Uniforms: Bear Creek H.S. provides each student with a uniform. The Marching Band Uniform consists of the following pieces:

Jacket
Bibbed pants
Gauntlets
Hat & plume
Gloves
Shoes

It is the responsibility of each student to maintain these uniforms to the highest standard. Normal wear and tear is expected. Each student will be fitted with a jacket, bibbed pants, gauntlets, gloves and hat. Each student will also receive a garment bag to keep their uniform in and a hat- box to keep their hat in. The plume will be given to each student prior to a performance and collected afterwards. Each student will need to purchase a special pair of marching shoes. See shoe section for details.

Care and Cleaning: Students will be responsible for the cleaning and care of their uniforms. Specific instructions for uniform care will be given to each student during uniform fitting. Uniforms must be cleaned throughout the season to maintain a sharp appearance. It is the student's responsibility to have their uniform in outstanding condition for each performance. Wrinkled, soiled or stained uniforms will not be tolerated. There will be no eating or drinking in uniform! Students will be charged replacement fees for uniforms that are not returned, permanently stained or torn due to misuse.

Uniform Cleaning Instructions:

These uniforms are extremely expensive so it is important that you follow the cleaning instructions.

The pants must be DRY-CLEANED to maintain the quality of the fabric. When washed, the fabric will break down and begin to pill.

The jacket must NOT be dry- cleaned. The chemicals will dissolve the sequins. Pull the sleeves through to the inside and place the jacket in a pillowcase, cinch up the pillowcase and wash alone on a delicate cycle in cold water. Woolite is the best detergent because it does not contain chemicals. The sequin backing may bleed slightly, so use an old or dark pillowcase.

The gauntlets should be hand washed using Woolite. DO NOT dry-clean.

The gloves can be washed in cold water. They may shrink slightly in the dryer.

The shoes are leather and with a little care will last 4 years. Treat with black shoe polish and then buff to shine.

Gloves: Students will receive one free pair of black gloves. These gloves should be washed in the washing machine each week. If the student needs another pair, he/she may purchase them at his/her expense. Gloves will be sold at $4.00 per pair. New gloves will be available for purchase before each performance.

Shoes: Each student will need to purchase a pair of black marching shoes for $29.00. These shoes need to be uniform in appearance and need to be purchased through our Uniform Chairperson. This year we will be using a brand of shoe called 'Drillmasters'. Drillmasters have a leather upper and rubber sole to prevent slippage. They also have a rolled heel to facilitate proper marching technique. Students will be fitted for shoes during the band camp week and orders will be placed. In addition, all students have the option to select shoes from our used school supply and find a pair that fits them. These shoes will be sold to students for $5.00 a pair. Please make checks payable to BCHS Music Boosters. Color Guard members will purchase a shoe specifically designed for dance. Shoes will be ordered through the band and prices will be made available at a later date. Shoes must be shined before each performance.

Shorts: Students will be required to wear a pair of thin shorts (such as Umbros) under their uniform for each performance. Often times the only place to change into a uniform is on a bus or in a parking lot. It is imperative that we present ourselves with class at all times. Changing in and out of uniform in front of others without shorts and a T-shirt on is in bad taste. Judges and other bands will form judgments about your performance by your actions on and off the field.

Shirts: Students will be required to wear their season shirts under their uniform for all performances. Wearing this shirt will make it easy to identify students in our group. This would be necessary if an emergency arises or we need to leave a site early.

Hair: Neat, clean hair is a requirement. No long hair should be showing on the collars of the uniform. Students who have long hair must have their hair put into a ponytail, French braid, etc. and tucked securely under their hats.

Jewelry: Students are not allowed to wear jewelry of any kind. This includes necklaces, rings, watches, nose rings, earrings, etc.

Makeup: Subtle make-up on girls is allowed. The color guard will wear make-up specific to their costume.