night’s display.
