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Style and
appearance is a crucial part of Marching Band culture and some bands view
this to be as important as their music.
Uniforms have
changed just as the bands have. From humble beginnings when a sash or a
cap sufficed to identify a band member, uniforms have evolved as a result
of pressure from both the Loyal Orders and from within the rank and file
of the band itself. As a result a Marching Band on parade today is a sight
to behold.
The first formal
uniform worn by blood and thunder bands appeared in the late seventies.
These replaced the usual shirts or jumpers. They had a jacket which was
emblazed with braiding, shirt and tie with usually a balmoral hat.
The natural
progression was for them to become intricate. Fully buttoned tunics with
belts are now very popular while most hats are now tam o'shanters or
peaked caps. Again the individualism of bands shines through when
designing and deciding on new uniforms. Similar to the world of fashion,
someone comes up with a new innovative design or redesigns an old style or
fashion to suit their taste.
The uniform is
undoubtedly the pride and joy of every bands members. Accompanied by a
well-polished pair of boots or shoes, the word pride very much comes to
the fore. It has been quoted many times how the Marching Band community
enhance the parades of the Loyal Orders with their colour and pageantry
compared to the dark suits of the lodges, clubs or perceptories.
Most sections of
the uniform are taken or replicate British Army uniforms from the past and
present, with the only difference sometimes the colour. While the colour
of a uniform can change from uniform to uniform, several bands have their
own basic colour that has been kept in their uniform for many years.
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