The WHS Music Department Boosters have begun their annual drive to collect unused and unneeded formal attire for the Concert Performance Attire Recycling Program. They’re making a special appeal to everyone in Wilton to come attend tonight’s POPS Concert and then consider donating formalwear to help students who take part in the school’s music program.
All members of the performance ensembles at Wilton High School – band, orchestra and chorus — must purchase formal attire to wear at concert events. Girls are required to wear a floor length dress, and boys must wear tuxedos. As Dottie Jankowski, Music Boosters president, explained, “There are unused dresses, and perhaps a few too-small tuxedoes, lurking in closets all over Wilton. A few parents approached me about a way to re-cycle this attire for incoming — and growing — students. They arranged for space in a music department closet – now known as the ‘Good Wilton Closet’ – and organized the logistics of distribution for the fall. Of course, spring collection is critical to the program’s success.”
Last year was the Concert Attire Recycling Program’s inaugural year and the opening of the Good Wilton Closet.
“It was a great success,” said volunteer Jennifer Ward. “Families donated over 25 dresses, and they donated tuxedoes and individual items like pants, shoes, jackets and bow ties as well. We sorted and cataloged over the summer and then worked with the music department to to keep ahead of new attire measuring and ordering timelines. We provide dates for interested students and their parents to shop at the Good Wilton Closet before new orders are due in the fall, and we ultimately helped approximately 15 girls and 10 boys with concert attire in the first year.”
Girls frequently donate concert dresses as graduating seniors or when they no longer participate in music programs at WHS. Boys are required to wear a tuxedo and appropriate footwear at concerts, but there’s little chance of a tuxedo or shoes fitting for four years. Local companies have trade-in programs, but families who find too-small (or too big!) tuxedos and shoes in their closets are welcome to donate whatever they have to the Music Boosters. Everything donated should be clean. Donations will be cataloged by size.
Next fall, before students are measured for formal concert wear, they will have the opportunity to shop at the Good Wilton Closet. “We wanted to keep it simple,” said program co-organizer Alison Conroy. “Everything we collect will be available to students free of charge. No need-based requirement or formal application process. And every piece of performance attire that the students can choose from will be in great condition. It’s an ecological as well as an economical initiative.”
Drop off clean attire at the POPS concert, which will take place tonight, Wednesday May 28, at 7:30 p.m. at the Clune Center. A bin will also be available in the WHS Lobby in June. After that date, the sorting and cataloging will begin! For more information, send an email to WHSConcertAttire@gmail.com.
