Uniform Guidelines

Uniform Guidelines for Marching Band

Part of the judging at marching band contests is the consistent look of the band. For this reasons, we must make sure the band looks the same down to the smallest detail; hair, jewelry, shoes and socks. Following these few simple rules will help immensely:

Uniform

  • Nylon/cotton gym shorts or leggings should be worn under the uniform. They fit best and allow for the necessary movement. Jeans or cargo pants/shorts should not be worn. They cause an improper fit and movement.
  • Each student will be issued a white “Marchmasters” t-shirt that should be worn under their uniform.
  • Plain, black, over-the-calf socks are REQUIRED. This ensures that no skin shows during the performance which would detract from the visual appearance of the show.
  • Minimal makeup (especially foundation) should be worn to keep the white collars of the uniform clean.
  • After all performances students will hang up their uniform.  This includes:
    • Hang up pants by placing side seams together allowing pleats to lie together and place over hanger.
    • Hang coat (with curve of hanger) over pants and vestee.  Hook top of jacket (does not need to be zipped.
    • Place gauntlets and gloves into bottom of bag.
    • Place shoes into zippered pocket on back of bag.
    • Have a uniform parent check to ensure your uniform is hung correctly.

Hair

  • Hair should be up off the collar. Please come with long hair pulled back with bobby pins. This applies to both boys and girls. No ribbons or bright headbands.

Miscellaneous

  • No jewelry of any kind. This includes rings, watches, earrings, etc.
  • No fingernail polish.
  • No gum or food is allowed while in uniform. The only beverage allowed is water and this is provided to the students.
  • No cell phones on persons during performances- they should be left in uniform bag or with trusted parent or friend.

Marchmasters Selected Honors

Awards

  • 60  consecutive years of Superior (Division I) ratings at the State of Iowa Marching Band contest… the longest for any school in Iowa history
  • 2016 First place and Outstanding Overall GE at Red and Black Classic
  • 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 First place 4A overall, Ankeny Mid-Iowa Band Championships
  • 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, and 2003 Honor Band at the Iowa State Fair Parade
  • 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2011 Governor’s Cup at the Iowa State Fair Parade
  • 1966-2003 eighteen first place awards at the Iowa State Fair Parade
  • 1999 GRAMMY Signature School, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences
  • 1994, 1995, and 1996 First Place Pella Tulip Time Parade
  • 1976-1993 seventeen first place awards at the Drake Relays Parade
  • 1971-1986 nine first place awards at the Veisha Parade, Iowa State University

Performances

  • 2015 Remembering the Heroes Performance, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
  • 2012 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Disney’s Magic Kingdom
  • 2012 Special Performance, Disney’s Epcot Center
  • 2007 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Dublin, Ireland
  • 2004 Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena, California
  • 2000 USS Missouri Performance, Honolulu, Hawaii
  • 1997 Fiesta Bowl Parade, Phoenix, Arizona
  • 1995 King Kamehameha Parade, Honolulu, Hawaii
  • 1992 Fiesta Bowl Parade, Phoenix, Arizona
  • 1990 Orange Bowl Parade, Miami, Florida
  • 1988 Citrus Bowl Parade, Orlando, Florida
  • 1986 Fiesta Bowl Parade, Phoenix, Arizona
  • 1986 Holiday Bowl, San Diego, California
  • 1984 Festival of States, St. Petersburg, Florida
  • 1982 World’s Fair and Energy Exposition, Knoxville, Tennessee
  • 1980 Orange Bowl Parade, Miami, Florida
  • 1978-1979 Walt Disney World Parade, Miami, Florida
  • 1976 Bi-Centennial Parades, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
  • 1974 Rose Parade, Portland, Oregon
  • 1970 Cotton Bowl Parade, Dallas, Texas
  • 1968-1972 Dakota Day Band Festival, Rapid City, South Dakota
  • 1967 Expo ’67, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
  • 1964, 1967 Indianapolis 500 Parade, Indianapolis, Indiana