Guard, Flags, Uniforms: Check
It’s been a while since I’ve done a “real” entry, so I thought I’d grace you all with an update on our show theme, uniforms & flags. It’s not very exciting, but I’ll sprinkle some tidbits of advice in here, too.
The Show
This year’s theme is “Time.” I was a little hesitant of it because it’s done fairly often, and we like to be a little different. However, after 7 seasons with the band director/music arranger/drill designer, I should know to trust him! The songs are:
- “Auld Lang Syne” (You know, the song played when the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s?)
- “Time in a Bottle” by Jim Croce (I’d never heard of it either.)
- “I’m Late” by ??? (Alica in Wonderland)
- “Syncopated Clock” by Leroy Anderson
- “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Halley (I <3 this song)
The Uniforms
Choosing uniforms this year was a little more difficult than usual. Typically, we buy new uniforms when none of the collection we have stuffed in the closet will work. For example, I’m going into my 8th season instructing and we have ordered 5 sets of uniforms (counting this year). Due to budget concerns in the state of NJ, we decided to get something the ladies can wear for at least 2-3 years instead of getting something overly theme-y. It’s all good – I like our flags and sparkling personalities to speak for themselves.
I also wanted to get something that was two pieces. partly because we already had the bottoms in the closet. But mostly because the guard takes forever to use the ladies room after a long bus ride. You all know what I’m talking about!
And lastly, I wanted to get a top that would be easily removable for a quick costume change in the last number. Now if only I could find something to put under it.
For those reasons, we went with the Mode Top from Algy, right. The photo shows some purple under the bust, but we’re going with red because our school colors are red, gray, and white.
The Flags/Equipment
The possibilities are endless, aren’t they? Here’s what I chose:
Auld Lang Syne
AB108 from American Band
For this song, I, like many others, thought of celebrating New Year’s. Then I thought of what colors represent it. My answer: black, silver, gold, red.
Luckily we have the flag to the left in those exact colors in the closet. We’ve used these twice already, so we have more than enough in good condition to reuse. WIN!
Time in a Bottle
FL7007 from Algy
When I listened to this song, I thought of infinite time. So I was looking for a flag with a circular swirl..
VOILA! Algy already had a digitally designed flag. THAT was easy.
A few years ago we ordered a digital flag and hated it because it was see through. We’ve been assured the technology has progressed since then, so I’m hoping this flag is more solid than I anticipate. Since I like some sparkle to my flags, we’ll add some in the form of sequins!
I’m Late
Designed by yours truly
Designed by yours truly
Everyone knows “I’m Late” is from Alice in Wonderland. As I always try to do, I wanted to give what I’ve dubbed “color cues” – where instead of going with an obvious or literal flag, you use color to remind listeners where they likely know the song is from. So I asked a group of people what colors they thought of when I mentioned Alice in Wonderland. The colors?: blue, yellow, and white (for Alice) and red and black (for the queen of hearts). So I had my colors. Now for a flag.
Couldn’t find one I liked. I found one that put me in the right direction, but it just wasn’t “it”. So I created my own design. The two images below are the two custom flags we’ll get. We started out with the four card suits, but decided we didn’t need them. I really enjoy how the colors work together in such a simple design. Band Shoppe will be constructing these from poly china silk and lame.
Also of note for “I’m Late” is the prop. Approximately 5 of the guard will work with an oversized pocketwatches on chains. We’ll be making these ourselves, so stay tuned for a post after we build a prototype!
Syncopated Clock
FL2013 from Band Shoppe
Syncopation is “a general term for a disturbance or interruption of the regular flow of rhythm; a placement of rhythmic stresses or accents where they wouldn’t normally occur.” (Hoffman, Miles (1997). “Syncopation”. National Symphony Orchestra. NPR. http://www.kennedy-center.org/nso/classicalmusiccompanion/syncopation.html. Retrieved 13 July 2009.)
Based on that idea, I decided to play with contrast in a way that we haven’t done since 2006: double-sided flags. Yes. Two flags sewn together on one pole. Pretty freakin’ awesome! The thought is that at a now-undecided moment in the music, the guard’s work would switch directions showing the contrasting side. It draws attention to the disruption in rhythm. Liked the idea of gears because clocks have gears and the song sounds like a clock ticking back and forth.
What you see to the left is one side of the flag. The other side will have a white background with a black/gold gear on it. I should note that doing double-sided flags costs twice as much as one flag, so this was not helpful in our cost-effective approach. Get the flag here
Rock Around the Clock
Also designed by moi
For this song, I really wanted to grab that 50s pop shop feel. I also wanted to have 12 flags numbered 1-12. Because customizing 12 flags would cost a lot, I decided I’d design/make them myself. When I say “make” I mean order the solid-color flags from Band Shoppe and create large iron-on numbers from an undetermined black fabric to attach ourselves. The test phase of this idea came out well, so I can’t wait to really get them done.
To the left you see 4 colors, but we decided just to go with a bubble gum pink color instead. After doing research on colors in the 50s (i.e. calling my grandmother) I figured 1 color was better than 4 for several reasons. The major one being that I found the more popular colors were turquoise and bubble gum pink, and just 2 colors didn’t seem like a good idea – especially when the 2 songs preceding this one have dual flags in one form or another. I thought it would be dos overload.
The guard will also be doing a costume change going into this song, so they will have white tops and black bottoms and some other little costume piece.
Not sure if it’s noticeable, but each flag has a color in it from the song before. 1st – 2nd number is black/gold, 2nd – 3rd number is gold/blue/black, 3rd – 4th number is gold/black, and 4th to 5th number is black (and maybe white). I like continuity from song to song.
And there you have it! If you’re still reading – thanks!
I’m interested to hear how you decided your show flags this year. Feel free to tell me in the comments.
Until next time–
