9 bands to compete in Grayslake North’s Marching Festival
Under the direction of Candace Edstrand, Laura Bertermann, Dan Bertermann and Michelle Ruotolo, the Grayslake North High School Marching Knights kick off its 2013-14 season by hosting the third annual North Knight’s Marching Festival from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15.
The event has grown from four entrants in 2011 to nine. This year’s competing high schools include Sandwich, Antioch, Lakes, Grant, Rolling Meadows, Prairie Ridge, Elk Grove and Grayslake Central.
The bands will join GNHS on its home field at 1925 N. Route 83 in Grayslake. According to Edstrand, schools will compete for places and individual awards (Best Percussion, Best Drum Major, Best Auxiliary) while performing their half-time shows. In case of rain, the festival and performances will take place in the adjoining field house.
The public is invited to attend. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and students (with an ID); parking is free. Concessions will be available.
As hosts, the Marching Knights will perform (exhibition only) their field show, which is titled “Sinister.” It includes various ominous-themed music titles. Preparation for the season began by welcoming 40 incoming freshmen in July. Next came a weeklong band camp in August for all members at Carthage College, Kenosha, Wis., and culminated with a field performance at GNHS. They have since participated in the Grayslake Summer Days parade Aug. 17.
The band’s outstanding 2012-13 season resulted in first place Parade and second place Field Show at The Renegade Regiment Music Fest, Sandwich, Ill. The Marching Knights also represented their school and community as the coveted “last band” in a Disney Magic Kingdom night parade in 2013 during spring break in Orlando, Fla.
In addition to the upcoming Grayslake festival, the band will also compete in the St. Rita Mustang Stampede, Chicago, Oct. 6, and the Sandwich festival Oct. 20. Meanwhile, catch them perfecting their routines at upcoming home football games beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the following days: Sept. 12 vs. Woodstock; Sept. 27 vs. Hampshire; and Oct. 11 vs. Grayslake Central.
For information on the Grayslake North High School Band program, its upcoming schedule or fundraising activities, contact Candace Edstrand, director of GNHS bands, at (847) 986-3100, ext. 5549, or Laura Hobart, band booster coordinator, at (847) 223-9850.
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