What should students wear for formal concerts aka concert dress?
Concert Attire
Concert dress is to be worn for all formal performances. The tradition of musicians wearing formal clothes started centuries ago, when they performed in royal houses. Today, it’s more about dressing similarly, so that clothes don’t distract from the music. Personal appearance for public performances is very important for performing ensembles; we are a team and want to look as such. Not only does the audience take notice, but when a person dresses well, their esteem, confidence, and poise increases as well. Please note this is NOT intended to be a fashion show.
Concert Black Attire
How an ensemble dresses for concerts is extremely important. A group who comes onto the stage well-dressed shows respect for their audience, reflects personal pride, confidence, and gives off an aura of “something special is going to happen.” As musicians, much of our energy in rehearsal and performance is spent in the world of sound. However, the visual world always takes precedence in the human brain. We need to dress and act in a way that puts the audience’s focus on our music.
What is Concert Black Attire?
First and foremost, it is completely black. Concert black is formal, classy, and elegant. Many professional performance ensembles are moving to this style as well. General guidelines: • black dress pants, slacks, or long dress• black socks or black opaque stockings/tights • black shoes
What is NOT Concert Black Attire?
jeans, sweats, warm-up pants, yoga pants, leggings, mini-skirts or shorts • t-shirts, tank tops, spaghetti straps, halter tops, or crop tops • flip-flops, sports shoes, sneakers, black shoes with colored stripes or logos • white socks, white shoes, white crocs, white sandals, colored socks, no-socks, bare legs, or bare feet.
When in doubt, check with Mr. Kujawa
This attire does not apply to pep or marching band performances.
Jazz will wear the above with purple accent (like a tie, fedora, scarf, etc)
Mid August
At IKE, a combination of the band room, outdoor spaces, and other indoor spaces.
To learn the show and become a team before school starts.
Comfortable attire suitable for moving outdoors and indoors. Something like a tshirt or tank, shorts, socks, closed toed athletic shoes, hat. School appropriate attire, of course, shirts should not have inappropriate text or graphics.
Yourself, positive attitude, instrument/flag/related accessories, music/binder/pencil, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, closed toed athletic shoes, a lunch.
Expect to work hard, hot sun, sweat, but also have fun. Band Camp also serves as team building opportunities and getting to know each other.
Nope! With the exception if we plan an optional evening activity such as go to a movie, lazer tag, Skyzone, etc.
Email Mr. Kujawa and review the absence policy below:
IKE Marching Band Absence Policy rev. July 2025
Participation in marching band is a commitment to a team-based, performance-driven activity where every individual plays a vital role. Unlike many other extracurriculars or sports, there are no substitutes or alternates in marching band. Each person’s presence, position, and performance is an essential and irreplaceable part of a larger artistic puzzle. When one person is absent, it affects not only the music but also the visual design, spacing, and overall performance of the entire ensemble that we have all worked so hard to achieve.
Absences—Excused or Unexcused
We understand that life happens—illness, family emergencies, vacations, can interfere.
Expectations Following Any Absence
1. Communication: All absences must be communicated in advance whenever possible.
Email bryan.kujawa@nbexcellence.org Guard also email rebecca.barrington@nbexcellence.org
2. Accountability: If you miss a rehearsal or performance, it is your responsibility to learn what was covered—musically and visually.
3. Make-Up Requirement: Before you are permitted to perform again, you must:
Schedule a time with a staff member, or director to review missed material.
Demonstrate proficiency in your part—both musically and in drill/movement—to ensure you are fully prepared to rejoin the ensemble in performance.
4. Consequences:
Failure to make up missed content may result in removal from the upcoming performance(s).
Chronic absences may result in supporting the band from the sideline, reassignment, or
removal from the show/program. Grades for the course will also be impacted.
Agreement and Acknowledgment
To ensure that all members and their families understand the importance of attendance in marching band, every student and their parent/guardian must sign and return the Marching Band Absence Agreement Form prior to participating in the season. This form confirms that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by this policy.
By signing the agreement form, you acknowledge:
That every member of the band is critical to the success of the whole.
That absences must be made up to maintain performance eligibility.
That responsibility for communication and makeup work lies with the student
Yes, pending availability, you can rent an instrument from IKE for $125 per school year. The fee goes towards maintenance and upkeep of the instrument. Email Mr. Kujawa for details bryan.kujawa@nbexcellence.org
updated Aug 2025