Guidelines for the Formal Marching Uniform
Keep the uniforms properly maintained and avoid sitting on dirty surfaces while in uniform if there is no way to protect the uniform. Also, be very careful to not lean on soiled surfaces while wearing the uniform, especially the white side of the jacket. This includes, bleachers, sidewalks, walls, vehicles, or soiled surfaces of any sort.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT clean the uniform on your own for any reason, either dry cleaned or machine washed! All uniforms are cleaned twice a season by a vendor who has specialized training regarding the maintenance of our uniforms.
Your uniform number is your assigned jacket number. You will also be assigned to one of several uniform racks, which will be color coded to the number on your hanger.
Be extra careful to take your own shako; it is difficult to find your shako if someone has taken it by mistake. Plumes will be distributed at a different point and time, depending on the performance venue. Shako boxes are to remain on the shako racks unless otherwise instructed to do differently.
On performance days, take your uniform off the rack and put it on. Return your empty hanger to the rack, putting it in numerical order so it will be there after the performance.
To dress for the performance, remember the following:
1. Long hair (hair that hangs beyond the neck line for both genders) needs to be braided and PINNED inside the shako. Long bangs also need to be pinned back away from face. You are responsible to bring bobby pins, hair spray, rubber bands to help you. Do this PRIOR to dressing out.
2. The official band shirt is to be worn with the uniform. Only in the event that the band has back-to-back performances, will students be allowed to wear other shirts. The band staff will advise members when such an occasion comes up.
3. Black socks must be worn with your black marching shoes. Socks should be long enough so as to not see the flesh on your leg while marching or sitting. Socks in any other color are unacceptable.
4. Adjust the trouser properly by using suspender adjustments. There should be one break in the front crease of the trouser when wearing shoes.
5. The jacket is zipped from the back. Members may need assistance in putting on and removing the jacket. Once it is on, it stays on until instructed by a staff member to do otherwise.
6. When gloves are not being worn on the hands, both gloves are placed in your bib pocket.
7. Plumes can only be handled while wearing gloves; the oils produced from your skin are not good for the plumes. Make sure to place plumes in the plume tubes correctly; go with the direction of the plumes to avoid breaking the plume shafts.
8. Shakos are to be worn with the brim two fingers-width from the nose. Ideally, it should not be altered with the strings inside the shako. Additionally, for students with long hair, they should be fitted with the hair braided and up and pinned. The black band around the rim of the shako is to be worn below the chin for extra security.
11. When the shako is being carried instead of worn, it is to be placed on the right arm. The left arm should be perpendicular to the body and the performer’s fingertips should secure the brim of the shako. When done correctly, the sabers should be facing away from the performer’s body. The shako is not to be held or dangled like a purse. Also, the shako is never to be left alone or unsupervised. In the stadium, please follow instructions as directed by the band staff.
12. Section Leaders will hold inspections prior to EVERY performance. Inspections do factor in to the overall performance grade. Also, a member can have performance privileges removed if the uniform presentation is not in accordance with Dobson Band Handbook standards.
13. The uniform is never to be worn in a partial fashion, i.e.: wearing sneakers with the trousers, or wearing the trouser suspenders off the shoulder. Once it is ALL on, it stays on until instructed otherwise.
14. One’s hair color is not allowed to detract from the uniform. Please adhere to natural colors only.
15. Ball caps are not a part of the uniform and should not be worn whenever any part of the uniform is being worn.
16. Running while in uniform is unacceptable.
17. Earrings and other jewelry should be removed or covered. Watches, however, are acceptable.
18. Remove nail polish and excessive makeup products that detract from the uniform.
19. Member shirts will be the black shirts with the “Spirit of Dobson” emblem on the front. This is the only shirt that is acceptable. Due to it’s special wicking properties, make sure to properly wash the shirt immediately after each use and do not use fabric softener as it well affect the makeup of the fabric.
After a performance, replace your uniform on the hanger in the following order:
1. Trousers over wooden bar crease to crease.
2. The jacket goes on last, unbuttoned and unzipped to allow for drying.
Take the uniform to your assigned rack and have it “checked in” by a parent. Do not place it on the rack until she/he looks it over and checks off your name. Be sure to tell her/him at that time if there is anything wrong with your uniform: rips, stains, missing buttons, etc.
Guidelines for the Informal Marching Uniform
1. Each student is responsible for obtaining black shorts that fit that come down to the knee The bottom of the shorts should extend no lower than 2 inches below or above the knee and must be worn with a black belt at the proper waist level. Running shorts or sweats are not acceptable.
2. This year’s member shirt is to be worn and tucked.
3. The use of a belt is required.
4. Proper sneakers are to be used with white crew or ankle socks. Shoes need to be tied and provide proper support. Do not wear the official marching shoe for informal situations.
5. Guard members will be provided further details that may reflect different standards noted above, but consistent to the band staff’s expectations.
6. Long hair (hair that hangs beyond the neck line for both genders) needs to be in a ponytail or braided. Long bangs also need to be pinned back away from face. You are responsible to bring bobby pins, hair spray, rubber bands to help you. Do this PRIOR to dressing out.
7. Gloves are used for performance.
8. Shakos will not be worn. Ball caps are not to be worn unless given permission by the band staff.
9. Sun glasses are not to be worn unless given permission by the band staff.
10. One’s hair color is not allowed to detract from the uniform. Please adhere to natural colors only.
11. Running while in the informal uniform is unacceptable.
12. Earrings and other jewelry should be removed or covered. Watches, however, are acceptable.
13. Remove nail polish and excessive makeup products that detract from the uniform.
Guidelines for Marching Rehearsal Attire
The purpose of the following expectations is to provide proper safety and optimum instruction.
1. White shirts are to be worn to all rehearsals and should be as form fitting as possible in order to assess proper body posture. Guard members will have similar expectations outlined specifically by the guard staff.
2. Shorts or pants should also be form fitting to assess proper body posture, but should not restrict movement or flexibility. Guard members will have similar expectations outlined specifically by the guard staff.
3. Shoes for all members must provide proper support for the physical demands of the activity. Track or running shoes are required. Vans, slip on shoes, flip-flops, boots, or any form of loose-fitting shoe is dangerous and not permitted.
4. Sun Protection is strongly advised, such as: hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camel pack provides safety and comfort.
Guidelines for Concert Band Attire
Concert band attire is handled differently in some respects than the marching band guidelines. Concert attire for all performing ensembles in the Music Department at Dobson High School is formal and professional. It is expected/required that all musicians wear the same attire enabling the focus to be on the music rather than personal clothing. To dress for performances, adhere to the following:
1. Once uniforms are attained, they are kept and dry cleaned by the individual user of the uniform.
2. The ladies will purchase a specific uniform dress provided by a specific vendor within the first month of school.
3. The gentlemen have the option of renting a tuxedo (pants, jacket, tie and cummerbund) provided by renting an upgrade tuxedo from a specific vendor or purchasing a tuxedo from a specific vendor. The trouser should be worn with one break on the front crease of the tuxedo pant legs when wearing shoes. Button the tuxedo jacket using the top button (only) when standing. When sitting down, it is appropriate to unbutton the jacket completely.
4. For the gentlemen, black socks must be purchased and worn with the tuxedo. Socks should be long enough so as to not see your leg while sitting. Socks in any other color are unacceptable.
5. For the gentlemen, a white wing-tipped tuxedo must be purchased. White button down shirts are not acceptable. Also, it is an expectation that shirts be laundered and pressed following each performance. Wrinkled and soiled shirts that are left in lockers are not acceptable or allowed for performance situations.
6. All performers will purchase shoes from a specific vendor. It is expected that the gentlemen wear the black patent leather shoes that the marching band wears. If a male member participated in marching band, they will not need to purchase additional shoes; they are the same style. Male members who don’t participate in marching band and all ladies will have a specific pair of shoes that will need to be purchased soon after the school year begins.
7. With regard to hair colors and styles, all performers are expected to use natural colors that may, in the eyes of the band staff, detract from the performance. For both males and females, one’s hair is to be drawn away from the face and styled in a classic manner. Take time and pride in presenting oneself in a professional manner.
8. Costume jewelry (earrings, bracelets, rings) used to enhance the uniform is acceptable when used tastefully at the band staff’s discretion. Diamonds, pearls, silver/gold jewelry is always a beautiful and elegant touch. Colorful and bulky jewelry is discouraged.
9. Attire checks are made prior to EVERY performance and are a factor in the performers’ grade. Also, a performer can have performance privileges removed if the uniform presentation is not in accordance with Dobson Band Handbook standards.
10. The uniform is never to be worn in a partial fashion. Once it is ALL on, it stays on until instructed otherwise by a staff member or when the student has left campus.
11. Ball caps are not a part of the uniform and should not be worn whenever any part of the uniform is being worn. Similarly, sunglasses are not to be used indoors.
12. Running while in uniform is unacceptable.
Vendors for Uniform Needs
At appropriate times of the year, the following vendors come to Dobson High School to fit students and collect payment for proper performance attire. Below is basic contact information regarding our three primary vendors:
Hayden School Supplies
55 Hoover Ave, Mesa AZ 85210
480.968.2670
Supplier of: marching shoes, men’s concert shoes, gloves. This vendor visits Dobson once at the Parent/Student Orientation prior to the school year and again within the first two months of school.
LeSueur’s Tuxedo
www.lesueurstuxedos.com
156 South Mesa Drive, Mesa - (480) 890-2924
Supplier of the male concert attire: tuxedo pants, coat, and accessories. The tuxedo shoes must be purchased by Hayden School Supplies and are the same shoes that are used for the Marching Band. This vendor visits Dobson within the first two months of school, well in advance of the first performance in October.
Tuxedo Wholesaler
http://www.tuxedowholesaler.com/
7622 West Drive
Peoria, Az 85345
800-828-2802
Supplier of the female concert attire. The pattern style is referred to as: Caitlen. This vendor visits Dobson within the first two months of school, well in advance of the first performance in October.