L-W North Marching Phoenix take 2nd at first competition of the season

   The Lincoln-Way North High School Marching Phoenix are off to a strong start, earning 2nd place overall and a caption award for best percussion at their first competition of the season.

   “The kids really had a good time performing for the crowd,” said music instructor Kirk Hickman. “It was a great start to our competitive season.”

   The 107-member band competed Saturday, Sept. 15 at the Providence Marching Band Invitational at Providence High School in New Lenox.

   More than a dozen bands competed in the Invitational, including Evergreen Park, Evanston Township and Downers Grove high schools.

   Lincoln-Way North High School competed in Class AAA of the competition, facing bands from Plainfield South, Lemont, Plainfield North and Marian Catholic high schools.

   The Marching Phoenix finished 2nd in their class and 2nd overall with their competitive field show “New Beginnings.” They also won the caption award for best percussion.

   “We’re very proud of these kids and how they have done this season,” said Hickman.

   The band will compete next at the Chicagoland Marching Band Festival on Sept. 22 at Wheeling High School.

   Area residents will have an opportunity to see the band perform the show in its entirety at a Marching Band Showcase featuring all four Lincoln-Way marching bands on Oct. 24 at Lincoln-Way West High School, 21701 S. Gougar Road, New Lenox. The event will begin at 7 p.m.

   “`New Beginnings’ is very different from anything we’ve done before,” said Hickman. “It’s a great production.”