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UIL Contest Attire

Posted by 1st Timer on 3/23/2026, 7:51 am

Going to UIL this week. My JH band will be wearing jeans and their band t-shirt. Would it be acceptable for me to wear just slacks, shirt and tie or should I do the whole suit? I don't want to break any unwritten rules but at the same time not show up looking way over dressed compared to the ensemble. First time to contest so I just want to make sure everything is correct in what I do.
Thank you in advance for your time.

Re: UIL Contest Attire

Posted by WW Guy on 3/24/2026, 9:12 am, in reply to "UIL Contest Attire"

Go suit and tie. You have to remember that most of the judges are older more traditional directors. Some of them will get salty if you arent dressed properly and it will psychologically look at your group in a different light from the get go. Its kind of like doing a march on at marching contest, if you are out of step during your march on then you are already worse off out of the gate. It wont affect your overall scores directly but if you are on an edge it might get you less forgiveness.

Is it right? Of course not.
Does it still happen? Absolutely it does. Even if its not conscious by the judge.

Gotta play the game.

Re: UIL Contest Attire

Posted by Syring on 3/31/2026, 9:13 am, in reply to "Re: UIL Contest Attire"

I only once didn't have my kids in uniform at concert UIL contest due to an 8am performance time and having to drive 100+ miles to get there. We wore band t-shirts and jeans. One judge commented that it was inappropriate and gave us a 2. Luckily we made ones with the other two judges and made our Sweepstakes. Never again did we risk it and always wore uniforms to contest. I had a conversation later about this iissue with another director who judged a lot. He said bands should wear uniforms at all contests including festivals where you are submitting recordings for Honor Band consideration. I don't see how TMEA could monitor this issue. Taking middle school bands to festivals and submitting recordings for Honor Band through the years at schools that had no uniforms for middle school band we would wear band t-shirts and jeans. Small schools don't always have the budgets to afford uniforms for middle school.

Re: UIL Contest Attire

Posted by Yeah... on 3/23/2026, 12:03 pm, in reply to "UIL Contest Attire"

I have the kids wear "black on top, black on bottom".

I've always gone with a suit and tie....however after this year when warm-up, stage, and sightreading were so hot that I soaked through the suit with sweat I am going to rethink that.

Be comfortable, and look good doing it.

Re: UIL Contest Attire

Posted by Mithrandir on 3/23/2026, 11:20 am, in reply to "UIL Contest Attire"

Ask your feeder HS and/or another school in your district what their suggestion is they will have a more accurate picture of the "social norm".
What about band shirt with a sport coat?
Shirt and slacks all black (no tie)?

Re: UIL Contest Attire

Posted by JGibson on 3/23/2026, 11:15 am, in reply to "UIL Contest Attire"

Slacks with shirt and tie will be acceptable and plenty good. For me, I'd skip the tie and wear slacks with long sleeved collared black shirt for a bit more dressy look. IMHO also acceptable. Do what makes you comfortable and professional.

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