Well everyone, its ISU time!! Whether you believe or not this is a “State Championship” show, it is without a doubt the biggest show in the Illinois Marching season. Our picks for ISU this week were determined by a vote from the staff, plus we took the winners of the forum polls as a vote as well, with the majority getting the nod. ISU is always a great time for marching, and surprises! What surprises are we in store for this year?? Who knows, but we will soon find out.

There are 3 other shows happening this week as well. Some of their outcomes depend on what happens at ISU, as some bands have scheduled to attend both. It should be a great week.

Also, most of the ILMarching staff is getting together for Saturday, and will be at ISU all day. Contact us if you want information on how to find us to come say hi! (We are going to attempt to get the 50 yard line). Well, onto the predictions!

Atwood-Hammond Rajah Invitational: Atwood, IL
C/D: Our pick: Blue Ridge
B: Our pick: Monticello
A/AA:Our pick: Mahomet-Seymour
Grand Champion: Our pick: Mahomet-Seymour

Marengo Settler’s Days:Marengo, IL
Class A: Our pick: Sandwich
Class AA: Our pick: Sycamore
Class AAA: Our pick: Oak Creek
Grand Champion:Our pick:Oak Creek

Metamora Parade and Field Invitational: Metamora, IL (field predictions only).
Class A: El-Paso-Gridley is having a great season thus far, and we think they’ll win this class. Our pick: El Paso Gridley
Class AA: Our pick: ROWVA
Class AAA: Our pick: Herscher
Class AAAA: 2 picks here. If Eureka makes the night show at ISU, they won’t be performing here. If that happens, Our pick: Pekin. If Eureka doesn’t make the night show, Our pick: Eureka
Class AAAAA: Our pick: Macomb
Grand Champion Our pick: Macomb

Illinois State University Invitational Marching Championships:Normal, IL
1A: The past few years, class 1A has become more and more competitive. In the past 7 years, Eureka has won 6 of them, with IVC winning last year. This year there are 3 top contenders. Eureka just had a very strong show last week at Washington. University has been getting stronger every year for the past 3 years, and has beaten Eureka in score earlier this season. Macomb hasnt been to ISU in those 7 years, but is always a consistant shower at UofI, winning B/C/D Grand Champ many times. This will be a very close class, but, Our pick: Macomb
2A: Since 2005, Morton has won class 2A, no problem. This year they are as strong as ever with big wins already this season. Morton should not only dominate class 2A, but they should also achieve a top 10 score on the morning. Our pick: Morton
3A:: This class is the easiest of the day to pick. Marian Catholic has won whatever class they have been in for the past 28 years, and this year will be no different. Look for Lincoln-Way North to make a run at finals. Our pick: Marian Catholic
4A: Of all the classes at ISU, we believe this is the hardest to call. There isn’t an automatic win like Morton or Marian. That being said, here are our thoughts: Even with a weaker percussion section this year, United Township is putting out some serious sound this year. From everyone that has seen Bloomington this year, there are many reports that say they are a serious contender for this class. 3rd place should go to Normal West. It could just as easily go to Romeoville, however, their winds haven’t quite caught up to the percussion section. Our pick: United Township
5A: This class has last year’s champion in Lincoln-Way East, and Prospect, who hasn’t attended ISU in ages. Look for for this class to be excruciatingly close, with Prospect eking out a win. Look for LWE to place 2nd, Victor J. Andrew to place 3rd, and all 3 to get a finals spot. Our pick: Prospect
6A: 6A is probably the most talented class of bands from top to bottom. After who we believe are the top 3, anyone could be in the 4th spot.
Lake Park may not be the LP of the mid 90’s, but they are still one of the top bands in Illinois. Lincoln-Way Central is drastically improved from the past few years. They will be a factor in the top 5 in finals. Naperville North has an awesome show design that is absolutely loaded with GE, and the show design will most likely win the crowd favorite in this class. That being said, Our pick: Lake Park

Finalists(in no order:)
Lake Park (6A champion, top 10 score)
Marian Catholic (3A champion, top 10 score)
Morton (2A Champion, top 10 score)
Warren Township
Lincoln-Way East
Naperville North
United Township (4A Champion, top 10 score)
Victor J. Andrew
Prospect (5A Champion, top 10 score)
Lincoln-Way Central
Macomb (non top 10 score)

Grand Champion: Since 1989, there have been 4 champions of this show: Lake Park, Lincoln-Way Community, Lincoln-Way East, and Marian Catholic. While Lake Park, Marian Lincoln-Way Central, and Lincoln-Way East will all make a run at the title, we think a newcomer will win. Prospect hasn’t been to ISU in years, and with a very solid show, they should win 5A and the Grand Championship. Our pick: Prospect

Good luck to all the bands this weekend. Come say “hi” to the ILmarching staff at ISU!!