Milford Band Boosters
Marching Band

Milford Eagle Marching Band
Uniform Guidelines

Dress Uniforms

Jackets and Pants: While we have made every attempt to alter jackets and pants as needed, it may still be necessary for us to make adjustments. We understand things may need attention after you have worn your uniform a little while. Let us know if you need to adjust the straps on your pants, as we will have to alter the hem length. Your sleeves may need re-snapping after using them with the gauntlets. While in dress uniform, please keep your jacket on and zipped. Under your uniform you must always wear a layer of clothing. These should be modest garments, as sometimes it is necessary to changes on the busses. This layer should include:

• Close fitting Shorts - no bulky waistbands or pockets.
• Shirt WITH SLEEVES - crew-neck shirts (t-shirts) must be black. No turtle-necks.
• Calf-Length Black Socks

For cold weather, plan on needing long under-layers. These uniforms are not fully lined as before.

Hats need to be secure enough not to wobble. Straps should be worn under the chin and adjusted as necessary. Long hair (on guys too) must be pinned up securely inside the hat, off the ears and collar. Have your hair plan ready to go BEFORE arriving for a game or performance, as it is your responsibility. Uniform moms and chaperones are there for quick help, but not as your full hairdresser. Your hair should be a natural color (it doesn’t have to be your natural color).

Plumes will be issued before each performance and must be returned to the uniform helpers after each performance. Remove it from your hat carefully by grasping the base near the hat and pulling straight out. Do not bend the plume forward or back.

Gloves: You will be issued one pair of gloves; replacements or extras for practice are $3. Gloves may not be stored in hatboxes. Take them home with your shoes and socks and wash them as necessary. (Fasten the Velcro, cold water wash, tumble dry on cool.)

Shoes & Socks: Your marching shoes should be cleaned and polished when you come to school for a performance. You must wear calf-length black socks with your uniform. (We don’t want to see any flashes of skin as you step.) You may not store your shoes and socks with your uniform; they should go home with you. Write your name in each shoe with a permanent marker. Your shoe size is not enough to identify them and they get away quite easily when everyone is dressing at once.

Parkas: These will be issued in very cold weather. Check your label for the correct size; (don’t guess) this will minimize the chaos of distribution.

The Fine Print: While in uniform PLEASE do not: wear earrings or other jewelry; chew gum; eat or drink (except clear liquids).

Hanging and Storage: Your jacket, pants and pair of gauntlets each have a unique number that is listed on your uniform bag. Refer to them if you are not sure you have your uniform. (They really DO all look alike.) Your uniform must be hung correctly with the jacket zipped and the pants crease straight. The jacket stores in the bag first, zipper facing out. The gauntlets should be fastened together by the Velcro and stored in the back pouch of your bag. Please leave the garment bag zipper down slightly as you return it. (We will close it completely after checking it) Hang your uniform in the correct order on the rack and store your hatbox on the same rack. Let us know if you have specific cleaning issues, otherwise we will wait and clean all the uniforms at one time.

Casual Uniforms

These are issued to you for the duration of your marching years. They belong to you and should be kept neatly at home, ready for use at the director’s call. Short socks and low-cut gym shoes should be worn with this uniform. Cold-water wash and cool dry will keep the colors nice and dark. Replacement shirts are $15 and shorts are $10.

Windbreaker Jackets & Show Shirts

These items also belong to you and are required at certain times. At contests you are expected to wear your show shirt or windbreaker when not in dress uniform.

Itinerary

The itinerary will always tell you where and what time you are expected to change into your uniform. Please check it and use the allotted time wisely. It will save time and trouble to arrive to school already dressed in the layers that belong under your uniform.

Organization

It is very helpful to have a bag packed with your marching gear, clean and ready to go. Schedules can be hectic and performance day is a difficult time to hunt for your marching shoes, socks, gloves, hairpins, etc.

Uniform Help

The parents who help on the uniform committee are happy to help you. (We haven’t forgotten that you’re our kids.) This year, Mrs. Christopher, Mrs. Bauscher, and Mrs. Duffy head up this team and other parents will be assisting as well. We’ll try to keep you looking your best, and your cooperation is very much appreciated. Let us know if your uniform isn’t right, or you have a “clothing emergency”. We’ll be there each time your dress uniform is required or you can contact Mrs. Christopher () if you have a concern or question.

These guidelines are offered to let you know what is expected when you wear and care for your uniforms. Uniforms help offer your first impression to both audience and judges. They compliment your amazing performances. Wearing this uniform proudly shows a part of the dedication you and others have invested in the Milford Marching Band. While in uniform please conduct yourself courteously and respectfully, as your actions shape others opinions of us all.