Weekend 4 is now upon us. We’ve got an extremely busy week, with 9 in-state shows, and 1 out of state, so let’s get right to the predictions!
Geneseo Maple Leaf Classic: Geneseo, IL
Class 1A: Here in class 1A, Wethersfield should take the class based on past performance followed closely by Cambridge, with Prophetstown in 3rd. Our pick: Wethersfield
Class 2A: Davenport North will take this one in a slim margin over Farmington, followed by Rockridge. Our pick: Davenport North
Class 3A: Normal Community should take this class followed by Oak Park River Forest, then Canton in 3rd. Our pick: Normal Community
Grand Champion: Normal Community
Newton Marching Eagles Band Classic: Newton, IL
1A: All four of these bands met last year at this show, and since they haven’t marched much yet this year, we will go with that ordering. Casey-Westfield followed by Lawrenceville and then Carlyle. Our Pick: Casey-Westfield
2A: East Richland looks strong this year, and should be able to win 2A. They will be followed by Carterville and then Charleston. Our Pick: East Richland
3A: Edwardsville always does well at this show. They won Grand Champion last year. They will be followed in this class by Champaign Central and then Centralia. Our Pick: Edwardsville
GC: Looking to repeat, Edwardsville should have a great shot at this title. Our Pick: Edwardsville
2A: East Richland looks strong this year, and should be able to win 2A. They will be followed by Carterville and then Charleston. Our Pick: East Richland
3A: Edwardsville always does well at this show. They won Grand Champion last year. They will be followed in this class by Champaign Central and then Centralia. Our Pick: Edwardsville
GC: Looking to repeat, Edwardsville should have a great shot at this title. Our Pick: Edwardsville
Metropolis Super City Sounds:
Class A: We’re going to go with Illinois homerism in this class, and say Anna-Jonesboro will take first. Second place will go to Lone Oak (a former Grand National semifinalist) and 3rd will be taken by Heath.
Class AA: Obion was last year’s champion. They’ll win this class. Our pick: Obion
Class AAA: Paducah Tilghman was last year’s overall runner-up. They’ll win this class, with Carbondale taking runner-up honors. Our pick: Paducah Tilghman
Grand Champion: This could go to either Obion or Paducah Tilghman. We hope the winning band won’t score a 92 this year. Our pick: Obion
Effingham Marching Hearts Invitational: Effingham, IL
Class A: Pretty competitive class. Atw00d-Hammond, GRF, Oblong, and Heritage are all good bands. We think Atwood-Hammond will win, with Oblong 2nd, and Georgetown-Ridge Farm 3rd.
Class AA: Another highly competitive class. We think Newton will win, with Casey-Westfield in second, and Wright City in 3rd.
Class AAA: Murphysboro has always been a very successful band. We think they’ll take first, with Robinson 2nd and Carterville 3rd. Our pick: Murphysboro
Class AAAA: Champaign Central and Danville both open their competitive seasons here. We think Champaign Central will win the class, with Centralia taking 2nd, and Salem rounding out the top 3.
Class AAAAA: Edwardsville continues their season here, and will take their first class title of the season. Granite City will be a close second, and
Pontiac Indian Showdown: Pontiac, IL
1A: This will be a close call between Tri-Valley and Watseka for the top spot here, but Tri Valley should get it, followed by Watseka and then Fieldcrest. Our Pick: Tri Valley
2A: Half of ISU Class 1A is represented in this class. Even though this will be Eureka’s second show in the afternoon (they are also performing at the Phantom show), they should be able to win this class, followed by Herscher and then Prairie Central. Our Pick: Eureka
3A: This will be a straight up battle between Joliet West and Washington. Last year at this show, they were seperated by 5 points, but Joliet posted a good score at the Wheaton competition last week. That being said, Washington should still take this, followed by Joliet West, and then Bolingbrook. Our Pick: Washington
GC: Washington looks strong to repeat their Grand Champion from this show. But watch out for Joliet West to sneak their way past. Washington looks to remain only the second band to win this competition; the other being Marian Catholic. Our Pick: Washington
2A: Half of ISU Class 1A is represented in this class. Even though this will be Eureka’s second show in the afternoon (they are also performing at the Phantom show), they should be able to win this class, followed by Herscher and then Prairie Central. Our Pick: Eureka
3A: This will be a straight up battle between Joliet West and Washington. Last year at this show, they were seperated by 5 points, but Joliet posted a good score at the Wheaton competition last week. That being said, Washington should still take this, followed by Joliet West, and then Bolingbrook. Our Pick: Washington
GC: Washington looks strong to repeat their Grand Champion from this show. But watch out for Joliet West to sneak their way past. Washington looks to remain only the second band to win this competition; the other being Marian Catholic. Our Pick: Washington
Mt. Zion Marching Music Games: Mt. Zion, IL
Class 1A: Biggest class of the day here, and many of these bands should be very close in score. Watch for Sullivan to finish close behind Sangamon Valley. Our Pick: Sangamon Valley
Class 2A: Lincoln is coming off of a great first place finish last week at Dwight. Our Pick: Lincoln
Class 3A: Only two bands in this class, and both are capable of taking home first. Our Pick: Champaign Centennial
Grand Champion: Champaign Centennial should be able to grab the title this year, but Lincoln could make a surprise run. Our Pick: Champaign Centennial
A.A. Stagg Jamboree: Tinley Park, IL
Class A: After a strong showing at Dwight last week, Sandwich looks to take this class title. Also look for Brother Rice/St. Laurence, last years class winner, to give them a run for their money. Third place is up in the air, but we’ll give the nod to Niles West Our pick: Sandwich
Class AA: Glenbard West is the only band in this class, making this an easy prediction for class winner.
Class AAA:With a Lake Park finals performance under their belt, Victor J. Andrew will win their class followed by Romeoville.
Grand Champion: Victor J. Andrew will take the title on their home turf.
Bands of America Regional Championships: Louisville, KY
Without knowing “official” classifications, we can only assume on what should be be classifications as in the past. We think Adair County, KY will take Class A. North Hardin, KY will take Class AA after their very strong showing at Grand Nationals last season. Lincoln-Way North takes class AAA. Class AAAA will go to Carmel, IN.
Finals: We think Carmel will win finals rather easily. Ben Davis, IN will take 2nd, and Adair County in 3rd. Lincoln-Way North will make top 5, and O’Fallon will round out the Illinois representation in the top 10.
Red and Black Fall Classic: DeKalb, IL
Class 1A: It should be a close fight here between T.F. South and Eureka. Our Pick: Eureka
Class 2A: Between the three bands of Dunlap, Naperville Central, and Wheaton Warrenville South, any order of placements could occur. Our Pick: Wheaton Warrenville South
Class 3A: The real battle in this class will be for second place. Watch for Plainfield North and United Township to duke it out for that. Our Pick: Naperville North
Class 4A: The toughest class of the day. This is the first time this season that Lake Park and Prospect will be going head to head. We’re going to go against the grain and say… Our Pick: Prospect
Grand Champion: Our Pick: Prospect
Chicagoland Marching Band Festival: Wheeling, IL
Class A: Based on prior years, we think Grant Community will grab this class with Bremen coming in 2nd.
Class AA: The two “Glen’s” will be battling it out in this class and we think Glenbard West will come out on top followed by Glenbrook North. Third place is going to be a fight in this class, but look for Pekin to have the edge. Our pick: Glenbard West
Class AAA: Prospect’s early performance time won’t hurt them in the placings, and they’ll take this class. After a great showing at Lake Park, Lockport should take 2nd place followed by Bloomington. Also, watch for the Warren Township 350 member band to make its competitive debut. Our pick: Prospect
Grand Champion: Prospect already has one under its belt and CMBF should be number three, and number two today. Our pick: Prospect
(full article)Class AA: The two “Glen’s” will be battling it out in this class and we think Glenbard West will come out on top followed by Glenbrook North. Third place is going to be a fight in this class, but look for Pekin to have the edge. Our pick: Glenbard West
Class AAA: Prospect’s early performance time won’t hurt them in the placings, and they’ll take this class. After a great showing at Lake Park, Lockport should take 2nd place followed by Bloomington. Also, watch for the Warren Township 350 member band to make its competitive debut. Our pick: Prospect
Grand Champion: Prospect already has one under its belt and CMBF should be number three, and number two today. Our pick: Prospect