The Mighty Marching Hornets of Alabama State University recently displayed their brand new uniforms during the football game against the Alcorn State University Braves.
After years of waiting, the Mighty Marching Hornets have realized the investment in some new uniforms for the band students.
James Oliver, Ed.D., director of Bands, expressed his feelings about the uniforms.
“It’s probably been about nine years since we had a new set of uniforms,” he said. “… In my mind as a band director, we should get new uniforms every five to six years.”
Oliver explained that there are a few reasons why he felt it necessary to purchase new band uniforms.
“The first reason is that after so long, the uniforms begin to get damaged,” Oliver said. “We only have one set of uniforms, and we wear them all the time, so they experience wear and tear … it was just time that we got a new set.”
Alton Mitchell, a percussion player and member of the marching band, agreed with Oliver.
“It’s been almost nine years since we got some new ones, so they were beginning to fall apart,” Mitchell said.
Griffin Hatcher, another percussion player and member of the marching band, shared his thoughts on the imperishability of the new uniforms.
“I really like them… they’re very durable, and it’s a better fabric, so it’s better for us to do our movements and dancing,” he said.
In order to ensure that these new uniforms hold up for years to come, they have been designed and made with 100% top-grade wool. This material is primarily used due to its strength and durability. It is also the material used for uniforms at other educational and military institutions.
The Mighty Marching Hornets need durable uniforms, but they also need to keep them modern and in fashion.
“Another reason is that they go out of style,” Oliver added. “We have to keep up with the style … We want to stay up to date.”
The new suits for the marching band are black and gold with many different details to make them ‘pop.’
“I designed all the uniforms that we’ve had. I draw them out, then I color them, and then I call the uniform company and have them come in to look at them,” Oliver said.
The designs have proved to be liked by many in the past.
“As a matter of fact, I’ve had my uniforms featured in their magazines.”
He feels his designs represent university pride and help the band shine when putting on a show.
“The one that we display on Saturday is the full uniform, and it is one that I created,” he said. “… I ordered 250 of them, and we’re very excited about them.”