Please remember that each uniform costs several hundred dollars. Students are responsible for the uniform throughout the year. All general guidelines apply to color guard as well; the guard instructor will clarify specific policies and procedures.
Uniform Policy:
1. All band and color guard members must be in full uniform at all times while at a performance site. Coats are to be buttoned at all times unless otherwise specified by the director. Improper wearing of the uniform will not be tolerated.
2. Uniforms are to be hung neatly in the band closet—NOT taken home—after each performance. Make sure to hang your pants correctly: line up the creases so that they lay neatly on the hanger. Hats will also be stored in this closet. Each student will have an assigned slot for his/her hat.
3. Deliberate mistreatment of the uniform (i.e., throwing it on the ground) will not be tolerated!
4. Each student is responsible for bringing his/her shoes to every performance. They should be clean and ready to go. Remember, you are responsible for replacing any lost items.
5. Bring a change of clothes and change completely out of your uniform after each performance. Do not wear the uniform outside of marching band performances.
6. Do not eat or drink in the uniform unless given permission by the director! Water is always acceptable.
Uniform Care:
The band uniforms are made of wool—do not attempt to wash or dry them at home! The color guard uniforms will also be special-cleaned. Do not machine-wash them!
DRY CLEANING: Initial garment cleaning and most repairs are figured into the band budget. If for some reason extra dry cleaning or repair is necessary, the student should communicate with the director.
INSPECTION: Each student will be inspected for cleanliness and neatness upon arrival for each performance. Students with wrinkled, dirty, or incomplete uniforms will be penalized.
Uniform Specifics
*Uniforms may need to be altered to ensure proper fit. DO NOT TRY TO DO THIS YOURSELF. There is a designated parent committee that will be in charge of all tailoring and altering needs. See the director if your uniform needs to be altered.
COAT: The coat should be long enough to accommodate plenty of movement and several layers of clothing. The sleeves should reach just below the wrist. Always wear a shirt underneath your uniform to absorb perspiration. To ensure that the shirt is not visible beneath the uniform, tuck it in, fold the collar down, and roll the sleeves up. Uniform storage policies apply.
PANTS: The pants should hang approximately three inches from the ground so that they touch the tops of the shoes without creating a break in the crease. Acceptable garments to wear under the pants include: shorts, athletic pants, and tights. No jeans or cargo pants, please.
HAT/HAIR: The hat is worn forward over the eyes so that the beak is three finger widths above the bridge of the nose. All members must wear their hair inside the hat, using hair ties and pins as needed.
SHOES: These are purchased through the band. Shoes must be cleaned for each performance.
ALTERNATE UNIFORM: In the case of extremely hot weather, students will wear their band t-shirts, NICE khaki pants (no holes, tears, patches, etc.), and white tennis shoes. The t-shirt will be tucked into the pants. Hair should be tied/pinned up.
Should a school-owned uniform component be damaged while in your care, the costs are as follows:
PANTS: $128.00
COAT: $292.00
HAT: $58.00
GUARD UNIFORM: $120.00
Uniforms are property of the high school. Students who abuse their uniforms or return them in a condition that necessitates repair or replacement will have these costs assessed to their school fees.
