The band is currently in the process of getting new uniforms.  We have a design made that is awesome and more up to date.  The company we are using, FJM, is making a prototype as we speek.  Our goal to it get these by next season.  It is a lofty goal, but we think it is doable.

Why  we need new uniforms:

Our current uniforms are fairly good looking.  They are a traditional style uniform that is great for parade bands and home football games.  They do not serve our needs as a competitive field band however.  The uniform is bulky, hot, and the horizontal lines, cape, hat, and fit make the band look short and squatty.  We need a different uniform to keep up with the modern trends in marching band.  We need to took tall, athletic, and sleek.  On a more practical side of things, our current uniforms are a time consuming project for the band boosters.  Every year, we have about 60 kids that get fitted for a uniform and then the pants and jackets have to be hemmed to fit that student.  This is a very daunting task.  The new style uniforms have hemless sleeves and pants.  This is accomplished by a series of snaps inside the garments.  Cool!!!  The uniforms are also machine washable and come with an 8 year waranty.  This will save us between $1000 and $3000 every year.

The cost of new uniforms:

The cost of the new uniform is between $250 and $300 per uniform.  We will need to get about 60 the first year, the high end of that projection is $18,000.  The boosters had all ready started putting that money away and we have a good start.  We are hoping that donations will be made, the school will help some, and we will raise the rest.

The pride of new uniforms:

We are proud to be in the Red Regiment Band.  We take pride in our uniform and we always will, new ones or not.  But!  A new uniform will give us a renewed sense of pride, a fresh look on the field, and a competitive advantage.  The students are stoked about this uniform design and that builds momentum in recruiting, and the bands motivation.  Our current design is about 10 years old and is reaching the end of its ability to serve the band.  We hope everyone will get on board with helping us to acquire new uniforms.  Mr. Limback has the design in his office and will have it at concerts and events throught the year.  Feel free to contact him if you want to make donations or if you have any ideas on how to make this more of a reality for the band.

January 15,

Well, we are off to another great semester!  We have already had Conference Band tryouts!  Congratulations to Cole Thompson for making 4th chair trombone.  Kiran Patel and Sarah Thompson were one person away!  They'll get in next year.  Our Spring calendar is shaping up and almost finished.  It is very busy as we have the Jazz Bands trip to Nashville, FUNdraising for uniforms, and our usual array of Spring activities.  Please check the Spring Calendar article for these dates.  Pay attention to the date updated as the dates do tend to change and fluctuate to accomodate special circumstances.

Jazz Band is off to a very good start.  Our rhythm section is starting to play well and we really have a strong group of wind players.  These students are very dedicated.  They are coming in every day for 7:15AM rehearsal.  As soon as we have our material for the Jazz Social learned, we will back off on rehearsals.  They are truely a pleasure to teach and they are so polite, they don't even tell me when I am yelling at them for things that aren't their fault.  What great people!

The Jazz Combo is going to be awesome this year!  These students are really playing well and learning how to play jazz.  Jazz is such a high level thinking activity that demand instant knowlege and creativity.  I am very impressed with their potential.

The concert band is finishing up Pep Band Season and dabling in contest music.  We will be performing at District Music Festival in March (Not on Spring Break!!!!!!!) and we will be travelling to Springfield for the Pride Classic in April.  We will also have two formal concerts this semester (See the Calendar article).  I am very excited about the concert band.  Our low brass has such a good sound and we have good players in every section.  If I choose the right music, we should do very well this year.  Regardless, we will have a good time and learn a lot about music.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact me through email or my cell phone.  If you leave a message on my school phone, I may never get it.  Have a great semester and come out to support us every chance you get!

Derek Limback