MORTON HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND ENDS SEASON AT SUPER REGIONAL; THRILLS A PACKED CROWD ON “COMMUNITY NIGHT”

The Morton High School Marching Band wrapped up their 2024 season with a Class 2A title at the Bands of America Super Regional in St Louis before a final rousing “Community Night” performance of their field show “Spinning Out” at Carper Field.

A large crowd filled the stands at “Community Night” which took place on Tuesday October 28. The event was free to the public but raised money for the band through various donors who each pledged a dollar per person in attendance.

The “Community Night” performance came just days after the Bands of America Super Regional in St. Louis on Oct 25-26 where Morton finished first in Class 2A and 10^th overall in Finals competition. There were 70 bands total at the event with 14 making it to the Finals. Morton bested over 30 bands to win the Class 2A title.

The Super Regional closed out the 2024 competitive marching season for the band as they travel to Orlando, Florida next month to play at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Theme Park on Thanksgiving Day.

The Morton Band’s 2024 list of accomplishments this season also include two Invitational “Grand Champion” awards at Washington and at Normal, second-place honors at the Lincoln-Way Invitational in New Lenox, Illinois, and “State Champions” at the Illinois State Marching Championships.

MORTON HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND TAKES CLASS TITLE AND 10TH PLACE OVERALL IN NATIONALLY REGARDED SUPER REGIONAL

The Morton High School Marching Band took their show “Spinning Out” to the Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis for the Bands of America St. Louis Super Regional on Oct 25-26, finishing first in Class 2A and 10^th overall in Finals competition.

The accomplishment matches their highest placement ever at the Super Regional, but this is the first time the band swept the caption awards in Class 2A for Best Music, Best Visual and Best General Effect.

This year, there were 70 bands from 12 states in four classifications, 14 of which made it to the Finals. Blue Springs (Missouri) won the Finals event, followed by Broken Arrow (Oklahoma) and Bentonville (Arkansas). Morton beat out 32 other bands in Class 2A and was only one of two bands from Class 1A or 2A to make it to the Finals.

The St. Louis Super Regional closes out the 2024 competitive season for Morton as the band travels to Orlando, Florida next month to play at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Theme Park on Thanksgiving Day. The final performance of “Spinning Out” will be in exhibition-only for “Community Night” held at Carper Field and open to the public on Tuesday, October 29 at 7pm.

The Morton Band’s list of accomplishments this year includes winning two regional competitions at Washington and Normal, Second-place honors at the Lincoln-Way Invitational in New Lenox, Illinois, and “State Champions” at the Illinois State Marching Championship.

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The BOA Super Regional Finals! Here’s What to Expect…

There are 14 bands out of 70 total who will perform in the 2024 BOA Super Regional Finals in St. Louis, Missouri. The bands are the top 14 scoring bands across all four Classes and will perform in a random order, drawn by BOA officials.

There will be a new set of judges, those who will judge bands they have not seen this weekend and presumably do not know where the bands placed in their respective Classes or even what Class distinction they are from.

BOA does not announce Class distinctions in the Preliminaries, but awards are based on scoring between schools with similar enrollments. The full list of all 70 band Class placements will be released after the Finals.

The Finals is its own entity, and the competition is not based on any school enrollment. Each band is considered equal on the field.

There are only two bands from Class 2A in the Finals: Morton IL (1st place 2A) and Grain Valley MO (2nd place). Marian Catholic IL, who won Class 1A, but did not qualify by score will perform first in exhibition-only and will be included in The Retreat at the end of the Finals performances. The rest of the bands in the Finals are all from Class 3A and Class 4A.

The Retreat is a celebration of all Finals representatives as each member of all 15 bands will be on the field for the announcements. The captions (Music, Visual, General Effect) and placements will then be awarded from the 14th highest score to the first, thus crowning a Grand Champion.

Once the announcements are read, the bands are free to mingle and let loose.

Job well done!

The Retreat from BOA St. Louis Super Regional 2023

MORTON HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND TRIUMPHS AT STATE COMPETITION; WILL PRESENT AWARD WINNING SHOW TO THE PUBLIC ON TUESDAY, OCT 29

For an unprecedented third straight year, the Morton High School Marching Band took first place honors in finals competition at the Illinois State Marching Band Championships considered to be one of the state’s premier marching band competitions.

The event took place on Saturday, October 19, at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium in Normal. The Morton Band won their 2A classification in preliminaries, then returned to finals competition, which included bands from all six classifications. This year, there were over 42 bands total, of which 15 competed in the finals. Morton won first place, followed by Prospect High School (Mount Prospect) second and Marian Catholic (Chicago Heights) third.

In Class 2A competition, Morton won Best Music, Best Visual, and Best General Effect. They finished first over second place Galesburg and third place Grayslake North. The Morton Band has won the 2A classification at the Illinois State Marching Band Championships for 19 consecutive years.

“The band was fired up and working hard this week,” said Co-Director of Bands Andrew Empey. “Our students work ethic and determination are second to none and we couldn’t be more proud of them.”

To close out the competitive season, the Morton Band will perform their 2024 field show titled “Spinning Out” at the Bands of America Super Regional in St. Louis on Saturday, October 25-26.

A “Community Night” performance is scheduled for Tuesday, October 29 at 7pm at Carper Field. This is an end of year fundraiser by the Band Boosters to celebrate the season’s accomplishment and honor the band seniors. The event is free and open to the public, but various sponsors will each donate $1 per person in attendance. Come on out, be counted, and see a performance of the award winning “Spinning Out.” 

MORTON HIGH SCHOOL BAND TRIUMPHS AGAIN AT PREMIER STATE MARCHING COMPETITION

For an unprecedented third straight year, the Morton High School Marching Band took first place honors in finals competition at the Illinois State Marching Band Championships considered to be one of the state’s premier marching competitions.

The event took place on Saturday, October 19, at ISU’s Hancock Stadium. The Morton Band won their 2A classification in preliminaries then returned to finals competition, which included bands from all six classifications. This year, there were over 42 bands total, of which 15 competed in the finals. Morton won first place, followed by Prospect High School (Mount Prospect) second and Marian Catholic (Chicago) third.

In Class 2A competition, Morton won Best Music, Best Visual, and Best General Effect. They finished first over second place Galesburg and third place Grayslake North. The Morton Band has won the 2A classification at the Illinois State Marching Band Championships for 19 consecutive years.

The first-place trophy at ISU adds to Morton’s list of accomplishments in 2024. This list includes Grand Champion awards at the Washington Invitational and at the Normal Invitational. Morton also secured a 2^nd place overall finish at the Lincoln-Way Marching Championship in New Lenox, Illinois. This achievement also included caption awards for Best Percussion, Best Visual, and Best General Effect.

To close out the competitive season, the Morton Band will showcase their 2024 field show titled “Spinning Out” at the Bands of America Super Regional in St. Louis on October 25-26.

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MORTON HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND WINS MORE AWARDS IN CHICAGOLAND; PREPARES FOR STATE COMPETITION IN NORMAL

The Morton High School Marching Band added to their list of achievements
in 2024 by winning best Percussion, best Visual, best General Effect and
2nd place overall in Class AAA, the highest class to perform at the Lincoln-
Way Marching Invitational at Lincoln-Way West High School in New Lenox,
Illinois.

Morton competed against six other bands in their class with 23 bands total
at the event that took place on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

This is the band’s third competition of the season after winning best in their
class and overall Grand Champion at both the Washington High School
Marching Invitational on September 10 and the Normal Marching
Invitational on September 21. Morton then hosted their own Invitational and
performed in exhibition-only on October 15.

Morton will take their award-winning field program “Spinning Out” to State
competition at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium on Saturday,
October 19. They will then compete at the Band of America (BOA)
Regional Championships in St. Louis on Oct 25-26 to finish the competitive
season.

A “Community Night” performance to celebrate the season and the band
seniors is scheduled for Tuesday, October 29 at 7pm. The event is free and
open to the public.

Columbus: The Street Name You’ll Find Everywhere

By Ken Zurski

Whether it’s a highway, a road, an avenue or a boulevard, it doesn’t matter. Nearly every major city in America and many smaller cities too have a street named – Columbus. In fact, it may be the most popular street named after a person besides the ones named after our nation’s presidents and founding fathers.

The most popular street name other than a name or a number is Main Street, but after that and all the Washington’s and Jefferson’s and Adam’s streets out there – there is Columbus.

Randomly, places like Akron, Ohio has a Columbus Avenue, so does Boise, Idaho (Columbus Street) and Butte, Montana (Columbus Avenue) and so on and so on. In Washington D.C. there is a Columbus Circle and in New York City there is also a Columbus Circle in addition to a Columbus Avenue, a Columbus Library and several Columbus Parks.

Columbus is also a popular name for a city too and many states have one, like Columbus, New Mexico, unincorporated but still over 1500 in population. 

Whether you like Columbus or rue his celebratory day every year, doesn’t matter. He’s here to stay. And at some point, unlike Columbus himself who had no such help, when a map or Goggle assists is needed, you’re likely to hear his name come up – over and over again. 

Marching Bands to Compete at Morton High School Invitational Oct 5

Join the excitement as Morton Bands hosts the 18th Annual Morton High School Marching Invitational on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Carper Field in Morton, Illinois.

Nineteen high school marching bands from Illinois and Iowa will perform for top awards in each of four classes including overall Grand Champion and awards for best music, general effect, auxiliary and percussion in each class. Gates open at 2:00 p.m. and performances start at 3:00 p.m.

The list of high schools competing include Davenport Central, East Peoria, Farmington Central, Galesburg, Geneseo, LaSalle-Peru, Lewistown, Macomb, Monmouth-Roseville, Morris, New Berlin, Normal, Pleasant Plains, Richwoods, Rock Falls, Rock Island, ROWVA, Tri-Valley, and Wheaton Warrenville South.

Morton will perform in exhibition at the end of the competition. Morton’s 2024 field show “Spinning Out” won the overall Grand Champion Awards at both the Washington and the Normal Invitationals this year.

Bands that compete are each offered a judge’s clinic where directors choose to meet with a clinician one-on-one or with the entire ensemble. A video of the band’s performance that day is provided and direct feedback and in-depth discussion provides specific information that bands can apply to their shows as they continue throughout the season.

Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and K-12 students. Concessions by Alwan & Sons and MHS Band Boosters. The popular Pumpkin Pie Iced Lattes and Pumpkin Bars are back again this year while supplies last. Band themed souvenirs will also be available to purchase. Please note that only cash is accepted at the event, but an ATM will be onsite.

Local radio personality Ken Zurski will serve as public address announcer for the event.

Morton High School Marching Band Shines at 2024 Washington Invitational

By Ken Zurski

MORTON, IL – The Morton High School Marching Band opened their 2024 season by winning best in their class and overall Grand Champion at the Washington Marching Panther Invitational held on Saturday, September 7 in Washington, Illinois.

Morton competed against one other school in Class 8A, the highest of the classifications, and 27 bands total in the competition. In addition, Morton won best Color Guard and best Percussion in Class 8A, and best Percussion overall. The host school band, the Washington Marching Panthers, performed in exhibition only. 

“The first competition is always an exciting time,” says Co-Director of Bands Andrew Empey. “From marching at a very fast tempo to playing their instruments, there is a great deal of physicality that goes into our show. I’m continually impressed by the hard work, passion and focus of this group of students.”

The band will compete in four other major competitions this year including the Normal Marching Invitational on September 21, the Lincoln-Way Marching Competition in New Lenox on October 12, Illinois State Competition at Hancock Stadium at Illinois State University on October 19 and the Bands of America competition in St Louis, Missouri on October 25-27.

Morton’s 2024 field program titled “Spinning Out” will be featured in exhibition when they host their own invitational on Saturday, October 5.  Seventeen bands from Illinois will perform at Morton High School’s Carper Field with gates opening at 2:00 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and K-12 students.

After the marching season is over, the band will travel to Orlando, Florida to perform at Disney’s Magic Kingdom on Thanksgiving Day.

2024 Morton High School Marching Band Season Preview: ‘Spinning Out’ Program and Competition Schedule

Photo by Paul Friend

By Ken Zurski

The 2024 Morton High School Band is ready to once again show off their marching skills. After a busy few months of rehearsals which included a two-week long Band Camp in late July, the first competition of the season is set for September 7th at the Washington Marching Panther Invitational in Washington, Illinois.

“The first competition is always an exciting time as we debut the show for everyone and also get that first read from the judges,” says Co-Director of Bands Andrew Empey.

For the students, it’s even more special. “It is their first opportunity of the season to perform in uniform and showcase the hard work they have been putting in all summer,” Empey adds.

The Morton Marching Band field program this year is titled “Spinning Out” and features music by Green Day, Linkin Park and composers Thomas Bergensen and John Mackey. The drill is written by Ralph Stewart and the music arranged by Craig Fitzpatrick.

“‘Spinning Out’ is a fast paced and energetic show that is filled with chaotic and beautiful moments where the band and drill are consistently spinning,” Empey explains. The show will feature twelve large props which also serve as stages for the students. “The props start off connected making three large stages that eventually break apart showcasing the continuous motion of spinning.”

The band will compete in five major competitions this year including the Washington Invitational, the Normal Marching Invitational on September 21; the Lincoln-Way Marching Competition in New Lenox on October 12;, Illinois State Competition at Hancock Stadium at Illinois State University on October 19; and the Bands of America Super Regional in St. Louis, Missouri on October 25-27.

In addition the band will perform at halftime of the Morton home football games and participate in the Pumpkin Festival Parade on September 14 and the Homecoming Parade on September 26.

On Saturday, October 5, the band will host the Morton Marching Invitational where bands from across the state will perform at Carper Field with Morton performing in exhibition only.

After the marching season is over, the band will travel to Orlando, Florida to perform at Disney’s Magic Kingdom on Thanksgiving Day.