Lincoln-Way Marching Bands Wraps up Outstanding Season
The Lincoln-Way Marching Band (LWMB) had another remarkable season, consisting of a fourth-place finish at the Bands of America Super Regional and an Illinois State Grand Championship!
This season marked an exceptional string of record outcomes beginning on September 14th when the LWMB participated in a marching invitational competition with 25 bands from Illinois and Wisconsin at Andrew High School. The LWMB was awarded 1st place in Music Performance, Visual Performance, General Effect, Percussion, Colorguard, and Best Drum Majors. They were also selected first place in Class 3A and the Overall Grand Champion of the Andrew Invitational. Cary Ruklic, one of the LWMB directors, attributed the results to the students. He added “The students had a really great opening season performance which is a result of a fantastic summer of hard work.”
On October 5th, the LWMB competed at the Bands of America Regional contest at Ball State University. They were awarded second place in Class 4A and finished third overall in finals competition amongst 27 bands from 9 states. LWMB director Justin Barnish summarized the effort stating, “These kids are amazing. We challenge them and they show up and produce exceptionally at every turn. We are extremely proud of them.”
Three weeks later, on October 20th, the Lincoln-Way Marching Band was named the grand champion amongst 42 bands at the Illinois State Marching Band Championships at Hancock Stadium at Illinois State University. LWMB Director Dr. Bert Johnson commented that “This was an exceptional performance weekend accomplishment! We were up against some wonderful band programs and we feel privileged and humbled to be awarded the grand champion amongst the talent level of these bands in Illinois.”
What is even more exceptional in that this is the second consecutive year the Lincoln-Way Marching Band has been named Illinois State Champions!
The LWMB season was not over just yet. The following weekend, the LWMB ended their 2019 season at the Bands of America Indianapolis Super Regional on October 25th where they were awarded 3rd place in the preliminary competition in class 4A amongst 84 competing bands, earning a spot in the 14 band finals contest. After competing in the final round, they placed fourth overall, registering the highest ever Lincoln-Way finish in a Bands of America Super Regional contest. The directors added, “The support we receive from within our community cannot be overstated, these students and this band are a source for pride for this community and we want to thank our families, sponsors and district supporters for allowing these students to be their best, this was an epic year!”
In 2020, the Lincoln-Way Marching Band will be representing the State of Illinois in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Stay tuned! For more information on the LWMB please visit us at www.lincolnwaymusic.org/lwmb.
