Prospect Marching Knights named Grand Champs at U of I
The “dream” continues. On Oct. 22, The Prospect High School Marching Knights (PMK) competed at the 41st annual University of Illinois Illini Marching Band Championships in Urbana-Champaign, receiving the highest score in combined classes 4A, 5A and 6A, and claiming the Illini Grand Champion Trophy in those classifications. This year's show, titled "Leonardo's Dream," features music from Eric Whitacre and Malcolm Arnold, including "Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine."
The Marching Knights also were awarded first place in Class 5A and ranked first among all 25 bands in Class 4A, 5A and 6A. In addition, the PMK was named best in class for Color Guard, Percussion and Visual effect. (Fellow District 214 school John Hersey earned best in class 5A for Music.)
“This was one of our best performances of the season – there was so much energy on the field,” said Prospect senior and PMK drum major Jessica Kreidler. “It was overwhelming to feel such rich sound and energy in that large, crowded stadium.
“Our whole show is about dreaming, creating, pushing – and finally flying. Last night, I realized – that's exactly the path we've taken as a band. As (band director) Mr. Barnum calls our ‘arrival points' – we can actually see now what the show is meant to embody and express. We made a solid connection with the show, the audience – and ourselves.
“This band is composed of really great players, marchers and most of all – great people, who want everyone to succeed. This event really showed us off as an ensemble. And now we're all very excited to keep giving it our all for upcoming competitions.”
This latest competition at U of I marks the Marching Knights' fourth consecutive first-place/ championship award of the 2011 competitive marching band season.
At the ninth annual Red & Black Fall Classic Marching Band Festival at Northern Illinois University Huskie Stadium on Oct. 1, the Knights captured first-place honors in their class, high overall effect award, and the highest cumulative score of the entire competition.
On Sept. 10, the Prospect Marching Knights captured first place and all three possible “best” awards at the 33rd annual Lancer Joust Marching Band Competition at Lake Park High School in Roselle.
On Sept. 24, the PMK was named Grand Champion among a field of 21 Midwest bands at the 44th annual Chicagoland Marching Band Festival at Wheeling High School.
The PMK will next travel on Saturday, Oct. 29, to compete at the 45th annual State of Illinois Marching Band Championships.