OUR UNIFORMS
The DGN Marching Band's current uniforms date from 2006. It includes: Military Shako with; brim, chain, and white plume; West Point style wool jacket with full cape; black wool pants; black gloves; black socks; black leather Speedsters type marching shoes. Drum Majors wear jackets with inverted colors (purple on white instead of white on purple), white gloves, steel whistles and a purple shoulder cape.
Shako: High brim Back Shako with a purple band and silver chain. The shako, or similar, has been worn at North High in some capacity since 1929! The white plume is also leads back to tradition, as well as adding 5" of height to the marcher. Together with the plume, a shako is over a foot tall! The shako without plume is also used in inclement weather, since it is waterproof. Plumes have a front and a back, and putting the plume in the shako incorrectly is quite noticeable when in formation. Uniform: Consists of Bib paints and uniform coat. The cape is reversible, a privilege allotted only to seniors on their last game with the band. The DGN band has marched with some form of a cape for over 15 years! The Jacket is all wool, as are the paints. The distinctive N on the breast of the jacket is revolutionary, and has been emulated in the uniforms of other local bands, including the uniforms of the Downers Grove South Marching Mustangs. The uniform, along with the shako, is designed to make the marchers appear taller. DGN's current uniforms resemble the uniforms of Northwestern University, leading some to label DGN's Band as "The mini Northwestern."
Black Gloves:In their second year of use with the DGN Band (previously white), these black gloves come with added grips on the fingers and palm. First appearance: London New Year's Parade. Black Shoes: Black leather waterproof shoes. Also called Speedsters. Regular polishing is a must. Also a must are long black socks. Many will remind you of these IMPORTANT black socks by singing "Black Socks! Black Socks! The more that you wear them the blacker they get. Someday I think I might wash them, but something keeps telling me not yet, not yet, not yet..." Beware of these socks for most people do not wash them regularly. A good suggestion is to invest in a couple of pairs of black athleatic socks with added cushioning. These socks also wick moisture away from your feet.
T-Shirt and Ball Cap: Worn on game days to school and under the uniform. Also used in situations where the full uniform would be impractical. Examples Include: extreme heat, Band Camp Purple and White Showcase, Homecoming parade and assembly, and foul weather.
Storm Coat: A large, waterproof, purple great coat. Used in inclement weather, and is extreme cold situations. Can be used in the same role as the T- shirt and Ball Cap.
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