Marching Band

If you have ever visited a uniform manufacturing facility the answer to this question is obvious. If you haven't toured a manufacturer's facility we strongly encourage you to make such a trip a priority. However, the answer to the question…
Read More...

Each material has strong points and weak points. As far as costs go 100% wool is by far the most expensive fabric with 100% polyester being the least expensive by comparison. However, cost per yard is not necessarily the rule when…
Read More...

Several factors go into pricing a garment. Some of these factors you can control through design, other factors are constant. The first complex question asked a uniform representative meeting with a group is "What is it going to look like,…
Read More...

The actual production of your order does not begin until the approved sample, measurements, and purchase order and/or deposit are received in the factory. It doesn't make any difference if you decide to buy in March but don't clean up the…
Read More...

Another consideration is the timing of price increases. Since we are reactionary with our price increases (we increase our prices when our suppliers increase their prices), our increases usually take place around the first of the year. So…
Read More...

The company started in 1910. My great-grandfather, Herman Fruhauf, immigrated to the US before the turn of the 20th century. He settled in NYC. A department store in Wichita, Kansas needed a tailor and they hired Herman to move to Wichita…
Read More...

After teaching marching percussion at the high school, college, and top 12 D.C.I. levels as well as band directing at the junior high and college levels, there are a number of teaching philosophies that I have found to be extremely…
Read More...

There are several methods of fixing timing issues with your marching ensemble. One method is to stand on the front sideline, directly behind the pit. Now, you are in the ultimate "hot spot". From this position, you can watch the drum major…
Read More...

Whether you're a first year teacher or a veteran band instructor, you will probably agree that one of the greatest challenges you face is achieving a workable balance between all you would like to do and that which you are reasonably able…
Read More...

Before sitting down to design a visual package for a particular ensemble, I like to review video of its previous three years of performances. From these I can gain a wealth of information including performance and design techniques with…
Read More...

Do you rush around like mad trying to finish your workday? When you finally leave school, is it an hour later then you planned? Even so, do you feel like you are lagging behind? If this scenario sounds familiar, it is time to rethink your…
Read More...

Marching percussion ensembles spend hours upon hours in rehearsal each day to perfect their indoor or field show, with their main objective often being to PLAY CLEAN. Most adjudication criteria focuses on the "how" as opposed to the "what."…
Read More...

I recently saw a comic depicting a boss pointing at a subordinate saying, "You get back to your cubicle and start thinking outside the box!" Other than being an obvious oxymoron, you can hardly live in our world without hearing, seeing or…
Read More...

When writing for a new band, it is integral to the success of the program to gather as much information about the band's history, style and strengths. Another key factor is to establish a strong understanding of the expectations of not only…
Read More...