Annual Invitational High School Marching Band Championship Oct. 20

Forty one high school marching bands from throughout Illinois will compete in the annual State of Illinois Invitational High School Marching Band Championship, or “Band Day,” at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20.

Band Day celebrates its 42nd year with bands competing for a championship trophy as well as for other honors in six classes based on school enrollment.  Competition covers musicianship, showmanship and marching.  A panel of adjudicators from across the United States – from Arizona, Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee, Michigan and Florida - has been assembled for the competition.

The day’s first band, stepping off at 7 a.m., will be Olympia High School.  Following the final band in the preliminary competition, Illinois State University’s Big Red Marching Machine will give a special performance at 6:12 p.m. to end the daytime events.   The finals competition will begin with trophy presentation, followed by the finals competition featuring the top 10 scoring bands and all class winners, beginning at 7:30 p.m.  

Admission for the entire day’s activities is $15.  Attending only daytime or evening events is $10.   Senior citizens can attend for $10 for the day or $5 for daytime or evening session only.  Children 12 and younger are admitted free.  Tickets are available at the Hancock Stadium gates and seating is general admission.

Last year’s grand champion marching band, looking this year for their fourth consecutive title, was Marian Catholic, followed by Lincoln Way East, Lake Park, Victor J. Andrew, Waubonsie Valley, Lemont Township, United Township, Lincoln-Way Central, Naperville North, Warren Township, Morton and Eureka.