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

2016 DCI Tour Premiere at your local theater!

Marching Music’s Major League™ Premieres its 2016 Tour Live on the Big Screen!

Fathom Events and Drum Corps International invite you to join fans from all over the country as Marching Music’s Major League™ brings the sixth annual DCI Tour Premiere to select cinemas nationwide on Thursday, June 23! Drum Corps at the Cinema: 2016 DCI Tour Premiere features best of the best in marching.

The event will be broadcast live for the second year and will feature six of DCI’s top ensembles: Bluecoats (Canton, OH), Boston Crusaders (Boston, MA), The Cadets (Allentown, PA), The Cavaliers (Rockford, IL), Carolina Crown (Ft. Mill, SC) and Phantom Regiment (Rockford, IL).

Here are all the details:

Date: Thursday, June 23

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. CT / 6:30 p.m. MT / 5:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. AK / 2:30 p.m. HI

Run Time: 2 hours (approximate)

Ticketing: Click Here to see if your local theater is showing this exciting event!

Get your tickets now to catch all of the action LIVE on the big screen!

Competing Corps - Listed in performance order 
Boston Crusaders - Boston, MA
The Cavaliers - Rosemont, IL
Phantom Regiment - Rockford, IL
The Cadets - Allentown, PA
Bluecoats - Canton, OH
Carolina Crown - Ft. Mill, SC

Find out more, buy your tickets, and more at Fathom Events!

Flag Basics / Installment 2: Size Matters

If you read Part 1, you know that we talked a little bit about the Do's and Don'ts of flag design. Today, we are going to go over a few basic tips on selecting the right size pole for your flags, and the right size flags for your group.

Forest Park Marching Rangers - 2012

Of course there are exceptions, and while you are free to utilize any flag dimensions you wish, these guidelines will help ensure your group maximizes the effectiveness of your flags on the field or floor. And of course, you’ll find a successful group that does exactly the opposite. Remember: there are no real hard and fast rules.

With flags, it's go big or go home! 

Well... mostly.

You want to make sure the size isn't so big it that becomes too cumbersome to spin. Remember, the larger your flag, the longer your pole should be. Most high school groups can easily handle 6 ft poles, while younger groups may need shorter poles. Typically, most high school groups use 5 ft to 6.5 ft poles.

Once you know big your pole is, you can move on to flag sizes!

Flags Sizes

The number on the left is the header length (sleeve), and the number on the right measures the width of the flag at its furthest point, including 3" for the width of the header.

5 foot pole – 30” x 46”
5.5 foot pole – 33” x 50”
6 foot pole – 36” x 54”
6.5 foot pole – 39” x 58”
7 foot pole – 42” x 60”
7.5 foot pole – 45” x 64”

The idea behind these dimensions is that the flag should cover about half of your pole, this should help with balance. The flag sizes recommended above may be a little on the large side, experiment with different size combinations, see what works best for you and your group. Band Shoppe's Budget Flags are a great, inexpensive way to test common sizes and shapes.

Band Shoppe's line of custom flags are always made in the USA and are constructed using field tested techniques that ensure a superior product, hands down. Our free design service, including full color sketches and a quote packet, helps you visualize the end result. Band Shoppe's team of friendly Sales Staff and help you along the way, choose one of our in stock or custom designs shown on our website, work from your original drawings, or let our team create one for you.

Crusader Cam: Season 3, Episode 2

photo courtesy of The Boston Crusaders

Week 2 of the Crusader Cam is here! 

Get and inside look at the Boston Crusaders' tour, and view the 2016 Season from the member's point of view.

Tune in every Friday at 5pm for a new episode or stay up do date on Facebook!

Applique Banner or Digital: Which one's right for your group?

Parade season is officially under way! Is your group putting their best face forward?

Often photographed, parade banners help build recognition during parades and other events. Custom made just for you, Band Shoppe can help you decide which banner is right for your group. We have options for every budget. Our banners are always made in the USA and are made to last many years to come. Our free design service, including full color sketches and a quote packet, helps you visualize the end result. We can work from your design, designs shown on our website, or let our design team create one for you.

Plus! Get a free banner pole with your purchase of all 6 foot or 8 foot Parade Banners. No coupon code needed! Your free banner pole measures one inch in diameter and features a two-piece design made from anodized aluminum.

First, lets talk about sizes.

For a good, visible parade banner, we generally suggest 2.5 foot x 8 foot (it's by far our most popular size). It's a versatile choice for most groups, large enough to be seen from far away but not so big that students have trouble carrying them and it looks great on either a standard banner pole included with your purchase our a marching frame. If want the most impact, a 3 foot x 10 foot banner may be the way to go. Should you choose this size, we suggest upgrading to the Deluxe Banner Marching Frame to keep this big banner under control. For bands on a tighter budget, or younger groups (such as elementary schools) we recommend the smaller 2.5 foot x 6 foot banner. This banner is lightweight, easy to control, and still looks great on a standard banner pole (included with your purchase).

All three sizes are available in either appliqué or digital banner options.

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Traditional appliqué banners:

With the applique process, your details are sewn directly on to your banner, layering design elements in various colors of thread and nylon creating a handcrafted look. They’re more expensive, but are the gold standard in traditional marching banners.

• Band Shoppe's Elite Parade Banners are constructed of 200 denier nylon, which is durable yet lightweight
• Quilted with layers of Tyvek lining for maximum stability 
• All lettering and logos are made of the same 200 denier nylon and are applied to the banner using a solid satin stitch
• Reinforced seams prevent raveling
• Your finished banner includes two, 3 inch wide double layer pole sleeves to accommodate a deluxe marching frame
• Add fringe or leave it off, it’s up to you
• Metallic Gold and Metallic Silver color options available

A few things to consider before choosing this option:
Because of the handcrafted nature of these banners, expect to wait around 6 to 8 weeks for delivery. Check our manufacturing schedule for the current delivery forecast (banners are listed toward the bottom). Also, small or highly detailed logos, should be avoided with this process.

Washing Instructions: Appliqué banners can be fragile, so we recommend they be spot cleaned only as necessary.

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Digitally Printed banners:

The digital process uses a balanced combination of ink, heat, and pressure to embed your image into the surface of the banners. The sublimated image will be smooth to the touch and is fully machine washable. Digital banners are decidedly more resilient! Details remain bright and beautiful for years if it is cared for correctly.

Digitally printed banners are an ideal option for groups on a budget, groups wanting a more modern look or groups that want a traditional look without the hassle of caring for a traditional appliqué banner.

• Band Shoppe's Digital Parade Banners are made of 7.3 oz polyester canvas
• Printed with unlimited colors, unlimited logos, any letter style with no character limit
• Perfect for small or intricate logos
• Add photos, fades, and effects, not possible with appliqué banners
• Add stripes in your school colors for no additional cost
• Laser cutting lets you choose more creative silhouettes 
• Lined with the same high quality 7.3 oz poly canvas top for added stability
• Reinforced teams prevent raveling
• Your finished banner includes two, 3 inch wide double layer pole sleeves to accommodate a deluxe marching frame
• Add fringe or leave it off, it’s up to you

A few things to consider before choosing this option:
Production time is much faster for digital banners at 2 to 4 weeks. Again, check our manufacturing schedule for the current delivery forecast (banners are listed toward the bottom). When sending images for your banner, remember that higher quality images will make a better final product. Vector logos and images are ideal but not always available. Remember: the larger the file size, the better. We accept most image formats including JPG, PSD, TIF, and vector formats including AI, EPS, or PDF. Also, metallics are not available with this option.

Washing Instructions: Fully machine washable! Cold water on the gentle cycle using is detergent for delicates.

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You can check out some of our banner designs at bandshoppe.com.

Ready to get started? Contact us for pricing. If you have any problems with your banner, or any additional questions concerning care, contact us online or call us at 800.457.3501.

Crusader Cam: Season 3, Episode 1

photo courtesy of The Boston Crusaders

Season 3 of the Crusader Cam is here! 

If you don’t keep up with Crusader Cam, you’re seriously missing out! The Crusader Cam is a fun, firsthand look inside the lives of our members as they spend the summer traveling and performing across the country.

Tune in every Friday at 5pm for a new episode or stay up do date on Facebook!

Drum Corps Season is Coming Soon!

photo courtesy of The Boston Crusaders

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We can hardly believe the Boston Crusaders move-ins are starting tomorrow in Castletown, Vermont!  That means the Drum Corps tour season is just around the corner and we can't wait!!

The DCI Tour kicks off the premiere show in Indianapolis, IN on June 23rd with a line-up sure to please including Boston Crusaders, The Cavaliers, Phantom Regiment, The Cadets, Bluecoats, and Carolina Crown. Tickets are on sale now! And while you're at the DCI website, check out the full tour schedule.

Until then, take some time to look back at Season Two of Crusader Cam! Or check them out on Facebook!

A Welcome Message from Band Shoppe!

Welcome to the Band Shoppe blog/newsroom – we're glad you stopped by!

For those who don't know about us, Band Shoppe is a division of Pearison Incorporated based in Cynthiana, Indiana. Pearison Inc. was founded in 1970 by Chuck Pearison, along his wife Susan, as a small music repair shop operated out of their two car garage in Poseyville, Indiana. The business soon expanded to include marching uniforms and accessories, these products were sold from a small black and white flyer that was mailed to three states under the name "Band Shoppe".

Since then, Band Shoppe has grown to nearly 90 employees! With a full staff of sales and customer service representatives all based here in the USA, as well as secure online shopping, Band Shoppe gives you an easy shopping experience with fast and reliable shipping through USPS and UPS. Our recent 20,000 square foot manufacturing addition has expanded our facilities to 55,000 square feet. This expansion gives Band Shoppe the ability to make even more of our quality marching products right here in the USA, including our full line of custom uniforms and flags!

Here's what you can look forward to in the Band Shoppe Blog: 

• We'll introduce you to the people who make Band Shoppe different
• We'll share with you information about the products we sell - our quality custom marching jackets, color guard and percussion uniforms, and our made-to-last show flags as well as fun tips and tricks to help your group stand out 
• Look for special guest bloggers, interviews with giants in the activity, and a few surprises
• We'll answer your questions about how to make your show's vision a reality
• We'll keep you up to date on sales and events taking place

Stay tuned for weekly updates with tips, tricks, tutorials, how-to guides, event wrap ups, photos, and much much more for both marching band, and color guard. We hope you find some interesting and helpful information, new ideas, and opportunities to join the conversation.

Here are a few link to help you get started:
>> Read more about Band Shoppe
>> Read the Band Shoppe Responsibility Statement
>> Follow us on Social Media:            
>> Shop now at bandshoppe.com

Please remember: We ask that you keep your comments relevant to the conversations taking place here so that we can maintain respect for all those involved and add value and depth to the discussion. All comments are moderated. Profanity, racial and ethnic slurs, and rude behavior won’t be tolerated and we will quickly remove any comments that are offensive, disrespectful or irrelevant.

This blog is a public forum – don’t post anything confidential or private. Also, these are the personal views of the individuals posting here, and not necessarily those of the Company. And, lastly, this is not the place to submit specific customer service questions or technical support inquires. For specific customer issues, please complete a Contact Us request with as much information as possible or give us a call at 1.800.457.3501.

Thank you for reading, visiting, commenting and contributing. We’re excited to have you here!

The Band Shoppe Blog Team

In the Know

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, you do better.”
-Maya Angelou

College graduations are just around the corner, and that means the job hunt has most likely commenced for many future music and performing arts educators around the country. Some of the lucky ones may have experience teaching a band camp or two, but it is important to remember that heading up your first band program is something that can be overwhelming at times. There are a plethora of resources out there, and a simple Google search will pull up at least a dozen links. There seems to be more and more media floating about than ever before, and we know it all can seem too much. Here are a few sites that might be of interest to our customers:

MARCHING.COM is a one-stop source of marching events, links, resources, news and photos. Find details of major parade and field competitions, links to marching bands on the net, and a directory of services and supplies for your marching band, color guard or drum line.

Halftime Magazine® is a bimonthly lifestyle magazine aimed at the marching arts. Halftime Magazine® connects high school and college musician-athletes through shared experiences about competitions, school spirit and band traditions.

Winter Guard International is the world's premier organization producing indoor color guard and percussion ensemble competitions. As a non-profit youth organization, WGI serves as the leading governing body of the winter guard and indoor percussion activities. The staff at WGI has written and produced some great articles and videos that cover a wide range of topics important to developing instructors. Color Guard people might want to look here, while Percussion people might want to check out this link.

ColorGuardEducators.com was started in January 2007 as a resource and community for color guard educators: designers, coaches, choreographers, directors, judges, parents, and student leaders who are dedicated to providing the best possible experiences for their performers.

Micro Marching League (MML) lets marching fans design their own shows and share them online. Our supportive community is a great place to try new ideas, collaborate, and generally share your passion for the marching arts.

Band Shoppe also carries a full selection of educational DVD videos, and later this spring/summer we will be adding several more titles to the collection.

Do you have any favorite resources?  Share them below in the comments section!

Are you ready for next season? We are!

photo courtesy of The Boston Crusaders

Every spring, about this time, directors all over the country start prepping for their summer and fall marching seasons. Some years we get off to a head start, other years we just pray that the show is done before the last performance. What is it that separates the very best of the best from those that merely show up to gate? It's probably safe to say that all successful programs are led by an individual(s) that are highly organized, goal oriented, and strategic. This year, make a commitment to stay on top of your "to-do" lists. Plan early and don't wait until the last minute to get organized. You'll be glad you did!

If the unexpected does happen, just know that Band Shoppe is here to help with those "Uh Oh!" situations that come up. That's why we carry a huge selection of quality in-stock products. Many items ship out within 1-2 business days! This year we have stayed on top of our game and have produced what we feel is the best catalog to date. It's filled with hundreds of new products that are sure to help your group look, sound, and perform their absolute best. If you're not on our mailing list, make sure to request your 2016 Master Catalog. Are you ready for next season? We are.