Music department holding clothing drive

The NRHEG Music department is sponsoring a dress clothing drive, the idea being to give band members increased access to the dark-colored attire expected for concerts–and to have backup clothing handy should something happen just prior to a concert.

 

“We would welcome any help the community can give us with this,” comments band director Seth Schaefer. New or gently used items in all sizes can be delivered to the secondary school office during open hours. 

 

All items–shirts, blouses, slacks, belts, shoes, accessories such as ties or scarves, and unopened packages of socks–should be black and chosen for their appealing appearance.

 

Schaefer explains the clothing will be kept by the music department and offered to band students prior to dress concerts; there is no need to loan them to choir members since their attire is covered by robes.

 

Schaefer mentions that all-black attire for musical performances is a long-standing tradition for musical ensembles large and small. The internet site Classic FM claims there are many reasons for the practice, including that limiting visual variety among the performers allows the audience to concentrate on the music; having them all dressed in a similar way sends an impression of unity; and black has a way of hiding spots or stains.

 

Anyone with questions about the drive can email choir instructor Krista Reeder at kreeder@nrheg.k12.mn.us.

 

Secondary site concerts this year will include the Oct. 28 Indoor Marching Band concert, a performance during the Veterans Day program on Nov. 11, holiday concerts the evening of Monday, Dec. 9, the grades 6 to 8 midwinter concert on Feb. 25, Panther Band Night on May 13, and a performance at Graduation on June 1. There will also be four small or large group music contests and festivals after the beginning of the new year. The band has a trip to California scheduled at the end of March; that will include students who have signed up and paid in advance.