L-W East Marching Griffins compete at Bands of America Super Regional

The Lincoln-Way East High School Marching Griffins took their competitive show to the next level Saturday (Oct. 20), advancing to the elite finals in the Bands of America Super Regional.

“Our student's achievements define our district in every facet at Lincoln-Way,” said Bert Johnson, the music department chair at Lincoln-Way East. “This result was another incredible example of what can happen when support from a community, parents and administration align with exceptional students.”

The 111-member band and color guard was one of 52 bands from Texas, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Florida, Michigan and Ohio to participate in the Super Regional at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The Marching Griffins performed their competitive show “1904,” a mesmerizing, dream-like routine with music inspired by a composition found on the album “Riceboy Sleeps” by Jonsi and Alex.

They advanced to the 14-band elite finals, where they earned 9th place overall.

“The Marching Griffins left an indelible imprint at Lucas Oil Stadium,” said Johnson, “silencing the crowd with their emotional performance.”

The Marching Griffins will compete next at the Illinois State Marching Championships to be held Oct.27 in Hancock Stadium.

The community is invited to see all four Lincoln-Way high school bands – the Lincoln-Way Central Marching Knights, the Lincoln-Way East Marching Griffins, the Lincoln-Way North Marching Phoenix and the Lincoln-Way West Marching Warriors – perform at a Marching Band Showcase to be held Wednesday, Oct. 24 at Lincoln-Way West High School, 21701 S. Gougar Road, New Lenox. The event will begin at 7 p.m.

Also, on Oct. 30, the Marching Griffins will perform at their annual Sounds of the Stadium event at 7 p.m. Oct. 30 in the Lincoln-Way East gymnasium, 201 Colorado Ave., Frankfort. Area residents are invited to attend that event as well.

The 2012 Marching Griffins are led by drum majors Justin Suda, Alan Hovorka and Teresa Mountford.