Spring Custom Guard & Percussion Uniform Sale

Our 10% Off Custom Guard and Percussion Uniform Sale Has Begun!

From April 16th until June 8th, you will receive 10% off on custom Guard and Percussion uniform purchases. This excludes uniforms with printed fabric and any in stock uniform. Browse our selection online or call today to talk with our Sales Team to get your custom uniform sketch and price quote.

As you anticipate the arrival of our 2018 Band Shoppe catalog, we are excited to showcase two of our new uniforms in our Guard Sale advertising! Both of these uniforms would be eligible to receive 10% off during our sale.

This uniform includes (separate pieces) a tank unitard, tunic, and wrist gauntlets. If you are interested in shopping this look, it is EXCLUSIVELY available online now (before the catalog arrives in your mailbox!). Shop now

The tank stirrup legging unitard is created with Mermaid Hologram stretch fabric (Black/Turquoise) as it takes on the appearance of fish scales the performer transforms into a sort of sea creature.

The flowy tunic with an asymmetrical side design in Neon Yellow Power Mesh can elude to a bright fin, flowing alongside with the performer's movement.

The cowl neckline gives visual interest with occasional glimpses of the underlying scales while providing musicians with a drum harness the ability to hide the harness without constricting their movement.

Shop This Uniform

Another exclusive uniform to shop before the catalog is available, this new modern legging unitard with a mock turtleneck uses bright Satin Spandex colors and Mystic Jewel panels to create a sleek color block, that is mirrored on the back. The GeoCube print front panel creates a focal point in the uniform and elongates the body causing the performer to draw more visual interest.

This custom unitard was worn by Central Hardin High School in the fall 2017 Marching Season (we used our stock GeoCube Spandex fabric in place of their custom print)

The bright colors with the contrast of the GeoCube creates a modern juxtaposition

Shop This Uniform

The 10% Custom Guard & Percussion Sale ends on June 8th,
so spring into action and get started on your custom order!

DCI 2017 Year in Review by Guest Music & Marching

It's our great privilege to have Zach Ashcraft, founder of Music & Marching, share his perspective of the 2017 DCI Season with us in this guest blog post!  Music & Marching is a blog that exists to tell the unique stories of those watching, facilitating and performing in the Marching Arts activity, in hopes to garner a deeper respect and appreciation for what goes into each performance.

From the dynamic photography to his unique perspective, we are so thankful to have this opportunity to share Zach's "DCI 2017 Year in Review" with our readers and followers! When you have finished reading, be sure to go to MusicAndMarching.com for other stories and interviews that took place during the season. Also, you can follow Music & Marching on Facebook and Instagram (@MusicAndMarching)

*All images in this blog courtesy of  Zach Ashcraft, Music & Marching*

 

DCI 2017 Year in Review

2017 marked another incredible year for Drum Corps International. Along with setting new attendance records, this season brought with it some of the most innovative shows and concepts the activity has seen in years.

This summer marked my 10th season of involvement within DCI. From my first 4 years as a performer with The Blue Stars, to a few years on staff with the Crossmen, and now as a freelance photographer, I’ve witnessed an incredible amount of change over the last decade, both on and off the field.

Visual Identity Shakeup

The most notable change of this era, in my opinion, has been the visual identity of each corps from year to year. In generations past, many corps wore the same uniform over the course of multiple decades, with slight updates or adjustments coming every few years or so. More recently, Corps have increased both the frequency and scope of uniform changes, with many groups presenting audiences with drastically new looks on a now yearly basis.

While some critics believe this has diminished the visual identity of each corps, many within the activity agree that it allows designers to create a more cohesive program that more clearly communicates the concept of a show. Several designers are taking advantage of this new found creative freedom. Something as simple as The Bluecoats decision to forgo helmets in 2016 has already had an impact on the activity just a year later.

Several corps opted to perform without headgear this year, and its had a huge impact on the way that both audience members and the performers experience the performance. Having a clear view of each performers face not only allows the audience to better feel and experience the emotional content of each show, it allows brass members to explore new avenues of expression and performance not available to them.

Not all corps have taken this route, however. Many have chosen to keep their shakos, aussies, and helmets, and have found creative ways to adapt them with their new uniforms. The Phantom Regiment, for example, had two helmets to convey different emotions throughout their show. The Boston Crusaders had an entirely new look, and the shakos and uniforms themselves perfectly personified the story their show was trying to tell.

From new uniforms, to innovations in electronics and prop staging, the last several seasons have indeed been wrought with change. One thing that has remained constant since my first day in the activity though, is far more important than what the corps are wearing.

Final Goodbyes

Standing in the Lucas Oil Stadium parking lot following each corps final performance of the season, I was reminded that the true importance of this activity goes far beyond what happens on the field. Watching as the performers walked out of the tunnel with tears streaming down their faces, embracing their fellow corps members one last time was a powerful reminder that design trends may come and go. But the one constant in Drum Corps is the life-changing affect each tour has on the individuals who participate in it.

Everything comes to a screaming halt at the end of DCI Finals Night. With the design process for most corps 2018 programs already well underway, the 2017 season will soon be left in the history books. But the one thing that will always remain are the friendships and families formed during those 85 days.

- Zach Ashcraft, Music & Marching

DCI Spring Training Reveal - Boston Crusaders

The 2017 Boston Crusaders Present: Wicked Games

In October of 2016, Band Shoppe's Design Team met with the new Artistic Director for the Boston Crusaders, Keith Potter, to discuss initial design concepts for the corps. We knew that we would have a challenge before us — design a signature look with timeless elements to help the members look tall, strong, and consistent, that could also adapt to the ever-changing show themes. This uniform should incorporate removable elements and that should allow for maximum mobility. All this, while also producing a uniform durable enough to stand up to the rigorous wear of these talented athletes over the course of a few years. This initial vest concept was developed by Band Shoppe's team without context or show theme in mind.

Once the main vest was approved, we finally received the show theme of "Wicked Games," a dark and complex interplay based loosely on the Salem Witch Trials. Keith wanted a fresh and modern take on the theme. The guard uniforms were to feel youthful and innocent with a more imposing aesthetic for the corps. With show theme in mind, Band Shoppe's team went to work with Keith’s direction creating sketches and samples until everything was just right.

photos courtesy of the Boston Crusaders

The result was an exercise in balance — from the pairing of traditional polyester with spandex stretch wear to incorporating digital elements with dimensional straps, flounces, and drops. Movement and breathability are key with these versatile uniforms as drum corps continue to blend elements of dance.

It is modern in it's presentation of conceptual textures and that it will allow performers to move in a way that we see drum corps going today.

— Keith Potter, Artistic Director for the Boston Crusaders

Band Shoppe is proud to present the uniforms for the Boston Crusaders 2017 show “Wicked Games.” See their new uniforms in action when the Crusaders head to Southern Indiana for DRUMS on the OHIO Presented by Band Shoppe on June 28 at the Reitz Bowl.

Planet Fitness “Judgement Free Band”

New Year’s Eve is an exciting time. But in New York City, the excitement is heightened as over a million people descend on Times Square for the Big Ball Drop. New York’s Times Square performs an annual confetti test a few days before the New Year’s celebration, where an estimated 1.5 TONS of confetti is dropped from the rooftops at Midnight every year. To accompany the 2016 test, a local New York drum line provided some awesome beats to pump up the crowd and get in some practice as they prepared for their performance at the biggest party of the year.

The Marching Cobras, an after-school music program based in New York, had been preparing their routine for months. In two days’ time, they would take the stage in front of millions at the Times Square celebration and put on an electrifying performance. The Marching Cobras would be representing Planet Fitness as the “Judgement Free Band” during the 2016 New Year’s party, sporting Band Shoppe custom uniforms.

SEE MORE: Watch the confetti test before New Year’s Eve 2016

The Marching Cobras are no strangers to Times Square. In 2014, they worked with the NFL to produce a spectacular performance during the Super Bowl 48 pregame presentation. In addition, the group lead the Vince Lombardi Trophy into MetLife stadium that year. They have also been in the movies, appearing in Birdman with actor Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, and Emma Stone, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2015.

Marching Cobras CEO, Terrel Stowers, began the non-profit organization in 2008 with a mission to enrich lives of youth by providing opportunities for artistic expression and leadership development through music, marching band, step, dance, and much more. Culturing teens through music and the performing arts, the staff takes pride in developing the lives of their members by helping them become responsible and respected members of society. The organization services the 5 boroughs of New York and the New York Tri-State area, with outreach programs in Connecticut and North Carolina. All with the hopes of improving the mindset and behaviors of the kids involved.

The organization offers several programs for students and parents to help prepare them for the challenges of life, while bringing families together. “There are transitional programs that we offer as far as job readiness. There are other options with parents coming to meetings and getting involved,” said Stowers.

As the Cobras organization continues to grow, Stowers looks to one day expand the reach of The Marching Cobras to other areas where togetherness and the lessons of music and dance education would impact communities in a positive way.

READ MORE: Learn about The Marching Cobras on their website

The Marching Cobras outfitted in Band Shoppe custom uniforms as the Planet Fitness "Judgement Free Band."

The Cobras have participated in some extraordinary opportunities over the organization’s 9-year existence. But performing on stage at Times Square for New Year’s 2016 would be the experience of a lifetime for current members.

Planet Fitness kicked off a new campaign New Year's Eve 2016 – “The World Judges, We Don't – At Planet Fitness, Be Free.” As the title sponsor of New Year’s Eve in Times Square, a concept was developed to give Planet Fitness their “halftime moment” by producing a New Year’s Eve show halfway through the night, leading up to the drop of the ball. With a Planet Fitness branded stage, they wanted to have a marching band come out and get the crowd amped before the final count down.  After several emails and phone calls, The Marching Cobras were signed to represent Planet Fitness and become the “Judgement Free Band” on their stage. The next question was, were do you get uniforms?

“Call Band Shoppe ASAP! Band Shoppe will get you quality uniforms,” Stowers told representatives with Civic Entertainment Group, A Seacrest Global Group Company.

READ MORE: View an Ad Age article about Planet Fitness campaign

Band Shoppe was contacted by Civic and was tasked to provide a unique, custom uniform that was in line with Planet Fitness, and would also look great worn by The Marching Cobras. The team at Band Shoppe quickly went into action to give them an excellent uniform worthy of the Planet Fitness brand.

“Band Shoppe was great and an absolute dream to work with! Planet Fitness has very distinct colors and Band Shoppe was able to match the uniform colors and the shako. You just really delivered!” said Tiffany Wagner of Civic Entertainment Group.

The Planet Fitness “Judgement Free Band” Custom Uniform Design Features:

• Pantone Matched Digitally Printed Fabric on Jacket: Get your school or group’s color match
• Sublimated Applique Patch on Back of Jacket: Print most anything onto a patch and apply it to the garment
• Custom Shako: Pantone Color Match with Jacket
• Side-Zipper: Non-standard Jacket Entry

Band Shoppe was honored to be a small part of the New Year’s festivities, working with Planet Fitness and Civic to provide quality, custom uniforms worn by The Marching Cobras for their performance. They looked great and the performance was amazing. But we also celebrate the work that Terrel Stowers is doing, providing communities with safe and healthy alternative activities for at-risk youth, while growing music and dance education, and fostering positive relationships.

SEE MORE: Watch The Marching Cobras perform on New Year’s Eve