@thumper1 No need to tag me with a lecture including capitalization. 
From my post, first sentence “I would double check with the band director/staff and see if there are any specific color requirements. Barring that,” Having had concert ban/orchestra kids, I’m well aware black is common, hence my starting the post with this comment.
No experience with it personally but I’ve heard that you can buy a tux on eBay pretty reasonably.
@Emsmom1 I have an extra tux and black suit here…I sent you a PM.
I would check Goodwill, consignment shops, the Salvation Army, etc. They generally have a lot of suits in great condition. You can get one for ~$20. I’ve bought suits and separates there for my tall, broad shouldered, but slender son and gotten some really nice ones. You can sometimes luck out and find a silk tie too. I like double-breasted jackets and cuffed pants (I don’t like the fitted look currently in the stores at all), but single breasted that he can unbutton to cool off may be better. I think for band you’ll probably want black, but I’d check with the conductor to be sure.
@thumper1 You are the best! Thanks-I sent you a PM
There is a good chance that most of the kids will be getting the tuxes so despite navy or charcoal being “acceptable” and more versatile I would lean toward black (especially since the wording was tux “preferred” which implies black) so that he doesn’t feel out of place. Add a black bow tie and he will be set. I think it is a very important consideration. We’ve all been to concerts where some kids don’t quite conform to the dress code and they really stick out, and freshman year of college can be a very sensitive time.
A suit can easily be found at Penneys, Kohls, and even Macys for under $200, but you will need to look for sales and coupons.
Thanks everyone-you’ve been so helpful! I was leaning toward navy or charcoal for versatility but will go with black now for sure.
An update- I went to a suit store in downtown Los Angeles and was able to get a new black tux, white shirt and black bow tie for $99. Now, it’s not the best tux out there but I was very happy to find something reasonably priced that will fit him and not make him stand out (like a charcoal suit would). It’s not wool- I believe it’s a poly blend. I hope breathability isn’t an issue. Are most tuxes wool?
If it fits him well, I’m sure it will be fine (wool or no wool).
Our S has a black tux that he used in HS band. It is polyester and was very reasonably priced, with adjustable waist trousers. I think you did well, @Emsmom1! That is a very thoughtful gift! Even though it says dry clean, the slacks can be washed gently in the machine and they have been.
@HImom that’s good to know about the pants. Thanks for the tip!
His slacks were NOT lined and I asked other parents and they said it laundered fine. Sometimes u wash by hand with baby shampoo sometimes gentle/delicate cycle with 1/2 the recommended detergent. Have not cleaned the jacket as it’s only been worn in A/C and seems fine. Cold water only, of course. Anything lined, I’d shy away from laundering and only dry clean, as the lining can shrink or stretch or somehow not be quite right after being laundered.
Very good deal! And a very thoughtful gift for someone who will be performing in music ensembles in college!