Choosing the Right Attire for Your Music Band
How to Make Your Music Band Dress for Success
As a musician, your stage wear should be comfortable and easily transportable. It should also be appropriate for the type of music you play and give you the image you want to present.
For example, rock bands might wear skinny jeans and a matching t-shirt. Or, bluegrass musicians might want to stick with classics like flannel and docs.
Style
It takes a lot of energy to play music in front of an audience. It’s important to wear clothes that will allow you to move freely and not distract the crowd.
Whether you’re in a school band or an adult ensemble, uniform attire is important to presenting a polished performance. Standard concert dress is black, which provides a formal and uniform look for the ensemble.
Some musicians like to create a distinct style by adding accessories to their outfits. These items can include a cute watch, hip sunglasses, headband or scarf. However, it’s best to keep the number of accessories minimal so you can concentrate on your performance.
You should also be careful about choosing a style that reflects the genre of music you play. For example, a jazz band wearing muscle shirts and tattoos might not appeal to audiences. Similarly, a rock band in suits might not resonate with fans. Nevertheless, it’s important to follow the rules of your band’s costume guidelines.
Color
When it comes to concert attire, the details are important. Students who are dressed poorly tend to distract the audience and can affect the quality of their performance. In addition, judges at band festival rate ensembles on their overall appearance and the appearance of individual students, including clothing choices.
A good uniform designer will create a uniform with specific rules about what students can and cannot wear on stage. This includes shirts with three-quarter sleeves or longer, dress shoes and black socks, a solid or patterned black jacket (and not one that is yellowed or worn out) and a black hat.
Some schools allow students to wear accessories like a bandana, wristband or scarf that is complementary to the outfit. However, too many colors can cause the ensemble to look too busy and distract from the music.
Fabric
Ultimately, the attire a band wears should be comfortable and practical for the performance context. This includes considering the venue, weather conditions, mobility requirements, and any thematic elements that may be incorporated into the performance. By working closely with school administrators, uniform designers, and suppliers like Cousin’s Concert Attire, bands can ensure that the selected uniforms are both stylish and representative of their program.
While uniforms offer visual uniformity for audiences, it is important to remember that individual personality and musicianship will shine through no matter what everyone is wearing. For this reason, it’s best to avoid all-satin and polyester uniforms in favor of fabrics like cotton and stretch velvet that can better support the movements of flutes, percussionists, and horn players.
Shoes
Besides being functional, the shoes worn by musicians must be stylish as well. They must complement the marching uniforms and add to the visual appeal of the performance. Moreover, they must be comfortable enough to wear during long practice sessions and performances. They must also be durable and sturdy.
While flat shoes are preferred by many musicians, a small number prefer heels. This may be due to a desire to add height or to maintain their comfort level. However, it is important to note that too high heels can cause injury to the feet and ankles.
There are various types of marching band shoes, including performance shoes, drill team shoes, and drum major shoes. Some brands also offer custom shoes for individuals with unique feet or who need a specialized fit.