It takes several hours of choreography, music practice, marching in the heat of summer practice and freezing during cold and rainy football games to showcase their show and talent.
Bradwell Institute Tiger Marching Band members don’t mind the hours, but at this point their uniforms aren’t able to give the same commitment.
“There is only so many times you can sew them up and it is time for a new look,” band director Jeremy Fermin said. “With the band turning a corner last year and this year and getting more exposure, the uniforms … a lot of it is how you look … appearance is everything and the uniforms they are wearing now are at least a decade old. They were wearing these same uniforms when I was in high school … now they are just literally falling apart.” Fermin took over as band director last year and introduced new choreography and music designed to engage the student body and fans attending Tiger football games. He said there is one person devoted to keeping the current uniforms useable by stitching together pieces that are coming apart, but many of the current uniforms are no longer salvageable. He added that certain items, like the hats, are in limited supply due to wear and tear.
He said they’ve researched and found the uniforms they would like to purchase, but the band members need help in coming up with the funds. Each new uniform will cost about $375 per member.
“The kids want it, and they are working hard to get new uniforms but they need help,” Fermin said.
The band wants to purchase 100 new uniforms, which means they would need to raise a little more than $37,000. The new uniforms would be an added boost for the members as they prepare for competitions this season and next year.
The Tiger Marching Band has a booster club, and Fermin is looking to grow the membership numbers to help the cause. The Friends and Family of the BI Marching Band have started working toward the goal of seeing their kids in new uniforms.
Anyone interested in joining and helping the band achieve their goal could sponsor the band. There are several tiers of sponsorship available and most supporters get recognition at the football games, on certificates or in the band program books.
For more information, go to bradwellband.com

Uniform price breakdown
Shako: $43
Plume: $22.70
Coat: $ 180.40
Bibbers: $76
Pair of gauntlet cuffs: $32.05
Shako box: $9.25
Garment bag: $11.75
Total coast per uniform: $375.15