Lincoln-Way North Marching Phoenix Take Top Prize at ISU Showdown

The Lincoln-Way North Marching Phoenix is marking the end of their competitive season with a big win at the Illinois State University contest.

The 110- strong Marching Phoenix band competed at the Illinois State University in class competition earning the Class 4A championship on Saturday, Oct. 11 in Bloomington.

In addition, the Marching Phoenix won Outstanding Music, Visual Effect, and Crowd Appeal in class competition.

In the evening finals competition, all bands compete regardless of class, the Marching Phoenix finished 5th overall. The band also scored first in Visual General Effect out of the finals group.

A total of 40 bands from all over the state of Illinois participated in the Illinois State championships. The bands competed in 6 classes, with approximately 3, 500 students participating in the state competition.

“We’re so proud of all they accomplished and learned this year,” said Kirk Hickman, Director of Bands for L-W North High School. “While we go out and compete, what we actually do is teach kids many lessons about life and music. I couldn’t be prouder of how much they’ve grown as young adults this season. This season the Marching Phoenix pushed through challenges and kept striving to make their production as excellent as it could be.”

The Lincoln-Way North Marching Phoenix 2014 drum majors are Nora Ward and Nikki Wiltjer.

The title of the Marching Phoenix 2014 show was “Returning Home.” The music featured “Appalachian Morning” by Robert Sheldon, “Ashokan Farewell” by Jay Ungar, “Althea” by The Grateful Dead, and “American Gothic, mvt. lll: Pitchfork” by Michael Daugherty. Wind music was arranged by Don Hill, percussion arranged by Kirk Hickman, drill design by Maney Thompson, and show design by Alan Spaeth.

“Without our parent group, we could not have done any of this,” said Hickman. “Even just getting on the field would not be possible. In just a few months, planning for next year kicks in, this group is a fun one to plan for!”

Caption: Lincoln-Way North Marching Phoenix ended their competitive season earning the Class 4A Championship at Illinois State University.