As part of a $111,000 grant from the James N. McCoy Foundation awarded last fall, marching band members will be getting new equipment and uniforms. But not this fall.

According to Susan Harvey, music department chair, university officials tried to design, to obtain all the necessary approvals, and to have a contract completed in time for the 160 new uniforms to arrive this fall. However, all the necessary steps for purchasing could not be completed in time.

“When all of the processes were completed, the company informed us that the anticipated delivery would be January, 2017,” Harvey said.

Of the monies donated, only $64,000 would go for band uniforms. The rest would be spent on drumline equipment and other needs of the department.

“The money was donated specifically for the marching band, starting with new uniforms,” Harvey said. 

 Matthew Luttrell, director of bands, said the uniforms will have a more modern look, but will still hold a classic band uniform look. The uniforms will feature maroon pants and maroon-and-gold tops with the MSU emblem on the chest.

“The new uniforms have almost no white, and conform to university standards,” Luttrell said.

In addition, one benefit of the uniforms, according to Luttrell, is that the uniforms are fully adjustable, and will not require hemming.

According to Harvey the faculty members are excited for the new uniforms.

“They will look amazing,” she said.

However, students have mixed reactions.

“I like the idea of getting new uniforms,” Ciera Phillips, psychology junior, said. “The colors of the school aren’t the greatest. I think we should’ve used a neutral color rather than just maroon and gold.”

Phillips added that the gold in the uniforms is overwhelming.

Erin Stone, music education sophomore, said, “The new ones are very breathable and lightweight, and I love that. But I feel like a hot dog in them, they are not very appealing to the eye.”

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