U-46 marching bands unite

Bartlett High School band director Paul Loucas might be considered a modern day Music Man.

He may not be leading 76 trombones or 110 cornets in this year's Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. But it'll be close.

Loucas is organizing a joint parade performance of Elgin Area School District U-46's five high school marching bands: Bartlett, Elgin, South Elgin, Streamwood and Larkin.

According to Chicago Festival Association officials, the 400-student performance will be the largest in the parade's 75-year history.

About 325 students will be playing wind instruments to "Sleigh Ride," along with 50 drummers and a 25-student flag team, Loucas said.

For now, students have been practicing at their respective schools. In the coming weeks, several joint rehearsals will take place along Petersdorf Road, which runs along the west side of Bartlett High.

"It's been quite an undertaking," said Loucas, who's dreamed of all the bands marching together for the past 12 years.

"Everyone is doing their part."

South Elgin High School band director Kurt Dobbeck has been charged with putting together a map of where each marching band member will be standing.

Streamwood High School band director Jaimie Abney and Canton Middle School director Chris Vanderwall have been working with the drum line.

"Sleigh Ride" was picked for the performance for several reasons, Loucas said.

Bartlett High School's marching band has performed the song the three times it has performed in the parade on it's own - in 2002, 2004 and 2006.

"It's sort of a wintry tune. It's not a religious tune or a (Christmas) tune, and I thought that would be appropriate. Plus, everyone knows it. That's the bottom line," he said.

Students will perform in their respective band uniforms and Santa hats, Loucas said.

The parade will be broadcast live on WGN Channel 9 beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27.