Titan Band Marches Proud in New Band Uniforms
September 04, 2008
The Lewis Central High School Titan Band debuted the new band uniforms during their first football game performance on August 29th. Originally delivered in full on August 20, the 100 uniforms used that evening went through a whirlwind process to become ready for the first performance. Many parents, teachers, and administrators had a hand in hemming nearly 100 pairs of pants and coat sleeves, to make it possible for the band to wear the uniforms.
The design process for the new uniforms started nearly 2 years ago, when Mr. Walters first saw the condition of the old uniforms. Used since 1995, the old uniforms were in need of major repair. Notes from Drycleaning companies were also being given to the band, as some uniforms were unable to be cleaned. Parts of the uniforms had also gone missing over the years, creating more challenges with fitting students.
The company that won the bid for the manufacturing of the uniform, Demoulin Brothers, is an Illinois based company that also helped design the uniform, along with band director Andy Walters. Chief uniform designer for Demoulin, Chad Duggan, personally drew up this uniform in it's final design. Chad has designed uniforms for some of the most successful high school bands in the nation, as well as some of the top 10 finishing division 1 Drum and Bugle Corps in the world. Demoulin representative Chris McCurdy was happy to work with LC saying, "We are proud to assist the Lewis Central High School Bands in finding the right look to help them achieve their musical goals. Pride in appearance is the first huge step to creating a successful moment in musical history."
The LC Booster Club was responsible for moving the band uniforms from a sketch to a reality, with a donation of over $70,000 for 178 uniforms. Each year, the booster club designates resources to help LC students, with 50% going to sports, and 50% going to fine arts. Part of the fine arts resources are directed to a fund, which accumulates over time, and can be used to purchase large items, such as band or choir uniforms. Because of this forward thinking, no student had to work with fundraising to purchase the uniforms.
Sophomore Maddie Overholzter said, "I think the new band uniforms are awesome-looking and snappy." Sophomore Spencer Bradley added, "They are more comfortable to wear and more breathable. I actually like wearing this uniform!" Pride was evident during all aspects of putting on, performing in, and putting away the new uniforms as the Titans learned and practiced ways of handling the new garment with respect and care. The uniforms will be used for all marching band, honor band, and concert band performances. Custom parts that can be removed to change the look of the uniform include: Shako (Hat), Plume, Gauntlets, Titan Head custom mirror.
To complete the new look for the band, a new band banner will be purchased with funds from the sale of the old band uniforms. This banner will be carried as the band marches for all home football games, used at many competitions, concerts, demonstrations, and other community performances. The cost of a new band banner is over $900, which must be raised before purchase. To donate to the band by purchasing a complete or partial uniform, click here, and submit resources to the LCHS Main office.
