The Cadence in My Head: Taking to the Street in Cortland and to the Field in Marengo

The Marching Barbs will make their first official competitive run with this year’s field show this coming Sunday in Marengo.

The high school marching band competition at Marengo is part of the town’s Settlers’ Days festival. There is a competitive parade prior to the field show competition, but DHS does not participate. Instead, the Marching Barbs support the non-competitive Cortland Parade as part of their dedication to community outreach within their own school district. This community support is especially important this year given Cortland’s recent donation to Ireland fundraising.

The Marengo band competition is a fundraiser for Marengo HS music/band and is held at the high school’s football stadium (110 Franks Rd, Marengo, IL 60152).

The price of admission is not yet listed on the Marengo band page or in the Settlers’ Days marketing materials. However, last year it was $6/adult to get in. Parking has traditionally been free.

Please consider supporting the concession stand, but you might want to be sure to go BEFORE DHS arrives as our students can overwhelm the Marengo Band Boosters. Concession offerings are typical fare … hot dogs, walking tacos, snacks & such. The apple cider donuts are always a big hit in Marengo! Send some money or consider packing a hearty snack for your student as Sunday is a long day.

Call time for the Cortland parade will be at 11 a.m. The members of the Marching Barbs should gather at DHS to dress & prep. The parade itself is at 1 p.m. in Cortland. For more info, visit the town’s posted info at:

http://www.cortlandil.org/index.asp?SEC=48AF31D9-8EA8-47DA-A8B9-EF971F79114E&DE=25162639-8CED-4DF7-8BE3-79F91EDB5880&Type=B_EV

Following the parade in Cortland, band students will grab a hot dog meal from the parade organizers. Then, the ensemble will return to DHS for a bit of practicing before they load the trailer and head to Marengo. REMEMBER ….students should wear shorts & this year’s official band t-shirt under their uni. NO eating in the uniform jackets. Encourage your student to take a blanket and a jacket. (If you need an affordable spirit blanket, the Band Parents still have a limited number of marching band and general DHS stadium blankets perfectly sized for individuals available for $20. Email dekalbbandparents@gmail.com if you’d like to purchase one before Sunday).

The Marengo competition offers a limited number of “shout-outs.” For a small fee (in previous years $3 each or 2 for $5), you can write a message to your student or the band. These messages are read as DHS takes the field to set up or as the band comes off the field after their performance. These shout-outs are a great opportunity to wish your student good luck, thank instructors, cheer on the band, etc. Again, this offering is a fundraiser for the Marengo band program. You will find the table where you can purchase these between the entrance to the field and the stairs to the stadium.

Local competitions such as the one in Marengo provide an opportunity to take in the world of the marching arts beyond what you experience with your student’s involvement in the Marching Barbs. Make the most of your admission fee and arrive early enough to see other bands. To be considerate of the bands performing, you will only be allowed to enter and exit the stadium during the brief periods between band performances.

For many, marching band competition is part art and part sport. For good bands with supportive crowds who appreciate hits - or impact points - within a show, you can expect cheering and such. Cowbells, horns, etc., are not unheard of before a performance begins or after a band finishes. Cheering as the band performs can be fine during a show as this is not an indoor concert. For some bands, the more the crowd responds, the better the band will do. Especially cheer your heart out as soon as the Barbs finish and don’t be afraid to give them a standing ovation!

If you are focused on specifically seeing your student, sit lower in the stadium. If your goal is to enjoy the full performance and general effect of the Barbs’ run, sit as high as you can and as close to the 50 yard line as you can.

The schedule for Marengo is pasted below.

If you’d like a bit of info on judging for marching band field show competitions, check out this article on Illinoismarchingonline.com:

http://ilmarching.com/?p=1375

Field

Class 1A

4:00 PM: Oregon

4:15 PM: Morris Community

4:30 PM: Dwight Township

4:45 PM: Marmion-Rosary

5:00 PM: Genoa-Kingston

5:15 PM: Sandwich

5:30 PM: Break