Schools

Marian Catholic Marching Band Wins State Championship


Marian Band Illinois State Champs
(PHOTO SUPPLIED)

Chicago Heights, IL-(ENEWSPF)- The Marian Catholic Band took home their 33rd State Championship on Saturday, October 27, in Hancock Stadium at Illinois State University. The band won their class 3A in prelims and went on to finals where they won with top honors finishing in first place from the field of 45 bands. Marian Catholic won with the largest point spread in the history of the contest.

“We are very proud of the students and their great accomplishment,” said Greg Bimm, MCHS Band Director. “Our students are intelligent, dedicated and hardworking and they prepared very well for the contest. Approaching a major contest like this while knowing there is a thirty-two year unbeaten streak certainly brings significant pressure. The kids took this in stride and went into the day with a sense of calm confidence.” 

The MCHS Band implements student leadership within the program. This method has proven extremely fruitful.  It creates an atmosphere in which students take even more ownership of their accomplishments because everyone is a significant part of reaching success.

“It is fulfilling to see students who could not even play an instrument three months ago, work with their peers to become accomplished performers who can stand on a state, regional, and national stage and find success,” said Bobby Lambert, Assistant MCHS Band Director.

The next big challenge the Marian Catholic Marching Band is preparing for is the National championship in two weeks.  There will be ninety-two bands from across the United States in Indianapolis vying for a spot in the top twelve and a chance at the overall Championship. 

“We are approaching Nationals with an unprecedented twenty-eight year unbroken streak of top twelve appearances that we hope to extend,” said Bimm.

The Marian Catholic Band program has a reputation as one of the most outstanding marching bands in the United States. Over the past 20 years the bands have earned hundreds of awards and honors.  The Marian Catholic Band’s educational and leadership philosophies have been used as models for band programs in nearly every state of the union.


ARCHIVES