Participation in the orchestra requires a performing uniform. If the cost of the uniform items causes financial hardship, there are resources available for such a situation; please see your director privately.
We will provide information about a website we recommend that sells tuxedos inexpensively. ($115) Measuring for tuxedos takes place during class periods at the beginning of the school year. The tuxedo package includes jacket, pants, shirt, bow tie and cummerbund. You must provide black dress shoes and black socks.
Ordering the required dress will occur during the first two weeks of school.
Women of the orchestra are required to obtain and wear black performance attire that meets the following criteria:
(1) Must wear either long-sleeved or 3/4 sleeve and sleeve must extend past the elbow. A jacket can be used to meet this requirement. No bare midriff or back. Please avoid velvet and lace or semi-transparent sleeves.
(2) Modest and well fitting neckline. No plunging necklines front or back. (3) For FORMAL concerts an ankle-length full black skirt or dress is required. Please no slits above the knees in the front, back, or sides. Should still be modest even if bending down to pick up something from the floor.
(4) For SEMI-FORMAL concerts, either ankle-length full black skirt or well fitting black dress slacks. No visible pockets, no denim, no exposed skin or undergarments when seated.
(3) Black shoes you can walk in confidently, and
(4) Black hose or stockings. No bare feet in dress shoes.
Black-on-black sequins, beading, or embroidery are discouraged. No colored embroidery or other such colored patterns.
Keep jewelry and hair accessories to an absolute minimum.
In consideration of those with allergies, no perfume or fragrances please.
This dress code is intended to add a visual element of elegance to our performance. The code is derived from that of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, a professional example of what it is to dress appropriately for that of a symphonic orchestra. One’s dress should detract attention from oneself and instead center another’s focus on the music being played. Please use good judgment and dress yourself conservatively.
If you come to a performance in unacceptable attire, a change of clothes will be assigned to you. If you have questions about an item, it would be advantageous to direct these questions to your director well in advance of a performance.