new uniforms

The marching band is getting new uniforms. It was an expensive and time consuming process, but I am happy for them. Why? Because the uniforms aren't wool. I marched four years with my high school band. I both played the flute and performed with the colorguard during that time. We had nearly 500 kids in the band, and we preformed mostly field shows — constant movement choreographed to the music. And we wore wool uniforms. The uniforms were great those cold October nights marching half-time shows. If only our fingers were so warm! Our instruments had to be constantly warmed up to produce the right sound, and if it rained (or snowed!) - ugh. It was cold. But we started our season in August, and we marched in the State Fair parades, along with a few others, and those uniforms were entirely too warm. Torture, might be a better word. After a year or two, we were allowed to wear shorts and t-shirts for the parades — not as professional, but we were kids, and it was 90 degrees! So I was happy to hear that while the band decided to go for a "conservative" look for the uniforms, they opted to modernize the material. The outfits are lighter and cooler, but, according to the director, look just as good as the wool. Fairmont's band is primarily a parade band. They do a lot of work in the summer. I am glad to hear the school is taking care of them.