Prospect Marching Knights win Illini Grand Champion Trophy

The Prospect High School Marching Knights claimed the Illini Grand Champion Trophy in the 4A, 5A and 6A classes at the 42nd annual University of Illinois Illini Marching Band Championships Oct. 13.

The show, “To the Moon and Back,” features music from David Shaffer (“Celestial Legend”), jazz standard “How High the Moon” by Morgan “Buddy” Lewis, and “Drum Music,” by John Mackey.

The Marching Knights also were awarded first place in Class 5A and ranked first among all 24 bands in Class 4A, 5A and 6A.

The Elk Grove High School marching band placed third in Class 5A. In addition, Prospect was named best in class for Auxiliary (color guard), Percussion and Visual Effect.

“We had a successful day, despite the weather and unpredictable conditions,” said Prospect senior and drum major Destiny Duraj. “There were many great bands there and we were honored to be a part of that group.”

It was the Marching Knights third consecutive championship award of the 2012 competitive marching band season. On Sept. 8, the Prospect Marching Knights captured first place and two best awards at the 34th Annual Lancer Joust Marching Band Competition at Lake Park High School in Roselle. Two weeks later, the Marching Knights were named Grand Champion among a field of 23 Midwest bands at the 45th Annual Chicagoland Marching Band Festival at Wheeling High School.

“I’m really proud of the band and what we have accomplished so far this season,” added Duraj. “We are looking forward to working hard to improve our show as we move onto super regional and statewide competitions in the upcoming weeks.”

The band will travel on Oct. 19-20 to compete at the Bands of America Super Regional Championships in St. Louis. The band will finish its 2012 competition season at the 46th Annual State of Illinois Marching Band Championships at Illinois State University on Oct. 27.