Joliet West’s very own marching band has been making a big impression this season. They have been energizing the football games, putting spirit in parades and performing very well at band competitions.

In September the Marching Tigers performed in two band competitions held at Washington and Pontiac high schools. At both competitions, West placed 2nd overall out of 15 bands. Along with these impressive accomplishments, the Tigers have been awarded “Best Percussion”, “Best Winds”, “Best Auxiliary”, and “Best overall Percussion” awards at their competitions so far.

The Marching Tigers’ show this year is entitled “Play” and is meant to bring out the child inside everyone. Each movement in the music depicts something from childhood. Those include “Children at Play,” “Hopscotch,” “Flying Kites,” and “Young at Heart.” The band also stays true to the theme by wearing colorful beanie hats complete with a propeller. Each part in the show has its own childlike atmosphere that comes from the band forming into smiley faces and giant kites to tuba players dancing and percussion players hopscotching.

Congratulations on a spectacular season so far, Marching Tigers. Keep up the good work! If you haven’t had the honor of seeing the marching band perform this season, you haven’t missed your chance yet. On October 22, the Tigers will perform at the football game against Lincoln-Way East and will compete later in the day at Lincoln-Way East. The band will make their last performance on October 29 at the ISU marching  competition.