Dear marching band family,
Please review the information provided below regarding the use and care of your band uniform.
Each student has been fitted and assigned various pieces that comprise their marching uniform. Uniforms that require alterations will be sent home TODAY, Monday September 16th, and should be returned to racks in the band hallway with requested alterations no later than Saturday, September 21st by noon.
These uniforms are very expensive and difficult to replace. Students will be financially responsible for each piece of the uniform. Damage to or loss of any part of the uniform due to negligence on the part of the student will result in full replacement charges. The uniforms will stay on garment racks at Athens Drive High School at all times unless told to take them home.
On game nights, students will arrive at school in their show shirt and shorts. They will put on the remainder of the uniform once at school. There will be a uniform parent present to help the students get dressed and address any uniform concerns such as missing buttons. It is the student’s responsibility to return the uniform, in their garment bags, to the racks after the performance.
On competition days, students will arrive at Athens in their show shirt and shorts (or pants in cooler weather). Before leaving for the competition, students will “½ dress” for the bus ride to the competition. ½ dress means they will wear their show shirt, black bibs, black socks, and black marching shoes. Their jackets will stay in their suit bag on the uniform racks, which will be loaded on the semi and taken to the competition. They will finish dressing (jacket, hat & gloves) shortly before warm-ups.
Alternations: If alterations were requested (bibs shortened or lengthened, jacket sleeves shortened or lengthened) at the time uniforms were sent home, those details were emailed to families. All alterations are the responsibility of the student/family. Please remember, uniform jackets and pants should NEVER be cut! If necessary, alterations that are not completed by the requested due date of Saturday, September 21st, the uniform committee will handle the alterations and the charges will be applied to the students band account.
Shoes: Each rookie/1st year member will be fitted for a pair of black marching shoes. The shoes will be charged to your band account. Returning members must only purchase a new pair if you have outgrown your old shoes or if they are damaged. Use the outside shoe pouch on your garment bag to store your shoes. It is the student’s responsibility to clean their shoes before EVERY performance.
Socks: Band members are responsible for providing their own socks. Band members must wear plain black socks. These socks must be crew length, not ankle socks. We do not want to see any leg skin while you are marching. You may want to keep a spare somewhere. If a student does not have the appropriate black socks, a pair can be provided and the cost will be charged to their band account.
Pants/bibs: Pants should be stored properly with the legs creased and hanging over the sturdy hanger supplied. The pants should be hung and stored so that no wrinkles appear. Students may wear shorts or pants underneath the uniform pants. When wearing clothing underneath the uniform, make sure they are short or rolled up so that no clothing is showing outside of the uniform sleeve or pant leg. We do not want to see any bulges in your uniform due to your clothing underneath so be selective with what you choose to wear.
Jackets: When not being worn, jackets should be hung smoothly over the sturdy hanger and stored inside the garment bag.
Gloves: Band members (except percussion) will receive 1 pair of white gloves at the beginning of the season. If gloves are lost or need to be replaced, the replacement fee will be charged to their band account. Gloves can be washed at home in bleach when necessary. Percussion members will be given a pair of black wrist guards at the beginning of the season. If wrist guards need to be replaced, a replacement fee will be charged to their account.
Shakos (hats): Shakos will be stored in shelves in the band room. Students are responsible for carrying shako/hat boxes with them anytime the band travels. It must be picked up for each performance and replaced when they return.
Sling bag & cap: Students were issued black sling bags and royal blue caps. On warm days when the band wears just show shirts and shorts, they should wear their blue caps and carry their black sling bags. On nights when the band is in full uniform, students should carry the black sling bag and have their blue caps in their bags to wear when playing in the stands.
Uniform replacement charges and fines
Black socks – $5 per pair
White gloves – $7 per pair
Black wrist guards – $10 per pair
Black marching shoes – $50 per pair
Show shirt – $20 (very limited replacement supply available)
Black sling bag – $25
Royal blue cap – $20
Returning the Uniform: Each piece of the uniform must be returned at the end of the marching season. The uniform committee will check uniforms to ensure all pieces are accounted for. Student accounts will be charged for damaged or missing pieces. All uniforms not returned on time will be charged a fee of $50 to their band account.
Thank you for helping our marching band students represent Athens Drive by looking their best! Please reach out to the Uniform Committee with any questions at uniforms@athensdriveband.com.
