Bands of America’s regional marching band competitions kicked off over the Sept. 20-21 weekend, but alumni, teachers and parents have been reliving past competitions ahead of the circuit’s 50th anniversary this year.
BOA and its parent nonprofit organization, Music for All, spent 50 days posting throwback clips highlighting memorable performances from the past 50 years.
Here’s a look at Illinois bands’ shows featured on Music for All’s social media page.
Marion Catholic High School, 2000
Marion Catholic High School, 1985
Lake Park High School, 1996
When are 2025 BOA Regional competitions?
Competitions in the Bands of America circuit kicked off Sept. 20 with regional competitions in Austin, Texas; Las Cruces, New Mexico; Toledo, Ohio; and McAllen, Texas. Here’s a look at upcoming shows for the 2025 season:
Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025
Friday-Saturday, Oct. 17-18, 2025
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
Friday-Saturday. Oct. 24-25, 2025
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025
Friday-Saturday, Nov. 7-8, 2025
Which Illinois bands will compete in the Bands of America Regional in Louisville?
Here’s a look at the lineup listed online as of Sept. 22. One ensembles from Illinois is included and are in bold.
When is BOA Grand Nationals in Indianapolis?
The annual Bands of America Grand National Championships are Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 13-15, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Which Indiana marching bands will be at Bands of America Grand Nationals?
As of information last updated Sept. 22, the following Illinois bands are performing: Edwardsville High School, Marian Catholic High School, Morton High School, Murphysboro High School, O’Fallon Township High School and William Howard Taft High School.
Who won BOA Grand Nationals in 2024?
Avon High School from Indiana took first place, also winning the Visual and General Effect categories. No Illinois bands made it to the final round of competition, but three performed in semi-finals: Lincoln-Way Community High School, Marian Catholic High School and O’Fallon Township High School.
About Bands of America
Bands of America is one of the programs run by Music for All, a nonprofit educational organization based in Indianapolis.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Bands of America highlights Illinois marching bands’ iconic performances
Reporting by Jenny Porter Tilley, USA TODAY NETWORK / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
