A royal makeover: Red Deer’s famous marching band refreshes iconic look

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The Royals are seen here recently performing in Inverness, Scotland. (Image Credit: Addie Otto)

official ambassadors of red deer

A royal makeover: Red Deer's famous marching band refreshes iconic look

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“Another factor was member health and safety. The 2004/2005 uniforms we retired had replaced the iconic but heavy red-and-white wool uniforms the band had worn since the 70s. They were unquestionably an improvement in comfort and mobility for members. But over time, design and materials have changed significantly, and we want to ensure our members are not only comfortable, but able to avoid heat-related issues, which can be really dangerous, especially as we wear the marching uniforms during the summer.”

The new uniforms stay true to certain design elements the Royals have long worn.

That includes the V-shaped front panel with interlocking red and black bars.

Added are shoulder flares, which offer a silhouette effect, width, and contrast to the upper body shape, all while allowing members to communicate visual movement more sharply.

“Another impactful piece is the removable side cape, which snaps on and off. We wear the side capes for our field show and standing performances to add movement and colour to the performers’ arsenal of artistic communication,” explains Lonsdale-Pangle.

Drumline member Ethan Kuhn is shown here with the new bibber that features a red maple leaf. (Image Credit: Riley Parker)

“When on parade, we leave the side capes off in favour of highlighting the traditional parade formations and straight lines. Another exciting element is our new shako and shako wrap. The shako, or hat, was previously embellished with metal accents and a metal maple leaf at the centre. We absolutely love the iconic look of these, but found opportunities to lighten the pieces using metallic thread and material in place of the metal accents.”

Marching pants have also been updated with a Y-shaped back to prevent straps from slipping off members’ shoulders, and feature a defined crease, plus a more modern, narrow fit.

And the final touch is small but meaningful, says Lonsdale-Pangle.

“Often our members spend time in ‘half uniform’ during warm-ups, and we wanted to find a way to keep the Royals identity in this mode,” she says.

“Our bibbers (pants) now feature a red maple leaf embroidered on the rib panel. This thoughtful touch allows our members to remain proud ambassadors in any state of their uniforming, whether warming up in parking lots or performing in stadiums.”

Drum Majors (Marla Wettstein, left, Evie Hayes, right) wore sashes of the City of Red Deer Tartan, donated by Beverly Lee and sewn by Glenda DeBoer-Lonsdale. This is the last of the tartan made in 1996, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Red Deer Highland Games. (Image Credit: Riley Parker)

The recent trip across the pond was a special one for the Royals, as it came 50 years after their first international tour — which was also to Scotland and England.

The 10-day venture saw members perform in Inverness, Glasgow, Loch Lomond, and Edinburgh, with the final show at Edinburgh Castle’s Ross Bandstand. They also took part in a Highland Games experience, visiting highland cows and literal red deer at a game sanctuary.

In 2017, the Royals were designated as official ambassadors of the city of Red Deer, and they typically travel internationally every three years.

Interested youth aged 12-21 with at least one year of playing experience for musicians are encouraged to audition for the Red Deer Royals.

Anyone interested in colourguard can come to an info night to try out equipment and get a feel for the activity. No auditions are required for colourguard, but interested members should be able to move athletically and handle equipment safely. Email director@reddeerroyals.com for audition information, and visit reddeerroyals.com/join to fill out a new member application.