Purchase a Base Layer: Must be worn on performance days to school under typical clothing.
This information is also available in this document: Care and Storage of your Marching Band Uniform
Please purchase or prepare black undergarments to be worn as a “Base Layer” under the uniform. The base layer is an under-garment that needs to be smooth black fabric. Silky compression garments are best. All base layer items are to be in black, unless otherwise communicated by Band Director and/or coaches.
- SHORTS: Kids need 9-inch shorts in black.
- TOPS: This can be a compression tank top, short sleeve or long sleeve (for colder football game evenings) in black. It needs to fit snug, but not tight with no wrinkles as wrinkles will show under the uniform top.
- SOCKS: Long black socks with NO logos (band only).
These items can be purchased online or at Walmart, Target, Kohls, or any sporting goods store.
This base layer is worn to school under typical clothing before performances so students may dress out while in the band room together. There are no dressing rooms.
FYI – Uniform Parts:
- BIBBERS: bibbers are stretchy overalls. Each band marcher is checked out a borrowed pair of bibbers. They should remain folded neatly and hung on the hanger to avoid wrinkles. Please wash in cold water and hang to dry.
- SHOW SHIRT: Show shirt is checked out to marchers and should remain hung neatly on the hanger over the bibbers. Please wash in cold water and hang to dry.
- SOCKS: Long black socks with NO logos (band only) are kept in the zipper pocket of the uniform bag. PLEASE wash after each use.
- SHOES: ALL freshman and new marchers have a new pair of MTX band shoes ordered. The cost is $40 per pair. All returning members, try your shoes on to make sure they fit. If they are too small, bring them in to trade for a different size. IF we have shoes for you, an even trade is no cost. If we must order a new pair, the cost is $40. All lost or damaged shoes that need to be replaced will cost $40. All shoes must be kept clean and ready for performances in the zipper pocket of the uniform bag. All shoe expenses are added to Fair Share Fees and payment can be made through the DRHS bookkeeper.
- GLOVES: A pair of black gloves are issued to most band members in the beginning of the season. Replacement gloves cost $5.00 each. Holes may be cut in the fingertips for clarinet players. Pit, Battery & Guard do not use gloves.
- GUARD: Guard will receive a unitard uniform that coordinate with the marching uniforms. Specific requirements for Guard in terms of base layers and shoes may vary each year. Coaches will communicate any requirements that are different from those listed here.
Each marcher is given an individual uniform bag that will contain: bibbers (the black overalls), show shirt, black marching shoes, socks, gloves (except percussion/battery/Guard), and any other accessories for each section (as applicable). After each performance this bag will come home to wash bibbers, top, gloves, socks, and clean/wipe the shoes. The bag with clean uniform is to be returned on time as communicated by Band Direcotr and the BPO so it is ready for the next performance. If repairs are needed, please let the BPO know ASAP.
Care & Keeping
Please wash the bibbers, tops & gloves after each performance in a cold gentle cycle and hang dry. When dry, fold and hang the bibbers. Tops will be hung over the bibbers on the same hanger. Fold the gloves together and put in zippered pocket. After competitions, kids return the uniform bag by the Thursday rehearsal of the next week to the uniform closet.
It’s handy to prepare a band duffle bag at home to keep DRHS Band Shirt (pressed and folded), compression base layer, extra socks, and hair ties to be ready for competitions. It’s easiest to wash and prep these items right after a competition rather that search for the items to wash & prep the night before the next performance to avoid family stress. 😊
Bits and Pieces:
If there are any troubles with the fit of shoes and your marcher needs a different size, please email damonteranchbpo@gmail.com or contact the Band Director ASAP.
If your marcher needs different size gloves, please wash their current gloves and s/he can trade the clean gloves for a different size during the next rehearsal.
If your child arrives needing long black socks (NO ankle socks), a $2.00 charge will be added to his/her CutTime account.
The uniform team is comprised of parent volunteers. They work hard to properly measure & fit your marcher, alter & repair uniform items, problem solve missing and lost pieces, and manage uniform bags for events. Your help is welcome – they meet during rehearsals before the first performance to prep uniforms, and help is needed during competitions as well. Please help at home by washing, teaching to hang items, and helping your marcher to make sure all items are present.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns – as always please contact damonteranchbpo@gmail.com.
