We are now one week out from the ISU Championships, and two weeks out from U of I.  We have five shows this weekend, including Eastern Illinois, Providence Catholic, St. Rita, Dunlap and Prospect.  Best of luck to all bands this week!

Dunlap Marching Band Invitational: Dunlap, IL

Class A: Dwight, Wethersfield and Cambridge have all been out once this year, and all at different competitions.  Therefore, it makes it a little difficult to predict what will happen here, but we think Dwight will take this class, followed closely by Wethersfield and Cambridge in third.

Class AA: Metamora Township has gotten off to a good start this year with two class wins thus far.  We think they’ll get another one here, with Streator Township in second and Jacksonville third.

Class AAA: Illinois Valley Central and Washington have met up once already this year, with Washington taking a victory and Grand Champion at Pontiac.  We think that will continue here.

Grand Champion: Washington Community

Prospect Knight of Champions: Mt. Prospect, IL
Class A: Rochelle Township looks to take the class title here, with H.D. Jacobs 2nd, and Waukegan third.
Class AA: Wheeling looks to continue a great season with a win here.  Naperville Central continues to throw their name into ISU Finals conversation with a 2nd place here, and Waubonsie Valley rounds out the class.
Class AAA: This is a TOUGH class to predict, with Lake Park, Morton, John Hersey and Downers Grove South all competing here.   Throw a dart at a board, and make your predictions that way.  We think Lake Park and Morton will battle it out for first, and John Hersey will be third.  We don’t want to predict this class, and sit back and enjoy it. :)
Grand Champion: Whoever wins Class AAA will win.

Providence Catholic Marching Band Invitational: New Lenox, IL

Class A: Lincoln-Way West should win this class.  Lakes Community will be second, and Evergreen Park will round out the class.

Class AA:  Really tough class here as well.  Munster had a good start last week at Wheaton North.  The Lincoln-Ways have had a good season thus far, and Victor J. Andrew has had a resurgent season with a great show.  We think Victor J. Andrew will take the class, with Munster second, and Lincoln-Way East third.

Class AAA: Downers Grove South looks to take the class with a very enjoyable show.  Huntley will take second, and Minooka Community third.

Grand Champion: Victor J. Andrew looks to pick up another title here.

St. Rita Mustang Stampede: Chicago, IL

Class A: Evergreen Park will win their first class title of the season here.  Dwight D. Eisenhower 2nd, and T.F. South third.

Class AA: Rolling Meadows looks to perform well here and take their first class title of the season.  Argo will be 2nd, and Evanston takes third.

Class AAA: Carl Sandburg looks to continue a good season with a class title here.  Glenbrook South 2nd, and Grayslake North third.

Grand Champion: Carl Sandburg and Rolling Meadows will each compete for a title here, and it will be close.  We think Rolling Meadows will narrowly pull it out.

Panther Marching Band Festival: Charleston, IL

Class 1A: 1) Carterville 2) Johnston City 3) Arcola
Class 2A: 1) Mt. Carmel 2) Mater Dei 3) Watseka
Class 3A: 1) Monticello 2) Newton 3) University

Class 4A: 1) Triad 2) Mt. Zion 3) Danville
Class 5A: 1) Limestone Community 2) Granite City 3) Mahomet-Seymour

Grand Champion: Limestone Community