UH band updates look for new century

Modeling the new uniforms purchased for the University of Hawai'i Marching Band are, from left, Travis Kea, KeAnuenue Hayashi, Ryan Howe, Ku'ulei Mukawa and Blayne Tamashiro. It is the first replacement in 22 years. Cory Lum • The Honolulu Advertiser

By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Education Writer

There will be no more safety pins, duct tape and stretchy suspenders when the University of Hawai'i Rainbow Marching Band makes its first appearance Saturday night in their first new uniforms in 22 years.

"Last year, one of the trumpets had to quit playing and hold on so that his pants wouldn't fall down on the field," said assistant director Gwen Nakamura. "He was holding it up with one hand and trying to play trumpet with the other.

"The old uniform looked great for its time and it stood up very well, but now it's falling apart."

The band will appear in its current uniforms for entertainment before the 6 p.m. game with Southern Methodist at Aloha Stadium, and switch to the new ones for the halftime show.

The push to replace the decrepit uniforms began a couple of years ago, but it took money scrabbled together by Arts and Humanities Dean Judith Hughes, former Athletic Director Hugh Yoshida, Vice President for Academic Affairs Deane Neubauer and Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Karl Kim to get the $117,000 for new ones. The 330 uniforms purchased accommodate 240 band members and future arrivals, Nakamura said.

Athletics changed its color scheme to green and black, which begged for an updated look, said Thomas R. Bingham, professor of music, associate director of bands and director of the marching band.

The new uniform features black pants with a green side stripe; a white coat with a green "H" on the shoulder and triangular design on the right lapel; gold braided trim curving from shoulder to waist; and a black hat with a green plume.

"It was one of our drummers — a senior, Daniel "Woody" Wood — who had most of the ideas, though we tossed around lots and lots," said Bingham. "He came up with the basic sketch for what this turned into."

Reach Beverly Creamer at bcreamer@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8013.