Concert Attire Guidelines
The dress guidelines outlined here are strongly enforced to ensure that everyone in the ensemble is dressed professionally and uniformly for performances. If in doubt as to what to wear, stay as conservative as possible. Students who arrive for a concert improperly dressed will be sent home to change or, if this is not possible, will have their grade automatically lowered and may be pulled from the concert. Consistent failure to maintain a professional appearance in performance will have a negative effect upon one's grade.
Orchestras and Wind Ensemble
Men
- Black tuxedo.
- Pressed white dress shirt.
- Black bow tie.
- Black cummerbund or black tuxedo vest.
- Suspenders are permitted, but they must be either black or white.
- Black dress socks (no ankle socks).
- Black dress shoes (no cowboy or combat boots).
Women
- Plain black, floor to mid-calf length gown with long or 3/4 sleeves.
- OR
- Long or mid-calf black skirt, or black dress slacks, with a black top having long or 3/4 sleeves. If you wear slacks, they must be loose and flowing - nothing tight, and no jeans.
- Black or neutral hose and black dress shoes. No open-toed shoes or sandals.
- No excessive jewelry. No sequins or sparkles. Hair accessories must be black, silver, or gold.
- No plunging necklines, rising slits (dress and skirt slits must not exceed six inches in length), low-cut backs, or displays of midriff. Wear a slip if your outfit requires it.
- Toes, knees, and elbows must not be visible.
For some opera performances, orchestra members, both men and women, may be asked to wear "dressy black," i.e. nice black shoes and socks, black pants or skirt and a black shirt or top. Black jeans and tee shirts are not acceptable.
Choral Ensembles
Men
- Black tuxedo.
- Pressed white dress shirt.
- Black bow tie.
- Black cummerbund or black tuxedo vest.
- Suspenders are permitted, but they must be either black or white.
- Black dress socks (no ankle socks).
- Black dress shoes (no cowboy or combat boots).
Women
- Plain black gown of at least ankle-length, preferably floor-length, with long or 3/4 sleeves.
- OR
- Plain black skirt of at least ankle length, preferably floor length (or black dress slacks) with a plain black top having long or 3/4 sleeves. If you wear slacks, they must be loose and flowing - nothing tight, and no jeans.
- Black (preferred) or neutral hose and black dress shoes. No open-toed shoes or sandals.
- No jewelry except plain stud earrings.
- No plunging necklines, rising slits, low-cut backs, or displays of midriff. Wear a slip if your outfit requires it.
- Toes, calves, knees, and elbows must not be visible.
Jazz Ensembles
Men
- Black slacks, black dress shirt, black socks, and black dress shoes. No jeans, T-shirts or sneakers are allowed. Jackets and ties are optional.
Women
- Black slacks or black skirt and black blouse/top combination, or black dress, and black dress shoes. No jeans or sneakers are allowed. No excessively tight or revealing clothing.
Camerata
Men and Women
- Neat, comfortable, colorful, professional attire. No formal wear.
