The Big Purple Band has acquired new uniforms after a fundraising campaign last fall in which the Department of Music raised about $125,000.

Dr. Brandon Houghtalen, associate director of bands, said he is grateful for the support of those who participated in the fundraiser.

“We launched the campaign in the fall, and the donors and the alumni made it happen,” Houghtalen said. “We were just fortunate to conclude it when we did.”

Houghtalen said that the decision to re-outfit the band was a necessary step to keep up with other developments, such as ACU’s ascension to Div. I athletics and the opening of Wildcat Stadium in 2017. The last time the band received new uniforms was in 2003.

The new design is the product of a collaboration between students, alumni and Fruhauf Uniforms, a company based in Wichita, Kansas.

At the Texas Music Educators Association Conference a year ago, Houghtalen and Dr. Steven Ward, professor of music and conductor of the Big Purple band, finalized their ideas for the new look of the band. It will feature an updated ACU athletics logo and a more balanced color scheme compared to the older outfits.

Melissa Powell, senior chemistry major from Garland, was heavily involved with the integration of the recently purchased uniforms into the department. She managed the new inventory when it arrived a few weeks ago, which totaled 200 uniforms.

“All of the returning band members, including me, all have a uniform with our name on it that was made specifically for us, which is really cool,” Powell said.

Though she won’t be playing horn for the opening game next fall, Powell is happy that returning members will get the chance to kick off the new year with a new look specifically designed for each member.

“I think we had a good Fall this year, even though we only got to play at one football game,” Houghtalen said. “But we are very excited about next year and playing more football games and debuting the new uniforms.”