Marching band completes first-ever competitive season
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 The marching band has had a busier fall than usual. In addition to performing during home football games, Homecoming festivities, and other traditional events, the band participated in competitions for the first time since the program began in 2004.
Band director Matt Kastor said he wanted to solidify the program in its first five or six years before branching into the competitive realm of marching. He added that "... the students, as well as the band staff, will be challenged to find new levels of execution and artistry by taking our band to competitions, which will set the standard for the rest of the year."
The 92-member band doubled its practice time this fall and also held more summer rehearsals in preparation for three competitions: the McHenry High School Marching Band Festival, the Wilmot Marching Band Competition, and the Mt. Prospect Knight of Champions competition. Anywhere from 10 to 30 other marching bands participate, and each band is ranked within its class size. Visit the band webpage to view the Eagles' results and watch videos of their performances.
Kastor said feedback from the judges is helpful in making improvements, and the students also benefit from watching other bands march. This year's performance theme is the Music of David Holsinger, who is a current band composer. Kastor is assisted by other band staff, including LCHS faculty members Ben Kalb, Erin Buckley and Brie Cederna, as well as percussion coach Brenden Harder and Matt Camp, visual execution coach. The marching band's Sounds of the Stadium concert is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. |
