We take great pride in our young musicians, our instrumental music program, and in our performances. Our commitment to a professional appearance on stage is a reflection of our respect for their talents and hard work. All concerts presented by the MHMS Instrumental Music Department follow the apparel guidelines of professional symphonic groups. We have taken great care to put together an ensemble that looks great, but requires only a modest financial investment. Our uniform supplier works with us to provide quality clothing at reasonable prices, and we also encourage the exchange of "gently used" uniforms. We appreciate your support and thank you for your attention to the details!

Gentlemen White tuxedo shirt Black pants - must cover the sock and rest against the shoe. Blue necktie and cummerbund (provided) Black shoes with black socks. Dress shoes are preferable, but solid black athletic shoes are acceptable. Gentlemen should wear black socks, NOT ANKLE SOCKS. When they are sitting on stage their socks will show, but their legs should not! No jewelry or any other accessory that would inhibit the ability to play an instrument, such as finger rings or bracelets.

Ladies White tuxedo shirt Black skirt - required - no pants allowed. Skirt length must be several inches below the knee, to the top of the calf; longer skirts are fine. There is not a set length. Blue necktie and cummerbund (provided) Black shoes - flats, sandals, heels. Canvas shoes are allowed, but no tennis/athletic shoes are acceptable for ladies. Hosiery must be worn and must be black or nude/tan. Black tights are acceptable in the winter. Hair accessories must be simple, solid black bows, metallic clips, barrettes, headbands or bows. An exception to this rule is made for the Christmas concert to allow Santa Claus hats, reindeer antlers, and holiday colors! Jewelry and accessories are to be kept to a minimum: no large hoop earrings, bangle or charm bracelets, finger rings with oversize stones, or any other accessory that would inhibit the ability to play an instrument.

Uniforms: Where and How!

• Every member of the band and the strings ensemble must purchase a tuxedo shirt and either pants or a skirt that has come from Street Formal Wear, the company who supplies our program.
  
  
• Tuxedo shirts and pants/skirts are either purchased new from Street Formal Wear, or "gently used" from another band member. The shirts are all the same, and not sold by gender.They are sized on a boy's/men's scale.
  
  
• Sales of "gently used" merchandise will be announced right after school begins. Everyone may participate in selling or buying.
  
  
• Blue ties and cummerbunds are supplied by the IMBA organization and paid for with fundraiser proceeds. They are on loan to a student through the school year and returned each year following their final performance. If a student damages or loses one of these items, we will let you know the cost of replacing it.
  
  
• Fittings for new uniforms are done at the school by Street Formal Wear. Band members are notified by e-mail of the date(s).
  
  
• Uniforms are delivered to the school and must be paid-in-full at pick-up. All checks must be made to Street Formal Wear.
  
  
• Buy everything just a little bit big to allow some room for growth.
  
  
  • Ladies' skirts have elastic waists, so they will grow with the student. As long as the skirt is at least down to the calf, there is no strict hem length. This allows for a student buying a skirt in a long length, not having to hem it, and continuing to wear it as she grows taller.

Please remember....

• Check uniforms several days in advance of performances and make sure you have all the pieces
  
  
• Clean and polish shoes
  
  
• Iron shirts at home with starch, or have them done at the cleaners. Wrinkled and dirty shirts are not acceptable!