Uniforms

The uniform manager oversees all uniform components and (with consultation of the director) ultimately decides what is acceptable performance attire. In addition to these policies, the uniform manager will discuss specifics of uniform protocol during band camp.

  1. Uniform. The SotW will provide members of the band with all uniform components with the exception of footwear and khaki pants (tan). Course fees are collected from each member to offset the cost of repair and cleaning for normal use of the uniform. Missing, damaged, or excessively dirtied uniform components may result in fines and/or extra assigned duties (as determined by the uniform manager).
  2. T-Shirts, Caps, and Gloves. Band members will receive one T-shirt, cap, beanie, and two pairs of gloves per season. While these are yours to keep upon completion of the season, they are primarily intended to be uniform components and should be kept in performance condition throughout the season (please wash shirt and gloves regularly). Members may be charged for replacement shirt, hat, or gloves if lost or damaged.
  3. Khaki Pants. All band members are required to supply their own pair of long khaki (tan) pants. We will wear these throughout the season starting at band camp.
  4. Secondary Uniform. In many of our performances, we wear a secondary uniform rather than our formal SotW uniform. Generally, this consists of closed-toe shoes, khaki pants, and SotW shirt and hat. Occasionally, variations of the secondary uniform may be permitted, but components that are outside of our color scheme or contain non-MSU emblems/logos are not allowed. Members are responsible for providing their own khaki pants (tan).
  5. Footwear. All band members are responsible for supplying their own performance footwear. We use black marching shoes only. No other style of shoe will be allowed regardless of how black they are. (Guard members please contact the guard captain for specifics about footwear). Every year the band will make a bulk order of marching shoes to reduce cost for each member. Ordering information will be included in summer correspondence from the band (usually in mid July). Used marching shoes are allowed as long as they are in acceptable condition.
  6. Boots. Band members will be allowed to wear boots when the weather is exceptionally cold and/or snowy. Band members are responsible for supplying their own boots. Boots must be black (covered with black tape is acceptable) and fit inside the pant leg. The decision to wear boots is up to the director.
  7. Cold Weather. During cold weather games, band members are encouraged to wear additional layers beneath their uniform. However, the SotW uniform must always be the top layer and must completely cover any other garment. Nothing that noticeably sticks out of the uniform will be allowed.
  8. Band Camp. All members are required to wear closed-toe sneakers for band camp. Hat and sunglasses are highly recommended.
  9. Hair Dye. We have recently had problems with hair dye staining our uniform tunics (which are white) and the insides of our shakos. It is extremely difficult to remove dye from these components. Therefore hair dye is discouraged when in the band (save it for the spring semester). If you do choose to dye your hair, we ask that you have it professionally done with permanent dye. Also, contact the uniform manager BEFORE wearing any of the uniform components for advice on how to minimize staining. You will be responsible for additional service/fees to the band for any time that the uniform staff spends cleaning your uniform of dye.
  10. Piercings, Tattoos, and Jewelry. Any accessory that may become detached while marching on the field poses a safety concern for the football players. Furthermore, overt accessorizing detracts from the uniformity of the band. Therefore, anything other than minimal body adornment will not be allowed while in uniform. Please be prepared to cover or remove such items. If you have any questions about what is acceptable, ask the uniform manager in advance of the performance.
  11. Decorum. The SotW uniform is a symbol for everything we strive to accomplish. By wearing our uniform you are participating in decades of band tradition and you become a representative of the student body of Montana State University. We are obligated to maintain an appropriate level of decorum when in uniform. In addition to upholding the student code of conduct, the following is not permitted when in uniform: foul language, sitting on ground or in dusty places, yelling (cheering is okay), appearing in partial dress (i.e. tunic unzipped), bickering/fighting.

Equipment

The Operations Manager oversees the use of all equipment. This includes all staff assignments and equipment-related decisions. 

  1. Instruments. The School of Music has instruments that are available for use by members of the band. Mostly this includes specific marching instruments and equipment (flags, drumline, sousaphones, marching baritones, mellophones, and piccolos). We do have a limited number of concert instruments that may be used for marching band (saxes, trumpets, trombones, clarinets, etc.). We will do our best to provide you your primary choice of instruments. You will have the opportunity to request a school instrument when you complete the member agreement (available in July).
  2. Storage. We have storage for all MSU-owned instruments, but we request that personal instruments be stored elsewhere. There are some lockers available in Howard Hall, but they are reserved for students enrolled in multiple ensembles or who have other restrictions that prevent them from storing their instrument on campus. Please consult with the equipment manager for specific questions about storing your instrument.
  3. Mouthpieces. The School of Music has mouthpieces for all instruments owned by MSU. However, many are showing signs of wear. It is recommended that you purchase your own mouthpiece if possible. Brass players in particular may opt to use our mouthpieces until it gets cold and then purchase a plastic mouthpiece to avoid freezing lips--generally not allowed until after Halloween.
  4. Accessories. While we do have a small supply of neckstraps, lyres, etc., in general you will be required to provide your own neckstrap, reeds, valve oil, flip folder, lyre, etc.
  5. Care and maintenance. You are responsible for keeping your instrument in playing condition. This means regularly replacing reeds (woodwinds), and oiling your valves (brass). We do not supply reeds and oil. Please notify the equipment manager immediately if your instrument malfunctions. For routine repairs, the School of Music will only pay for the instruments that we own—we will not pay to repair student-owned instruments.
  6. Photographic evidence (MSU-owned instruments only). We expect that during the course of the season that our instruments will receive an appropriate amount of wear and tear. However, members will be held financially responsible for repairing instruments beyond normal use. Your instrument will be photographed at the beginning of the season. This will provide us with evidence if any large dents/damage appear on your instrument during the season.
  7. Drumline. We provide sticks to the drumline, but the players are responsible for maintaining the exterior finish on the drums/cymbals and for hauling their own equipment when needed (i.e. stadium hardware). The drumline captain will address additional uniform and equipment components as needed during the season.
  8. Colorguard. The SotW will supply basic equipment, props, poles, silks, basic uniform/costumes, and warm-ups for the guard. Members are responsible for individualized uniform components as the need arrives (i.e. shoes, tights, make-up, etc.). The guard captain will address additional uniform and equipment components as needed during the season.
  9. Other Equipment Components. The SotW may supply its members with various other pieces of equipment throughout the season (i.e. water bottles). It is expected that these items are used for their intended purpose with the band and are not discarded until the end of the season or until after their purpose is complete. Replacement costs may be assessed to individuals who lose or misuse these supplies.
  10. Appropriate Use. We are very fortunate to have the instruments and equipment that we do. Any negligence, disregard, or misuse of our equipment will not be tolerated and may result in fines. All non-combustible equipment is to be returned at the conclusion of the season with no more than an appropriate amount of dirt/wear and tear.

Music, Drill, and Daily Attendance

All members are responsible for having their music and drill at all rehearsals. Pages must be organized in a flipbook or some other notebook. A crumpled wad of paper is not an organizational system, nor is it acceptable to lose your music/drill. We strive to have as much music memorized as possible, but it is NOT okay to just guess at the notes simply because you can’t see a copy of the music.

The Records Manager will oversee the distribution of music and drill during the season. Replacement drill pages and coordinates sheets will be available in pdf format to students through D2L. Students in need of replacement sheet music should notify the manager as soon as possible to arrange for getting a new copy.

In addition, students are responsible for signing-in each day of rehearsal with the Attendance Attendant (may or may not be the Records Manager). This may be done "by hand" on the band's clipboard or by scanning his/her Charms barcode. Students should attach their barcode to their music/drill notebook/flipbook to expedite the daily sign-in process.