Should we adopt a particular style of dress or uniform when we sing at events?
It would enable us to build up an image - something that would be recognizable from event to event, helped by our new banner. The issue has been raised before, with some people adamantly against it and others going so far as to print shirts with logos. I think consistency is important here (ie we'd all have to wear it - at all events) - but also a rationale. Why would we do this if we perform at, say, just six events a year plus a similar number of local events? John Lamb and the team have a 'uniform appearance' planned for the German trip - but no uniform as such. Indeed, is uniformity in general compatible with our professed background - namely casual singing for pleasure in the pub for ourselves and anyone else who cares to listen?
The committee discussed this at the May meeting and would now like your views. What's it to be? Dungarees with SDFS standard issue pieces of straw for our worn out hats? Or a smart lincoln green polo shirt with a neat embroidered SDFS logo above the left breast?
Let us hear what you think - you can use the 'Comment' facility below (click on 'comments').
Adrian F
Welcome to our website for singers who want to learn and sing traditional and new South Downs folk songs, sung in the traditional way. "Put another barrel on, landlord, and pull a pint for me! The ale here in Sussex is the best we all agree!"
Ok, just for starters - and I accept I'm not a 'regular' so my comments will count for little - I think it's useful ( no more ) if SDFsingers wear something which enables them to be distinguished from everyone else : for example, a flower worn in a hat or a buttonhole or something. Uniform per se smacks of conformity and formality and I didn't think that was what this group is about.
ReplyDeleteI don't fancy singing outside in the winter in a polo shirt, no matter how smart! If some people are already adamantly against it, how will you get any agreement on what would be acceptable and appropriate for all seasons/venues? Personally, I feel we should be concentrating on polishing our performance, to get noticed, rather than our attire.
ReplyDeleteInteresting stuff! Please keep it coming! And please identify yourself so that a more meaningful exchange can be had!
ReplyDeleteAdrian F
Not sure why one's identity could make an exchange more meaningful! Does identity make any difference as to how others view our views? It shouldn't..
DeleteSee 'Comments' post of 4 June.
ReplyDeleteAdrian F
That's going round in circles and doesn't answer the question. Why should my identity make a difference? Why does it make an exchange more meaningful just because you know who I am?
ReplyDeleteRe what we wear: I suggest green, any green and any (suitable) garment. The resulting variety of green would reflect the hundreds of greens to be seen in the trees especially at this time of the year. Or, another suggestion: green and/or blue, for the Downs and the sea (sometimes blue!).
ReplyDeleteI think that's a jolly good idea - then we'd look like the little green aliens in the banner........................
ReplyDeleteI don't think that the singers should all wear the same thing - that doesn't feel appropriate to the style of singing. However a uniformity of colour, as we did for the Horses at War (with floral buttonholes) seemed to work well and distinguishes us as a group.
ReplyDeleteShades of the same colour seems a good idea, and together with a distinguishing feature like a buttonhole or perhaps a hat might work well. Not pink, though ,please!
ReplyDeleteThe first time I saw the SDFS was a couple of years ago at Arundel Festival. I saw several choirs on the stage that afternoon, most of which had some sort of uniform which to me made them look rather twee. It made a refreshing change to see the SDFS in more natural attire which was in keeping with their style of singing. That's why I joined you and not the others.
ReplyDeleteDisgruntled of Worthing
I'm not a regular but... I don't want to wear flowers or uniform or green (Green, really, are you sure? Do green clothes exist?) Having a polo shirt (I expect I'd be expected to pay for it too) would put me off completely. This is about local people singing local songs in the pub or outside, not a formal thing and not for formal attire. WE ARE NOT A CHOIR we are a group of singers. Phew. Rant over. Oh, yes, I might accept a hat. Like so we were identifiable. Or shoes. We could all have matching hats or matching shoes. As long as they are provided and I don't have to pay for them. Is there a committee? Is there a hat sponsorship position on said committee??
ReplyDeleteThe debate within the SDFS about a 'uniform' is not a new one. Some singers have suggested that some form of common dress - be it just a simple colour, or clothing type - might help portray us as a unified group. But you are right in that we are definitely not a choir, per se, and we do not need (and would not want) a complete uniform. No-one would wear such a thing. There are a couple of polo shirts in circulation as an experiment but no decision has been taken about their future use. There is not currently a hat sponsorship position on the committee (yes, there is a committee - see the 'Meeting Agendas and Notes' page) and you are welcome to propose such a role - though I think it would more likely form part of the Publicity person's remit.
DeleteAdrian F