There are two primary uniforms that Westwood band performers wear, marching uniforms and concert uniforms. Below are descriptions for each.
Summer Uniform
We will use a "Summer Uniform" that will allow our students to stay cooler/safe during the first few performances of the year, including Exhibition, the first 2-3 football games, and the Homecoming Parade. The Summer Uniform will consist of black shorts of school-appropriate length, one of the band t-shirts that students will receive (we will always specify which shirt to wear), sunglasses, and tennis shoes/athletic shoes that you would wear to marching band practice.
Marching Uniforms
All students are fitted and issued marching uniforms during Summer Band Camp. Marching uniforms typically stay at school, however there are occasions when students need to bring their uniform home. Marching shoes can be stored in the student's locker if there is space (fall of 2022 is an exception due to construction in the band hall). Students change into the marching uniform before football games, competitions, and other activities (e.g., Festival of the Bands). On a typical Friday, students will get out of class and change into their compression shorts and show shirt and then eat dinner. After dinner, students will locate their uniform on the correct rack (typically racks are in the orchestra room) and change into their uniform. After the game, students return to the band hall and hang up their marching uniforms. The uniform must be hung up properly before the student will be allowed to leave the band hall. In fall 2019, we were excited to reveal our new uniforms!
Marching uniform items provided by Westwood:
- Bibs (pants)
- Shirt
- Jacket
- Gauntlets
- Shako & hat wrap (Note: Percussion front ensemble and tubas do not wear shakos)
- Garment bag
The following marching uniform items are purchased by the student's family, either through band registration in the spring or on your own.
Purchased through band registration:
- Marching shoes
- Gloves
- Show shirt
- Rehearsal shirt
Purchased on your own:
- Black athletic shorts
- Black compression shorts (these are strongly encouraged although some students prefer regular shorts)
- Black above ankle socks (no logos, figures or patterns)
- Half gallon water jug
Concert Uniforms
All students are issued concert uniforms (to keep at home) in November which comprise of the following:
Gentlemen - Will be issued a tuxedo jacket, bow tie and pants (students can opt to wear their own dress black pants). Men are responsible for providing:
- Tuxedo shirt must be pintucked/pleated, but you can choose the type of collar (full or wings) and color of buttons (black or white). Inexpensive options can be found at Al's Formal Wear, Hobby Lobby, amazon.com and via online search.
- Black dress shoes or your marching shoes (if in good condition) and tall black socks (like we use during marching season)
Ladies - Will be issued a long black concert dress. Ladies are responsible for providing their own black dress shoes and black dress socks. Concert dresses may be washed at home on the gentle cycle in cold water (use normal detergent) and hang to dry or use the “no heat” setting on dryer.
Students are responsible for wearing the uniform to each concert and UIL competition. Students return the uniforms after the last concert (except for those who are playing at graduation, typically Wind Ensemble members grades 9-11).
Students are responsible for returning all school-issued items upon leaving the band program or graduation.
