On Sunday, July 29, the Band Alumni Association performed “A Century of Musical Excellence,” to celebrate 100 years of Joliet’s band programs and music history. Over 2,000 people attended in Central’s auditorium to experience this prideful performance.

This performance was made up of graduates from years back to 1938, and never failed to excite the crowd with school loyalties, and “Stars and Stripes Forever.” It was also a reminder to the audience why music is important to them in the first place.

Sophomore, Griffin McGuire says, “I really enjoyed the concert. It was nice that so many people acknowledged the band’s history.”

The band’s history was also recognized by Pat Quinn the governor, the United States Senator Mark Steven Kirk, and Joe Biden the Vice President.

Vice President, Joe Biden states, “Please accept my sincere congratulations to the Joliet Township High School Band as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. Music has always been a longstanding part of American culture, and the Joliet Township High School Band’s commitment to tradition is truly admirable.”

This centennial has gotten a feature at the Joliet Historical Area Museum called “Strike up the Band” and showcase’s the band’s achievements, awards, and members throughout the 100 years who have participated in band activates.

For the former band members it was a night to celebrate and relive the memoires that band has brought them. And for others it was a reminder of what they will always carry in their heads and hearts, the music Joliet has helped bring to the world.