"C" started orchestra in middle school, and I quickly started to notice that he often wore the same clothes, some with holes or dirty. His first year he beemed with confidence as he learned notes and progressed, but as the year stretched on, he started to become more reserved and closed off. Some students came to me concerned about him smelling bad, and they weren't interested in working in small groups with him.
"C's" other teachers also noticed that he was in need of some supplies, and he was able to start gaining some confidence back. As our first concert neared, I held him after class to ask him if he needed assistance with concert clothing and shoes. I got his sizes and we were able to get him what he needed. However, he showed up the concert in a grey sweatshirt and some jeans. I pulled him to the side and asked what had happened. His family's water had been shut off, and he had worn his clothes to school that day and gotten them dirty. We got him another black shirt and he was able to perform without worrying about standing out.
After the experience with "C," I spent 5 years fundraising, advocating, and collecting donations so that we could start a uniform system for both the middle and high schools. Hazelwood middle school orchestra now has black polos with their logo printed on them, and after a generous local donation, they now have an extra set that stay at the school that students can borrow for the concert. The life skills department allows us to lend shirts and then wash them at school for the next time they will be needed. New Albany High School has parent volunteers who help with hemming, and all students are provided with professional attire that can also be used at formal performance events and venues.
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