Statewide marching bands flock to campus for IMBC

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The University of Illinois Bands welcomed forty-one bands to historic Gies Memorial Stadium on October 25, 2025 for the 54th annual Illinois Marching Band Championships (IMBC). The Marching Illini drumline and sousaphones opened each exhibition performance followed by the Marching Illini performing a “Wicked” show. In addition to the Marching Illini, the King Cobras All-Ability Drumline, under the direction of Marching Illini alumnus Dale Hallerberg, performed an upbeat and exciting show for the crowd.

Congratulations to the Governor’s Grand Champion Award winners, Morton High School (1A–3A) and Normal High School (4A–6A)!

The registered bands are divided into six classifications based on IHSA school enrollment. IMBC provides participating marching bands with feedback from the nation’s finest adjudicators, relevant and educational evaluation rubrics, and the thrill of performing in Gies Memorial Stadium!

Since 1868, the Marching Illini has entertained millions of fans with traditional and innovative performances that have paved a path of excellence making them known as “The Nation’s Premier College Marching Band.” In the 1920’s, John Philip Sousa called the Illinois Band the “World’s Greatest College Band.” Superlatives like this have come to be expected during the long and illustrious history of the University of Illinois Bands. The excellence of innovation continues today as the Marching Illini strives for the highest levels of musical, visual, and thoroughly entertaining performances in historic Memorial Stadium.

Article content courtesy of Illinois Bands

Award Winners

CLASS 1A-3A

GOVERNOR’S GRAND CHAMPION TROPHY

Morton High School

Class 1A
Best Music:
Mater Dei Catholic High School
Best Visual:
Mater Dei Catholic High School
Best General Effect:
Mater Dei Catholic High School

1st Place:
Mater Dei Catholic High School
2nd Place:
Watseka Community High School
3rd Place:
Maroa – Forsyth High School

Class 2A
Best Music:
University High School
Best Visual:
Illinois Valley Central High School
Best General Effect:
University High School

1st Place:
University High School
2nd Place:
Illinois Valley Central High School
3rd Place:
Paris High School

Class 3A
Best Music:
Morton High School
Best Visual:
Morton High School
Best General Effect:
Morton High School

1st Place:
Morton High School
2nd Place:
Mahomet–Seymour High School
3rd Place:
East Peoria Community High School

CLASS 4A-6A

GOVERNOR’S GRAND CHAMPION TROPHY

Normal High School

Class 4A
Best Music:
Washington Community High School
Best Visual:
Washington Community High School
Best General Effect:
Washington Community High School

1st Place:
Washington Community High School
2nd Place:
Grayslake North High School
3rd Place:
Kaneland High School

Class 5A
Best Music:
Plainfield North High School
Best Visual:
Plainfield North High School
Best General Effect:
Plainfield North High School

1st Place:
Plainfield North High School
2nd Place:
Edwardsville High School
3rd Place:
Elk Grove High School

Class 6A
Best Music:
Normal High School
Best Visual:
Normal High School
Best General Effect:
Normal High School

1st Place:
Normal High School
2nd Place:
Minooka Community High School
3rd Place:
Warren Township High School