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.

On May 7-9, 2010, the jazz program will be traveling to Nashville Tenessee to perform, record and have a blast!  The combo will get to record in RCA studios, and all the kids will get to perform at the Country Music Hall of Fame.  We will also get to go to the IMax Theatre, Opry Mills, and a really cool mini-golf/go-kart/arcade.  This will be an amazing trip.  Cost will be about $300 per student if the transportation costs are raised or donated through the boosters.  Parents are welcome to chaperone and I especially could use a female or two to help with the girls.  Chaperone costs will be about $50 more since you will be two to a room and not 4.

We are doing some fund raising for this trip.  The jazz social in March will go to help with the transportation costs.  The kids are selling candy right now, cookie dough in Feb, and probalby another candy sales in Feb or March.   If we get all the transportation cost raised or donated, the student's will not have to cover that.  If they have to, their trip cost could raise by as much as $100 per student.

We are very excited about this trip and I hope you are too!