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Bands get tuned up for Lancer Joust

Posted September 10, 2008 11:00 pm

By Elisabeth Mistretta

Marching bands competing in this year's 30th annual Lancer Joust will often weave a theme into their performances. In 2007, Wheaton Warrenville South fans wave a flag before the school's performance, "Heroes Fallen But Not Forgotten." Marcelle Bright | 2007

These aren't your parents' marching bands.

Since the start of Lake Park High School's annual Joust Marching Band Competition 30 years ago, bands from throughout the Midwest have stepped up their game over the years in hopes of nabbing the top spot.

"It's creative and theatrical and competitive," said Mike Chiodo, director of Lake Park's marching band. "If you're not familiar with this, you should really come out and see it because it has become much more entertaining and much more intricate."

Twenty-two high school bands from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa will travel to Lake Park's Roselle campus this Saturday to perform during the Joust's preliminary competition. Lake Park will be the last band to perform, but only as an exhibition band to ensure judging remains impartial.

The top 10 bands from the preliminary round will then advance to the finals, performing again Saturday evening.

Chiodo said the Joust is special not only because it is one of the first contests of the school year in Illinois, but because its finals round creates more drama.

"It's a local contest ... but run more like a regional, state or national competition," Chiodo said. "It's always been a stiff competition, normally attracting the best bands in local states. And it's traditionally a show that has strong judges and gives the bands tune up feedback for the season."

And while the Lancers will get feedback like all of the other performers, Lancer fans can watch them actually compete later this season; The 2008 Lancers are scheduled to compete at the Illinois State Competition, to be held Illinois State University, as well as the Bands of America Regional and Grand National Championships this fall.

If you go

What: 30th annual Lancer Joust Marching Band Competition

When: 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13

Where: Lake Park High School West Campus, 500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle

Cost: $10; $7 for students and seniors: $25 for families with two adults and maximum four children

Details: www.lancerjoust.com

Who's playing?

Some suburban bands that will be performing Saturday at the Lancer Joust include:

• Wheaton Warrenville South High School, Wheaton

• Wheaton North High School, Wheaton

• Naperville Central High School, Naperville

• Waubonsie Valley High School, Aurora

• Warren Township High School, Gurnee

• John Hersey High School, Arlington Heights

• Wheeling High School, Wheeling

• Prospect High School, Mount Prospect

• Lake Park High School, Roselle

On Saturday the Lake Park High School marching band will perform an exhibition-only number during the 30th annual Lancer Joust contest. In 2007, student Caitlyn Workman played her flute during a routine titled, "It's Just About the Piano." Marcelle Bright | 2007

Twenty two bands from four states will compete Saturday in the 30th annual Lancer Joust. Last year, Wheaton North High School student Natalie Edwards performed with the color guard and the marching band during the contest. Marcelle Bright | 2007

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