Marching Illini to perform in Arlington Heights
When the St. Viator Lions host the Dons from Notre Dame College Prep Friday, Sept. 25, the evening will feature more than a conference matchup.
That's because the 375-strong Marching Illini will take the field before the contest and during halftime.
The varsity game starts at 7:30 p.m. on Morris Field at Robert Morris University in Arlington Heights, a home game for the Lions.
Vince Genualdi, director of bands at St. Viator, was a sousaphone player with the Marching Illini before being elected one of three drum majors for his junior and senior years. He graduated from Illinois in 2013.
"It's a very exciting opportunity for our band program and the school community," Genualdi says. "The Marching Illini leads the collegiate marching band realm and has a long-lasting tradition of musical excellence and integrity.
"Their dedication to music education and to excellence is contagious," he adds, "and I know that their presence will ultimately improve our school spirit, band program and community."
Look for the Illini to feature their drum line, as well as the full band with its repertoire of fan favorites and traditional standards, including the Block I formation before spelling out Illini on the field.
During the pregame performance, band students from some of St. Viator's feeder middle schools will combine with the Marching Illini and St. Viator Lions to play the national anthem and the St. Viator fight song.
Throughout the game, St. Viator students will play on the sidelines with the Illini in an added bleacher section for the combined band. The two bands also will join forces during halftime for a collegiate-level show.
The Marching Illini performed for the Chicago Bears' home opener at Soldier Field, and will march in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.
Following Friday's game, the Illini band students will return to Champaign in time to take the field for the Illini to host the Raiders of Middle Tennessee State University at Memorial Stadium.