L-W East Marching Griffins Named Grand Champions of First Competition

—from Lincoln-Way District 210

On Sept. 19, the Lincoln-Way East Marching Griffins were named grand champions at the Morton Marching Invitational. The Marching Griffins also earned first in their class, and won awards for best Color Guard, Percussion, Winds, Visual, and General Effect.

“I am so proud of our students for standing out among their peers from across the region and earning the honor of grand champions at the first competition of our 2015 season,” said Bert Johnson, Band Director and Music Department Chair at East. “The excitement of this win was a great way to start the season and a validation of our hard work and extensive preparation.”

East students performed selections from their production of “Bliss” which is a conceptual show based on the individual perception of an exceptional moment. Selections are from the music of Snarky Puppy and Eric Whitacre.

“Students portrayed a visual representation of the music, open to audience interpretation,” said Johnson. “The fact that it was so well received by the judges is proof that our students truly captured the meaning behind the music and the technical skills required to perform them.”

Students had an opportunity to hear Snarky Puppy perform their selections in person and receive guidance from the world renowned instrumental fusion band.

The Marching Griffins are traveling to Bowling Green, Ohio this weekend to compete in the Bands of America Regional Championship.