bandrox_73

It was exciting to watch Richwoods get involved in competitive marching! Enjoyed all the shows. Wish the weather had held off for 3a - truly appreciated the live stream.

http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/education/combining-forces-unit-high-schools-to-merge-marching-bands/article_159130b1-8417-5d71-919a-fd8a9503fb4d.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share

I chose IVC, Morton, Marian Catholic, and Lincoln-Way North as likely class winners. I feel that the final 3 spots are going to be ridiculously competitive! I think it will be an epic battle between Limestone, Bloomington, Normal West, Lincoln-Way West, Lincoln-Way Central, Batavia, and I certainly don't count out Romeoville or United Township. So many finals-worthy shows. This is going to be an amazing year at ISU!!!

Tremendous pickup for Morton!

I was also blown away by Blue Springs MO. A nice Illinois marching connection there as I believe the director is a Washington Community alumni.

Great showing by O'Fallon in the Rose Parade today!

Is anyone else sensing that scores will be extremely close for the top 4 or 5? Is anyone else excited that it seems less predictable than previous years? I think there are several serious contenders....

3A puts (the same) 3 in the finals again! 4a will be an interesting battle between LWN, LWC, and Normal Community. Limestone is in the mix again this year - could this be the year they finally break in?

Great lineup, great forecast, new turf field, and 20 bands...wow - Washington! What a great way to open week 1. Let's pack the house.

I'm totally in the mood to see some awesome performances tonight at Show of Shows in Metamora. Great weather - check! Great venue - check! 8 amazing drum corps in town ready to perform lights-out shows - check! Blue Saints Legends Music City Pioneer Colts The Cadets Blue Devils Phantom Regiment Who's with me? Let's pack the place.

Thanks for posting this. Think about anything and everything you have ever loved about band (marching band or other) and that is who Jim Tallman is. Simply an amazing director and person - can't say enough positive things for what he has done for music in central Illinois and in the lives of thousands of young people. Please consider giving!

I agree with this but have to add Bloomington (not listed on poll) into the throw down for third!

I wouldn't leave Limestone out...they are doing really well this year. Limestone is definitely in this mix.

for central IL I would say a big ditto to saxyman's list of shows and I would add Bloomington and Normal West. As far as a particular moment, I thought it was very cool to see Monticello make a snare drum pyramid!

Morton results: Class A: 1. Geneseo (auxiliary, percussion, winds) 2. East Peoria 3. Olympia Class AA: 1. Limestone (auxiliary, percussion, winds) 2. Davenport Central 3. Dunlap Class AAA: 1. Bloomington (percussion, winds tie) 2. Normal West (auxiliary, winds tie) 3. United Township Grand Champion Auxiliary: Normal West Grand Champion Percussion: Blomington Grand Champion Winds: Bloomington, Normal West tie Overall Grand Champion: Bloomington