Student Resources

What is Concert Black attire?

Students are free to choose the components of their concert blacks within the following guidelines:

• black dress pants, slacks, skirt, or dress (skirt length is at the knee or longer)

• if appropriate, wear a black belt with your pants/slacks, etc.

• black dress shirt, blouse, or dress (avoid particularly low necklines)

• black socks or black opaque stockings/tights

• black dress shoes (heels are not recommended, particularly for performers who stand to perform)

• jewelry is permitted, but should not be prominent

• good hygiene is expected, but avoid using fragrances

What is not​ Concert Black attire?

Please avoid the following items, even if they are black:

• jeans, sweats, warm-up pants, yoga pants, leggings, miniskirts, or shorts

• t-shirts, tank tops, spaghetti straps, halter tops, or crop tops

• flip-flops, slippers, sports shoes, sneakers, black shoes with colored stripes or logos

• white socks, colored socks, bare legs, or bare feet

• any jewelry or accessories that are reflective

• avoid the use of any fragrances

Some tips on putting together your Concert Black attire
Use these tips when assembling your concert attire:

• because students are growing, borrowing from older siblings, parents, or even aunts, uncles, and cousins is a great idea (especially for shoes!)

• if you decide to buy, allow room for growing (not quite a clown suit big, but enough for a year or two)

• thrift stores can be a great place to find more dressy clothing in good shape (and to donate clothes that no longer fit!)

• although we want to look nice, concerts are not black tie events and truly formal attire is not expected

• a good thing to keep in mind is that the goal of concert attire is to allow students to blend in with the ensemble when viewed from a distance of 30-100 feet. Imperfections in clothing or fit that are visible up close may not be an issue at a distance.

• While many fancier dress shoes have leather soles, rubber soles are recommended for performers, particularly those who stand to perform (e.g. percussion)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are heels allowed?

Heels are permitted, but discouraged for most performers.

Does it matter what we do with our hair?

Not really. Hair comes in all types and colors (even that funky color you dyed it last week). It's your hair. Style it the way you want. If you're going to accessorize, avoid bright colors (wear black if possible).

Are ties or sport coats/jackets allowed?

Ties are not required or even encouraged, but if you have a black tie that you'd like to wear we won't stop you. The same applies to sport coats and jackets, but we generally do not recommend them due to the heat of the stage lights and the discomfort that can cause.