Oxford High School Band Director Jim Gibbons made an appeal for the school board to consider buying new band uniforms at a Feb. 21 meeting.

The cost of the 200 uniforms would be $91,510 and would be paid for out of the 2017-18 general fund budget, according to Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Sam Barna.

Gibbons said the current uniforms are 11 years old and, although they have been well cared for, they are starting to show signs of age that can no longer be disguised.

Between the two bidders for the uniforms, the company which offered the lowest bid was Missouri-based Stanbury Uniforms. Gibbons said the uniforms designed by Stanbury were also preferred by his students.

“These uniforms were by far their favorite… The kids liked the feel of the Stanbury one better and (the uniforms) felt better to them when they were in marching position,” said Gibbons.

With a modern design, the proposed uniforms vests are blue, gold, and white in color.

Each uniform set would also include a shako hat and two sets of pants—one white and one black.

“The students would wear black for competitions and, when the weather is appropriate, we can wear white (pants)… (that will) give us some flexibility so we can stand out on the field when we’re marching at home,” Gibbons added.

The board is expected to make a decision at the March 14 meeting, which will be held at Oxford High School (745 N. Oxford Rd.) at 6:30 p.m.