After placing second overall on September 24, the NCHS marching band placed first overall at Illinois Wesleyan on October 1 — without their head drum major.

In the absence of Chad Caplinger (12), who was out of town, Alex Klosterman (12) took on the role of head drum major, the marching band’s leader. The head drum major stands in the middle of the two other drum majors on the center podium conducting and keeping time. Klosterman accepted the challenge and led the NCHS Marching Iron to first place.

“The kids did a great job, they stepped up,”said Band Director Lance Meadows. “Alex stepped up and did a fantastic job. It is not an easy thing to do.” 

Since Klosterman was not performing his usual role as a drum major, Cally Robertson (11) got the call to fill in for him while Klosterman was on the center podium. It appeared to be a smooth transition from playing the mellophone considering the band finished first in their class and grand champions.

“She pretty much learned how to conduct the entire show in about a week and a half. She stepped up big time for the band.” said Band Director Kris Bence about Robertson.

Meadows and Bence continued to praise the band for all of their hard work and dedication to achieving their full potential.  Bence said that the band works very hard and does a great job preparing for competition.

“We all worked hard to come together and do something great, so we know we did well. We had no doubt,” said flute player Maddi Barnett (10).

The NCHS Marching Band placed first once again at the Dunlap competition Saturday, October 1. NCHS will Travel to Downers Grove South this Saturday with high spirits and hopes to continue receiving high placings during 2016 competition season.