How to Select Marching Band Uniforms

Contributor

By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating:

(3 Ratings)

There are almost as many marching band uniforms as there are marching bands, and they can vary widely in their style, color and level of flair. While many bands wear some variation of the military-inspired uniform, others may select outfits that are in keeping with the theme of their show. Still others allow members to design their own uniforms, creating a deliberately ragtag look. As band director, you get to select uniforms that best express the spirit, tradition and attitude of your marching band.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Select Marching Band Uniforms

Step 1

Decide on the look and feel of your uniforms, based on your band's show and the guidelines required by your school.
Step 2

Decide if your band will wear hats, and if so, what kind. Choices include everything from the traditional (wool "shakos," pith helmets or military hats) to the unusual (cowboy hats, sailor caps and berets) to the bizarre (bunny ears).
Step 3

Find the right shoes. You may want to pick shoes that have a curved heel, making the roll step easier for band members.
Step 4

Take band members' measurements, so you don't end up with too few or too many of certain sizes.
Step 5

Shop for your uniforms at a reputable online company or brick-and-mortar store. Traditional uniform companies like Standbury or Bandmans may provide quality craftsmanship (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

Think about the image you're trying to project as you select uniforms for your band. Just as anything can be an instrument in certain bands, anything can be a uniform: T-shirts and shorts are the norm for some marching bands, while others dress up in formal attire.
If your budget allows, consider changing uniforms each year to match the theme of your show. For example, a "West Side Story" show might call for bandannas and white T-shirts, while a "Gladiator" theme could be augmented by traditional Roman helmets.
If you are directing at a large school with a prominent band, you may be limited in your choices, as any big changes in the traditional uniform of the band may bring angry calls from alumni, the head football coach, even the president of the university. You may even need to run all uniform changes past a special committee at some schools.
Be wary of bargain-basement prices on uniforms. There are a lot of companies in this business, and often you get what you pay for. Poor craftsmanship or ill-fitting uniforms can cause hassles that aren't worth the money you saved.

Resources

Who Can Help Sponsored