Any problems with uniforms please contact uniforms@nullabfom.org ASAP (This includes fit, loose hems, buttons or stains.)
Any alterations or supply questions must happen before call time – NOT when the student is due on the field.
What To Wear under uniform:
White T-shirts: Students must wear a plain white t-shirt under uniforms. For example, Hanes undershirts. NO LOGOS OR DESIGNS ON THE FRONT!
Dark colored shorts or leggings: Slippery, nylon type shorts recommended. NO denim, canvas or cargo shorts. Leggings should be black.
Cold weather: White Under Armour type long-sleeve shirt recommended. Also, black running pants or under armor recommended for warmth. Some students choose to wear leggings underneath shorts. Thicker SmartWool black socks for winter also recommended.
Black Shoes and socks: Socks must be solid black and long enough that no skin will be shown when marching. Please let uniform managers know if shoes have holes in them or do not fit.
Care:
If the uniform gets wet, this includes sweating, hang the uniform parts separately in a well-ventilated area. When completely dry, hang back in garment bag neatly.
DO NOT store your wet uniform in your garment bag. Mildew and Mold will quickly form.
Always store your uniform on hangers. Hanging pants with creases aligned prevents wrinkles!
Garment bags should only contain your uniform and raincoat on hangers. Extra socks, white t-shirts and gloves should be stored in the back pocket.
Clean dry Marching shoes can be stored in back pocket.
Neck liners may be removed and washed on delicate. Lay flat to dry. DO NOT PUT IN DRYER.
Gloves may be machine washed but HUNG DRY. They are cotton and will shrink in the dryer. Additional gloves may be purchased for a small fee (payable through Parent Square). Note that Pit and Battery members generally do NOT wear gloves.
We have loaner shoes available at the Uniform closet. Let a Uniform team member know if you forgot your shoes or need a different size mid-season.
UNIFORM DRY CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
PLAN AHEAD! Dry cleaners take a number of days. DO NOT wait until the day before uniforms are needed.
DO NOT EVER wash or machine dry jacket and pants. These items are dry clean only.
Do NOT use a home dry cleaning kit. If the uniform becomes stained, inform the Uniform team at uniforms@nullabfom.org. At a minimum, uniforms are to be dry cleaned once in the fall and at the end of the school year. A message will be sent when it’s time to dry clean.
You may take it to any dry cleaners. ABFOM recommends Village Cleaners –11 Spruce St, Acton or Colonial Valet dry cleaners 252 Great Rd, Acton.
Please remove neck guard from jacket before bringing to dry cleaners. Empty the bib pocket. Do not remove the safety pins from the bib straps. After dry cleaning, put the neck liner back in to match the shape of the collar.
At the end of the school year, please return the uniform in dry cleaning bags with receipts attached.
RAINCOAT CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
The raincoat should be machine washed on gentle cycle.
Once the washing is complete, turn the jacket inside out and hang to dry. It may take up to three days to fully dry.
Don’t forget to put all cleaned pieces back on the wooden hangers and back in the garment bag so it is ready to go. Any other questions, please visit ABFOM.ORG ->Programs ->Band ->Band uniform
OTHER FAQ’S
To clean the polo-shirt and the new uniform top – follow instructions on the label.
Arriving Late/Leaving Early: Each year, we have a number of students who have other activities and will arrive late, will meet us directly at an event, or will need to leave an event early. If a student has a special situation, email uniforms@nullABFOM.org at least 2 days before the event and we will work with the student so that the student’s hat and possibly their instrument get where they need to be. If a student needs to leave an event early, they may also come to the uniform closet at Report Time and talk with one of the Uniform Team Leaders.
Hats and Berets: Boxed hats never go home with students. They come out of the closet right before Report Time and are to be returned to the stack in the Uniform Closet at the end of an event. Berets go with the students in their garment bag and should be aired out after each event.
