As the Dragon Band hits the field this season, fans will instantly notice changes beyond the setlist. For the first time in over eight years, the marching band will don new uniforms.
"We wanted it to have a more contemporary look but at the same time hold on to and have reference to the traditions that make us unique," says Ken Johnson, Dragon Band Director. "There are subtle hints of our past embedded in the uniform."
For the past few decades, the band has worn more traditional marching garb. This year, things are taking a dramatic shift. The uniforms feature different hues of green, worked into spiraling swirls on one side of the uniform. On the other side, a bold metallic isosceles triangle reflects stadium lights. The jacket portion is asymmetrical as well.
The contrasting aspects of the uniforms are purposefully different to display the spirit of the band and the school it represents. Aspects of strength, artistry and unity.
"We had to start by realizing that it really is the Dragon Band, not a band of Dragons," says Michael Cesario, designer from Fred J. Miller Inc. "The essence of the design was that it is the multiple that make a dragon. They're not individuals, dragons running around, the band is the dragon."
Cesario worked directly with Carroll staff to create uniforms that reflect the band. Johnson says he wanted something more contemporary in order to make the band more competitive and open them up to more show styles. Cesario echoes this sentiment.
"The band is a recognized band and is on the rise, so we didn't want to limit them on the kind of shows they can do," he says.
All infall, the uniform design aims to interpret the movement and essence of a dragon. The green swirls are textured in an appearance of scales. The reflective triangle could be interpreted as strength and is a homage to the last uniform. While this will not be put to use this year, the uniforms also have features that can be switched out and transformed for new looks.
"The point was to offer the band a strong identity, a strong image that when you see it, there is no other band like it," Cesario says.