Overview

Students are issued uniforms which are the property of the WMBPA.  The uniforms are on loan to them and should be cared for accordingly. They will be fitted and measured at uniform distribution, during the week of band camp (after practice is over), you will be given report times. The uniforms are provided at no charge to the students. The uniforms consist of quite a few components (each has an identifying number).

 

Please note the numbers at home, and have your child know their numbers. This is especially useful on rainy nights — when the raincoats come off, and are put on a bench — they all look alike! Your student is responsible for the uniform pieces and number issued to them.

 

The Uniform Chairperson will also have the numbers recorded. Our uniforms are a recognizable symbol of the sights and sounds of excellence. Our students wear the uniform with pride. Our tartan (the plaid of the uniform) is officially called MacLeod of Lewis from Scotland. Our uniforms are very costly, approximately $1,000 each. Please remind your child to be very responsible with it. Check the uniform as soon as it is issued.  Make sure there are no buttons missing, tears or missing pieces. Occasionally the pants need to be hemmed (but the uniform should NEVER be cut or altered.

 

If you need items (i.e. buttons), contact the Uniform Chairperson  Please do not wait until the first football game. If any problems arise during the year such as missing buttons, please contact the Uniform Chairpersons:  

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There is also a student uniform manager who assists in replacing broken suspenders, etc.

 

The students may not know how to put the uniform together, if not the upper classmen will help. Many of the pieces have different names like the sash is called a baldric.

 

The band camp t-shirt is a part of the uniform. It is to always be worn underneath the other pieces. The band t-shirt is not to be worn at any other time during the year, or by anyone else. The initial t-shirt is paid for by the Association, extra t-shirts may be ordered prior to band camp for $15.00.  It is helpful to have an extra, especially when there is a Friday football game and Saturday competition back to back.

 

Shoes — Shoes are $40 per pair and will be ordered at uniform distribution. Please note that these shoes are the only shoes to be worn with the uniform. There are samples to try on for size at uniform distribution.  If your students shoes still fit and are in good shape, you do not have to purchase a new pair.

 

All band students must have garment bags — $20 (we sell) for transporting the uniform.

 

Pipe Band, Marching Band Battery, Drum Majors & Guard will need tall black socks — Socks cost $5 and will be available for sale at uniform distribution.  Incoming Pipe Band members may also need to purchase their own tall spats to keep. The Pipe Band Director has information on where to purchase this item (approx cost is $35).

 

There is a $15 cleaning fee per uniform which will be collected at Uniform Distribution.  Pipes Band players are issued a Pipe Band Uniform in addition to their Field Uniform, this will be handled separately by the Pipe Band Director.  This ensures that all uniforms will be cleaned during the summer, so the uniforms you receive at distribution are freshly dry-cleaned. The shoes, socks, garment bags and cleaning fees are ordered and paid for at uniform distribution. Please make sure your child has money with them. We accept cash or checks, all checks are made payable to the WMBPA. The uniforms will be held at school until fees are paid.  

 

Additional Uniform Information

There are changes to the uniforms at times, (capes, no capes, raincoat, etc.).  Dr. Mac will post on Remind if any changes or additions need to be made to the uniform  — always check it before a game/competition. Sign up on his page for email alerts for each pre-game and all competition updates.

 

Ribbons and metals are parts of the uniform. They are optional and can be purchased usually around late March (info will be posted). They can be worn on Pipe Band Uniform and regular band uniform after the competition season. This usually commences with the winter concert. The new ribbons are traditionally available at the Marching band banquet after the Memorial Day Parade.

 

Bring raincoat and/or varsity jacket to every event. No other jacket may be worn over the uniform. Layer underneath in the chilly weather.  

 

Clean and dry shoes after every use with dry or damp cotton cloth.

 

DO NOT clean the PLAIDS. The constant cleaning will destroy the bright colors on this expensive material. If there is a stain, or they get dirty, please contact a uniform manager immediately. The jacket and pants must be cleaned during the season at your expense. Please take plaid pieces off before dry cleaning.

 

Strong wooden hangers are a must for the uniforms, with rotating hooks. The uniforms are hung in odd places mostly on the windows of the school bus. The plastic ones, even if strong will not hold up to the constant manipulation of the uniform on and off the hanger.

 

Black gloves and warm hats are NOT part of the uniform but can be worn while sitting in bleachers at the football games. Try a dollar store for fingerless gloves for instruments like flute, clarinet and sax. 

 

Band Uniforms by Ensemble

 

Band — Jacket, pants, cape, baldric, helmet (will be kept at the school), and raincoat

 

Pipe Band Drummers (handled by pipe band) —  In addition to the above Marching Band uniform; Tan parade uniform Shirt, black concert uniform vest, red tie, self supplied black shirt, Kilt, belt, glengarries, flashes, spats (red baldric, leopard, or red bib depending on position and instrument).

 

Pipe Band Pipers (handled by pipe band) — Kilt, flashes, spats, glengarries, Piper Jacket in addition to above band uniform

 

Guard — Skirt, jacket, raincoat, flashes

 

ALL BAND STUDENTS RECEIVE A RAINCOAT.  ALL STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE NUMBERS ASSIGNED TO THEM, INCLUDING UNIFORMS, RAINCOATS, BELTS, HELMETS, AND GLENGARRIES. 

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Band, Pipes and Guard Uniform Care

Jacket & Pants:  Dry clean only after every few performances, or immediately if there are any stains

Plaid & Kilts:  Dry clean only midway through the season, stains, clean immediately

Raincoats, Spats, suspenders, and collar insert:  Machine wash, hang to dry

Tan shirts:  Machine wash or dry clean

Raincoats, gloves, gauntlets, spats:   Machine wash, hang to dry

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Uniform Returns

Uniforms are returned following the Memorial Day Parade (last performance in uniform).  If any article number assigned to you is missing, (even if you turned one in) YOU WILL BE CHARGED.  YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ITEMS ASSIGNED TO YOU.

 

If you have not met your prior year obligation (payment/return for missing parts) you will not receive your uniform in the fall until all obligations are satisfied



RECORD YOUR UNIFORM NUMBERS IN A SAFE PLACE. 

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PUT YOUR NAME ON A PIECE OF MASKING TAPE IN YOUR RAINCOAT,  GLENGARRIE, ETC.  SO YOU CAN LOCATE YOURS QUICKLY. 

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PLEASE DO NOT LABEL PERMANENTLY, THESE ARE ON LOAN AND WILL BE REASSIGNED TO SOMEONE ELSE NEXT YEAR!