Marching Illini to perform at BGHS game on Sept. 25

The University of Illinois Marching Illini, under the direction of Peter Griffin, will perform at Buffalo Grove High School's home football game against Prospect High School on Friday, Sept. 25, at Bison Stadium.

The band is expected to begin its pregame performance at 7:15 p.m. and will play throughout the game, as well as offering a half-time presentation.

"Bringing in a world-class Big Ten University marching band is a great honor for our school, district, and community," said Buffalo Grove's Director of Bands, Ed Jacobi.

"Many of our students in District 214 graduate and move on to perform in this band, and they will be back with us on that evening."

The Marching Illini is expected to arrive at Buffalo Grove High School at 3 p.m. and will rehearse in Bison Stadium until 4:30 p.m., when the musicians will sit down to a meal provided by the Buffalo Grove Instrumental Association and Kohl's Department Stores.

"Kohl's is making a significant donation to help offset the cost of feeding our musical guests, for which our entire Buffalo Grove High School community is sincerely grateful," Jacobi said.

The Marching Illini's presence at the game is also expected to draw musicians from surrounding schools who will want to see and hear what Jacobi calls an "awesome music machine."

Known as "The Best Band in the Land," The Marching Illini's 350 members will take the field and perform the legendary songs that have earned the organization its prestigious reputation. Traditional music, along with new music written for the band, will be performed.

Following the game, members of the Marching Illini will be hosted in the homes of Buffalo Grove High School Band families before they depart Saturday morning for a special noon performance at Navy Pier.

Spectators Friday night will be admitted with just the cost of a ticket to the game or by presenting a Gate Pass.

Tickets for the game will be sold in advance beginning Monday, Sept. 21, in the BGHS main office at $3 for adults and $2 for children or students without a District 214 I.D.

For details contact the BGHS Student Activities office at (847) 718-4019.