17 High Schools Showcased In 46th Annual Stagg Jamboree Marching Band Competition

PALOS HILLS – Volunteers with the Music Boosters Association at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School are gearing up for the organization's 46th annual Marching Jamboree, which starts at 2:35 p.m. and continues until 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 at the high school, 8015 W. 111th St., Palos Hills.

This year, 17 bands will participate in the competition. Palos South and Conrady middle school band students will open the event with the National Anthem, and the Stagg Marching Chargers will perform in exhibition at the end of the night before the final awards.

Subscribe

The jamboree attracts about 3,000 to 4,000 spectators as well as 2,000 students and directors, thanks to the number of bands performing. The event, which happens early in the marching band season, helps bands fine-tune their competitive performances.

Everything from how the musicians sound on the field to how they—and any props—look visually from the audience's perspective is judged in six categories.

That feedback comes from 10 judges, some of whom walk around the field during performances and others who view the bands from the press box. Bands are judged on marching and music performance, track timing and note rule infractions, Director of Bands Bob Mecozzi said.

Music boosters' vice president Jennie Anderson, now in her second year of coordinating the jamboree, said supporting student musicians is important.

"School music programs give students a place to belong while developing confidence, leadership, responsibility, and lifelong friendships," Anderson said. "As a parent, I've watched music positively impact my daughters from middle school through college."

The public is welcome to attend. Admission costs $15 for adults; $10 for students with valid ID and senior citizens 55 and older; $5 for children 7 to 13 years old; and free for children younger than 6 and Stagg students with ID.

Cash and credit will be accepted at the gate, but tickets may be bought online at Stagg Marching Jamboree. A 50-cent service fee is charged for each ticket sold online.

Concessions will be available for purchase, including such traditional fare as marching tacos, burgers, hotdogs, pop and water, as well as Nothing Bundt Cakes, Kona Ice Truck and a coffee truck. TSS Photography will be snapping photos all day that can be purchased. Pre-orders of apparel can be placed until noon Sept. 11 for pickup at the jamboree at Stagg Jamboree Apparel.

Parking is free, with limited space in the school's west parking lot. Shuttles will be run from 2 to 10 p.m. from the back parking lot of Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church's, 11025 S. Roberts Road. Attendees also can park after 6 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church lot, 8245 W. 111th St. Handicap parking is on the far south side of Stagg's west parking lot; a parking attendant can help. Vehicles may be towed from the retail lots across from Stagg.