Right as the spring starts to blossom, SBO has an annual tradition of sharing what’s new in the band uniform world. This year, however, the landscape for live performances feels a little more dismal than usual, due to the cancellation and postponement of most large gatherings to hinder the spread of COVID-19.
While it may seem hard to plan or even think about any major event opportunities for your students right now, we’re sharing these resources as a promise of a forthcoming return to normalcy for you and your students. Below, SBO checked in with eight major uniform and footwear companies to see what’s on the horizon for style and comfort in the B&O world.
Fred J. Miller has introduced the Power-Flex line of uniforms. With FJM’s original Power-Flex Jacket and Power-Flex Shirt, it’s the simple story of FJM starting from scratch, and nailing the essential: trim, tailored silhouettes with clear, clutter-free lines. Now add state-of-the-art digital artwork, imagined by the FJM art department, and you’ve got an on-trend visual way to tell any story. Reveal a different theme every year and every show! Rich colors and striking artwork combine with impressive FJM construction to make each garment unique.
www.fjminc.com
As with all businesses, the focus in recent days has been on the safety and well-being of our families and our employees at DeMoulin Bros. & Co. This past year has been filled with creative ideas and designs to reflect the highest visual impact while incorporating traditional elements to reflect school identity. The use of sublimated prints has never been more prominent. Added components such as decorative hat wraps, waist drops, and elaborate plume products are continuing to bring an overall consistency to the uniform look for both collegiate and high school programs. The design staff of Michael Gray, Rob Depp and Chad Duggan continues to work with our regional sales managers and their clients to bring their visual ideas to reality. We welcome the creative thoughts and concepts that our clients bring to the conversation through various means of communication. You can find our most recent catalog of designs as well as in depth information regarding our costume and uniform offerings by visiting our website, or call us direct at 1-800-228-8134.
www.demoulin.com
The Blue Devils won their first World Championship marching Rolled-Heel, Drillmasters, 27 years ago! Since then, they have won 10 more DCI World championships, were awarded five Perfect Scores for Visual Ensemble and won 400-plus competitions – every victory marching Drillmasters. Despite the extraordinary rigor Blue Devil programs demand, during hundreds of contests performers never suffered a single injury. Achieving ridiculously complex drill plus flawless musicianship safely, their footwear delivered the highest levels of comfort. Drills are well-proven to boost scores, promote unified style, improve foot-timing and enhance marching performance. It will be a whole lot easier for your school band musician- athletes to win their next contest when they march in the Blue Devils shoes!
www.drillmaster.com
Like many companies in our industry, Stanbury Uniforms has been doing our part to respond to the ongoing pandemic by manufacturing masks for local facilities that have a specific need. However, we are certainly also looking forward to what the fall 2020 marching season could look like. As we look to the future, Stanbury Uniforms has the technology and expertise to further expand what is possible in uniform design. The options for printed graphics are limitless, the range of printable colors and the types of fabrics that can be used are continually expanding, making the design options even more far-reaching than before. However, this pandemic has seemingly brought some of the focus back to our own individual schools and communities.
One trend for 2020, we believe, will be designs that are more centered around school spirit and more representative of our local communities, with a movement toward more looks based on school colors. We will be looking for ways to take those school-color-based designs and offer add-on options that can be show-themed or performance-specific. Multiple plumes and interchangeable or removable pieces can be added or taken away from the overall design to give a desired effect. Schools will have the option of choosing one uniform that can offer multiple uses by “changing up” the look for halftime, parades and competitions.
www.stanbury.com
The Band Hall is at the forefront of technology and innovation. Outstanding customer service and Innovative design are hallmarks of The Band Hall. We are excited to utilize the latest in fabrics and printing technology to bring our customers unique looks for their programs. We used beautiful textures and bold digital imagery to create this striking design for Park Vista High School Band, pictured to the left.
www.thabandhall.com
Recently, Smith Walbridge Band Products has facilitated the emergence of new marching accessories that combine tradition and technology. The DSI Hyperformace Glove combines modern styling and comfort, and the durability eliminates the need to have multiple pairs per season. A hexagonal silicone palm offers a better grip than beaded gloves, and mesh between the fingers offers a breathability not found in other marching gloves.
Footwear is one of the most important accessories to the marching uniform. It needs to perform both visually and mechanically. The DSI Crossover was developed to keep performers looking and feeling their best. It offers comfort and support while maintaining the smooth transition to the forefoot. The athletic style holds up to rigorous use, blends well with uniforms, and even has room for spats.
www.swbandproducts.com
The Charlotte Dress from Cousin’s Concert Attire is in stock and ready to ship immediately. This dress features a heart-shaped neck, 3/4 sleeve, and floor length gown with an inverted V-front empire waistband. This dress has back ties and no back zipper, and is made in wrinkle-resistant, easy care matte jersey stretch knit. Contact Cousin’s Concert Attire to request a fabric swatch or a sample at [email protected] or 800-881-5343.
www.concertattire.com
Dinkles marching shoes have always been one step ahead, whether in the comfort, safety and performance of their shoes, or in bringing new styles to the band rooms across the country or around the globe. The Vanguard is the all-leather shoe which defined the marching shoe industry over 30 years ago and continues to lead all others in comfort and style. The vinyl Glide is the affordable shoe that gives every marcher the same uniformed appearance without breaking the budget. Together, there’s never been a more powerful one-two punch for band directors to choose from for their program to experience the best results whether on the football field, parade route or concert stage.
www.dinkles.com
