What Do You Need at Every Competition?
- Black Show Shirt – This is provided to the students prior to their first competition
- Marching Shoes – Order at Enrollment or Uniform Fitting Appointment
- Black Gloves – Order at Enrollment or Uniform Fitting Appointment
- Long Black Socks – They must cover ankles (We recommend keeping a spare set in your uniform bag)
- Team Spirit and Pride in your Uniform!
Anything Else?
Please take a moment to read the FAQ on this page to make sure you are ready for competition day!
See you on the field!
Uniform FAQ
What does the Marching Band Uniform look like?
Our uniform consists of a blue jacket with a sash, black bibs, a hat called a shako, black gloves, and marching shoes.
Are there any extra items on the uniform?
Yes. You will be provided with a Black KR T-shirt at the beginning of each season which you will have to wear for every presentation, under your uniform. You will not be allowed to march if you don’t wear the black KR t-shirt.
Additionally, you will have to wear long black socks for all competitions. You will not be allowed to march if you don’t wear the knee-high black socks. Believe it or not points are deducted for this.
Why do some students use white gloves?
White gloves are only used by the Drum Majors during performances, but some students like to have an extra pair of white gloves for cleaning their instruments.
*In this case, they are not a requirement for the uniform.
Do I need to buy the uniform?
No, the SMHS Music program will provide you with the jacket, pants, and the shako. It is because of this we ask that you do take care of your uniform while you are wearing it. Should something happen to your uniform it is best to tell at least one of the uniform coordinators as soon as possible, so that it may be fixed before the next performance competition.
How about gloves and shoes? Do I need to buy them?
Yes. Students have to buy their own gloves and marching shoes. We recommend buying at least two pairs of gloves at the beginning of each season.
Where can I buy gloves and shoes?
On Uniform Fitting Day you will have the opportunity of trying on gloves and shoes to know your size, and you will order them from us.
How much do gloves cost?
Two pairs of gloves cost $5.
How much do marching shoes cost?
They cost $35 per pair.
How do I pay for shoes and gloves?
You can pay for them in cash, check, or credit card on registration day or any time after that, until they are delivered out to the students. This is typically right before the first marching band presentations. We will not deliver any item that is not paid for and students cannot march if they are not in full uniform.
What if I already have gloves and marching shoes from a past season?
If they still fit you, you are encouraged to use them again.
Is there any other way to get marching shoes?
Yes, we have many marching shoes, donated from past students that are in really good condition. You do not have to buy shoes if you don’t want to. We highly recommend you to ask any Uniform Coordinator for a pair of loaner shoes.
What if I lose or forget a pair of gloves or shoes?
We always bring spare gloves and shoes to any competition, but remember that these items are your responsibility. Loaners, in this case, should be asked for only in a case of an emergency. Same rule applies to black KR t-shirt and black knee-high socks in the event that you lose yours. **Remember that a loaner means you will return the borrowed item, if you plan to take it home to wash, please let us know.
What is Uniform Fitting Day?
During SMA, usually on the second week or the beginning of the third week, students will come early to try on and have their uniforms fitted and assigned. You will also have the opportunity of placing orders for gloves and/or shoes, or choosing a pair of loaner shoes from our “donated shoes box”. It is also recommended to wear or bring a t-shirt and shorts (to change into) for fitting day as it makes the fitting easier. Also, we do the uniform fittings with the uniform inside out. This is to allow us to get the best and most secure fit for your uniform. Once you have all your uniform fitted, shoes, gloves and shako, you will place your name card on your uniform bag and hang it on the racks by instrument section. Your shako will go in its own box, it too will have a number and go on the shelf above the uniforms.
Can I bring my uniform home?
No, once student has been assigned a uniform, they will also be assigned a specific garment bag with their name on them, and this will be stored at school at all times, and it will be given to your student right before performances.
What should I do with my hair/facial hair on competition day?
Your hair should either be up, if the length permits it, or clipped back, so that when you have your shako on no stray hairs can be seen. Stray hair should be pinned back or hair sprayed at all times during performances. This applies to everyone in the band, boys and girls. This is of great importance to us because the neatness and uniformity of the band is crucial for judgement in competitions. There are even some tournaments in which judges will take points off for small things such as unkempt hair. Same is to be said an facial hair, young men are asked to be clean shaven for all performance competitions.
Can I wear jewelry?
No, you must remove any piece of jewelry such as earrings, neckless, bracelets, or rings before going to the field. Furthermore, you should also remove any nail- polish. You will not be allowed to march if you wear any of these. It’s probably best not to wear personal jewelry on competition days to avoid it getting lost.
What to expect on performance competition days:
When we arrive to our destination we will disembark the buses. There will be a lot of action everywhere. Once uniforms are unloaded you will be able to locate your uniform by instrument section. You will dress over your KR shirt and shorts, with your black knee high socks. Make sure before you put your jacket on your hair is up and that none of it is loose. Also, make sure that if you have jewelry to remove it and place it somewhere safe.
How can I volunteer with uniforms?
Helping with uniforms is one of the most fun activities for parents that want to participate and be close to their kids. These activities are typically during marching season, and you can sign up for: Fitting Day, preparing uniforms and water supplies before performances, hair and makeup on performance days, putting plumes on shakos, distributing water for students, and much more.