One of two prestigious contests in Illinois this week features forty bands from all over the state. As has been our tradition on this site, we will make predictions for all six classes at this show. Last year, our record at the ISU contest was 5 correctly named class champions, and 1 incorrectly named.
Note: Updates will not be posted on this website during the contest. If you want to see the most recently released placings and awards, visit ISUBands.org.
Full – Day Schedule and Discussion, 2004 Results
- Class 1A – (Message Board)
Last year, we counted Eureka out too fast in this contest, but this year, we’ve learned our lesson. Mater Dei, Eureka’s biggest competition from last year, is not attending this year, and so this one should go to the Marching Hornets.
Our Pick – Eureka - Class 2A – (Message Board)
This will be a fun class, no question about it. Murphysboro is back after a 2-year hiatus, Herscher has moved back down from Class 3A, and Morton is quite possibly the surprise band of the year. Nonetheless, our pick for favorites is the 3-year reigning champions from Chillicothe, Illinois Valley Central. IVC came out ahead of Morton and Herscher last week at Metamora, and thus goes in a leader over those two. Murphysboro has not met any of those bands yet this year, but could come out a surprise winner if they are very clean, as the other three bands will have a GE advantage in their larger size.
Our Pick – Illinois Valley Central - Class 3A – (Message Board)
Lemont has won this contest quite a few years in a row, and looks to continue this year. Normal West doesn’t seem to be quite as strong this year as last, and so won’t pose as much of a challenge. Interesting to watch will be Champaign Central, who didn’t attend this contest last year, and could end up placing.
Our Pick – Lemont - Class 4A – (Message Board)
The state’s longest winning streak won’t be challenged this year – Marian is just a dominant band program compared to their school size. The interesting race will be for second and third place, as neither of last year’s second and third place bands are returning this year. While Class Champion may not be up for grabs, some captions and placings certainly are.
Our Pick – Marian Catholic - Class 5A – (Message Board)
This is always a great “big” class to watch, as it is far less predictable than 4A and 6A. Last year, we correctly named Wheaton Warrenville South the champion, but their scores so far this year (at Lake Park, Wheeling, and Wheaton North) put them behind where we suspect United Township and Victor J. Andrew are. Andrew would have placed first in this class (assuming the same score) had they not been in 6A, and also had a good early-season showing at Lake Park, and so earns our pick. Just don’t count out United Township, last year’s runner-up. Up-and-coming Joliet West could also play a role, but may not figure into the first-place spot.
Our Pick – Victor J. Andrew - Class 6A – (Message Board)
One of the biggest surprises last week was at Prospect’s show, where Lincoln-Way East topped Lake Park for the first time in several years. Their placing at Prospect makes us think that they may have what it takes to win this class, but Lake Park will be working hard this week to defend their title. Lincoln-Way Central is the probably third-place finisher, but they were upset by Waubonsie Valley last week, and another band who really wants to place could end up sneaking in that last spot. Look for up to 7 finalists to come from this class.
Our Pick – Lincoln-Way East