Music in motion: Chicago area marching bands take center stage

Wheeling High School is hosting the 56th annual Chicagoland Marching Band Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14. It is the longest consecutive running marching band festival in the Chicago area.

Fourteen bands of all sizes will perform their half-time shows for a panel of judges. The competition begins at 5:30 p.m., and the event concludes with Wheeling High School’s performance at 9:45 p.m.

“The Chicagoland Marching Band Festival kicks off the competitive marching band season for many of the bands in our district and area. It should be another fantastic event with two bands even coming from Wisconsin to perform! Thank you to the dedicated parents and community of Wheeling for helping run this event. It is our largest fundraiser and the funds raised greatly impact the access to opportunities for students in our band,” said Wheeling High School band Director Mike Malek.

Admission for the festival is $15. Concessions will be available throughout the performances.

Wheeling High School is at 900 S. Elmhurst Road, in Wheeling, on the corner of Elmhurst and Hintz roads.

More information and the full performance schedule can be found at www.d214.org/CMBF.