Schools

Hilltoppers Marching Band Places First in Competition

The Glenbard West High School marching band participated in the 33rd annual Stagg Marching Festival over the weekend.

Submitted and written by Tom Russell

The Glenbard West Hilltopper Marching Band took first place in class AA at the 33rd annual Stagg Marching Festival on Saturday September 8th at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Palos Hills, Illinois.  The Hilltoppers also won best drum majors (Maria Lee and Alex Flugel) and best musical performance in their class. 

This year’s marching band show includes selections by the popular rock band Chicago. Selections included Make Me Smile, Saturday in the Park and 25 or 6 to 4. 

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“I’m very proud of our students work,” said band director, Jonathan Walsh. “They spent over 60 hours working on the music and formations on the field, before school ever started three weeks ago. We have tremendous student leadership and that helps motivate all of our performers to higher caliber performances everyday.”

The Stagg Marching Jamboree showcases the finest marching bands in the state that perform competitive marching shows. Each band is placed in a class depending on the size of their band. Those bands are rated in music, visual, auxiliary, drum major, and percussion categories. Bands can win trophies based on where they place in their class (3rd, 2nd, 1st), or how well they did in their caption (outstanding music, marching, visual, auxiliary, drum majors, percussion).  

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The judges consist of some of the finest educators in the Midwest, and provide the directors and students with excellent feedback. The Hilltopper Marching Band is directed by Jonathan Walsh and William Ortega. The percussion section is directed by Derek Doyle and the color guard is directed by Don Pesceone and Jan Gasiecki.


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