Week 5 is upon us. 7 in state shows, and Naperville North and Lincoln-Way North will be traveling to Ypsilanti, Michigan to compete in the BOA Regional.  Best of luck to all bands.  In addition, if you want to meet up with Dan at the Lincoln-Way Invitational, shoot him an email at balash@ilmarching.com for his contact information.

Now, on to the predictions!

Metamora Parade and Field Invitational: Metamora, IL

1A: There are a lot of bands in 1A this year, so it should be very competitive. Look for Fieldcrest, Dunlap Cadet, and Watseka to be among the top. Our Pick: Watseka
2A: Again, a lot of bands in 2A. Geneseo has had a few good shows recently and should take this one. Our Pick: Geneseo
3A: Four pretty good bands in this class, so it will be a close one. Our Pick: United Township
4A: Washington and Limestone will be in the top of this class, both of which have amazing shows this year. Our Pick: Washington
GC: After winning 4A, Washington should have the score to take Grand Champion. Our Pick: Washington.

Newton Marching Eagles Band Classic: Newton, IL

Class A: With a visual tie last week at the Marching Maroons Band Festival, Casey-Westfield should grab a class title this week.

Class AA: East Richland tied with Casey-Westfield last week, and looks to pick up another class title this week.

Class AAA: After a couple of strong showings this year, Edwardsville looks to win this class.

Grand Champion: Edwardsville

WIU Band Classic: Macomb, IL

Class A: Wethersfield is the only band that has competed thus far, competing at the Phantom Regiment Band Classic 2 weeks ago.  We think they’ll win their class.  Our pick: Wethersfield

Class AA: Pretty good class.  We think Macomb will win their class, by a small margin over Tri-Valley.  Our pick: Macomb.

Small Bands Grand Champion: Macomb

Class AAA: Easy pick, as they’re the only band.  Jacksonville.

Class AAAA: Another easy pick, as they’re also the only band.  Alan B. Shepard.

Large Bands Grand Champion: Alan B. Shepard will defend their Large Bands title.

Effingham Marching Hearts Invitational: Effingham, IL

1A: Georgetown-Ridge Farm
2A: Carlyle
3A: Robinson
4A: Mahomet-Seymour
5A: Edwardsville
GC: Edwardsville

Sage City Invitational: Monticello, IL

Class C/D: Atwood-Hammond

Class B: Paxton-Buckley-Loda

Class AA: Champaign Centennial

Grand Champion: Champaign Centennial

Marengo Settler’s Days (October 11th): Marengo, IL

Class A: Tough class to pick.  Johnsburg,  Dwight, and Richmond-Burton have all competed several times this year, and we think Richmond-Burton will prevail.

Class AA: Another tough class. Should come down to either Rochelle Township or Kaneland.  We think Kaneland will win, as they gear up towards ISU.

Class AAA: This class will come down to either Wheeling or Oak Creek, Wisconsin.  We think Wheeling will prevail in this class.  Look for Oak Creek to win percussion, however.

Grand Champion: Wheeling

Lincoln-Way Invitational: Frankfort, IL

Class A: Going with the safe bet here.  Lincoln-Way West will win this class, followed by Brother Rice/St. Laurence.

Class AA: Wheeling or Normal West?  We’re going against the grain and predicting Wheeling to win.  Our pick: Wheeling

Class AAA: Marian Catholic barely eked out a win against Lake Park a few weeks ago.  We think they’ll have a larger margin of victory as they gear up for St. Louis, ISU, Indianapolis and Grand Nationals over the next 5 weeks. Our pick: Marian Catholic

Grand Champion: Marian Catholic

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