Naperville North claims Chicagoland Marching Festival crown

The second time was the charm for the Naperville North High School marching band, which won the Class AAA title at the Chicagoland Marching Band Festival this weekend at Wheeling High School.

Just two weeks ago, the marching Huskies took second behind state powerhouse Lincoln Way East High School at the 2009 Lancer Joust at Lake Park High School in Roselle, despite finishing first overall for general effect.

On Saturday, Naperville North's innovative show which salutes the music of silent movies, won over the judges with its intricate visuals and music from such classic films as Charlie Chaplin's "Little Tramp" and the "Perils of Pauline."

"It was the most inventive of all the bands there," said Dallas Niermeyer, one of two judges who rated the music and general effect. "It was highly produced, extremely inventive and had hardly a moment that wasn't entertaining."

This was the 42nd annual marching band competition sponsored by Wheeling High School's band program. This year's event drew 17 bands from throughout the suburbs and state.

Among smaller schools, Shephard High School took first place, while Lincoln Way North won the Class AA division, ahead of Glenbrook North and Huntley high schools, respectively.

In general, all the bands designed shows with many more visual effects, both musical and visual, using props, costumes, masks, stages and special effects. They also expanded the conventional perception of marching band music, using more electronic instruments, such electric bass guitars and keyboards.

Their percussion ensemble, located down in front on the field, also saw increased play, with students playing a variety of mallet instruments and a wide assortment of concert percussion instruments.

The show also reflected a trend in marching band competitions of using original music in their programs rather than more traditional movie themes.

Warren Township High School performed a program called "Night: Moments in Darkness" using all original music. The opening set was a jazzy tempo, matching the jazz club atmosphere band members created on the field, before a slower, ballad in the middle section, leading to the mysterious, fast-paced, dramatic ending.

"We try to keep pretty balanced, between playing challenging music and creating matching visuals on the field," said Chris Jenkins, band director at the Gurnee high school.

Warren, like many of the other bands who competed at Wheeling, now will take their marks and feedback from the judges to tweak their programs before their next competition, the Knight of Champions taking place Saturday at Prospect High School.

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