The Yellow Board

Reasonable Uniformity in Stands

Posted by 2A BD on 7/22/2022, 2:04 pm

Hello All,

I'm looking to implement some changes to improve our image at public performances. I want to make sure student needs in the elements are met first and foremost, however we have had issues with students wearing off color hoodies or shoes in the stands that just don't make us look professional. My thought in colder weather is to have students layer underneath marching jackets and provide as many blankets etc. as they need to stay warm. (the issue has mainly been in colder weather)

Does anyone have verbiage in their policies or handbooks that has worked well for you that you wouldn't mind sharing?

Thank you!

Re: Reasonable Uniformity in Stands

Posted by Houston on 7/25/2022, 10:27 am, in reply to "Reasonable Uniformity in Stands"

Didn't have much of an issue.

I had 2 rules. 1. Didn't care how many layers you had under the uniform but the outermost layer had to be solid black.

2. If it was extremely cold or Homecoming you could wear a letterman jacket over the uniform jacket or in place of the jacket in the stands.

Re: Reasonable Uniformity in Stands

Posted by Perc Dir on 7/24/2022, 7:29 am, in reply to "Reasonable Uniformity in Stands"

We have a hoodie that the kids are required to purchase as part of their uniform. Once the weather gets colder, their hoodies go under their coats. It looks uniform and keeps them plenty warm.

Re: Reasonable Uniformity in Stands

Posted by Just asking on 7/24/2022, 2:14 pm, in reply to "Re: Reasonable Uniformity in Stands"

How much do your kids spend on "required to purchase" stuff and fees every year?

Re: Reasonable Uniformity in Stands

Posted by Perc Dir on 7/24/2022, 11:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Reasonable Uniformity in Stands"

Freshmen take the brunt with about $400 total. Every year after that, the kids only need to pay around $100 (show shirt and food fee) and for whatever else they need to replace.

Re: Reasonable Uniformity in Stands

Posted by BDSO on 7/25/2022, 9:04 am, in reply to "Re: Reasonable Uniformity in Stands"

Relatively speaking, that's cheap. I know one school in my area that was charging $2,500 for freshmen/new students and $2,300 for everyone else about seven years ago. I can only imagine it has gone up. Personally, I don't think kids/families should have to pay a single penny to be in band, and that includes for instruments and related supplies, but I don't want to derail this thread.

Re: Reasonable Uniformity in Stands

Posted by DesertJazz on 7/23/2022, 9:07 pm, in reply to "Reasonable Uniformity in Stands"

You're talking about the end of the season, correct? Is this really a hill worth dying on? I'm down on the coast so my kids especially aren't acclimated to colder climates. Additionally we've intentionally taken and purchased the lightest uniform designs we can to avoid the heat earlier in the year. This may sound terrible, but when we get to a really cold game I really don't care what they wear in the stands. Everyone else in the bleachers will be similarly bundled up and I don't think anyone really cares.

If this is something you really care about, I would recommend providing the overcoats that we wore in Ohio during winter. BandShoppe lists them as 'STANDARD PERFORMER RAINCOAT ACTIVEAIRE LINING' and they'll run you about $100 per coat.

By having a uniform overcoat you can get that look and avoid the battle that you'll otherwise be fighting.

To be perfectly honest there are so many hills to die on, I wouldn't pick this stand. To each their own though!

Best wishes on your year!

Re: Reasonable Uniformity in Stands

Posted by Me on 7/23/2022, 7:21 pm, in reply to "Reasonable Uniformity in Stands"

It’s not often that it’s cold enough for a blanket in Texas. The kids are not professionals, they are students and aren’t paid. Let’s be real. It’s tooting a horn at a game.

Re: Reasonable Uniformity in Stands

Posted by Pepperidge Farm Remembers on 8/1/2022, 9:20 am, in reply to "Re: Reasonable Uniformity in Stands"

Remember when Texas had Snow up in the Pan Handle and 100 degree in the Valley and flooding on the coast and damaging high winds in Central Texas?

All on the same Thursday?

I memmer...

Re: Reasonable Uniformity in Stands

Posted by Also Me on 7/24/2022, 6:28 am, in reply to "Re: Reasonable Uniformity in Stands"

It’s much different in Lubbock in October than it is in Lufkin, Lake Worth, Laredo, or Luling.

Don’t generalize. It gets plenty cold in the panhandle.

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