Normal Marching Band kicks off 2023 season with consecutive 2nd place finishes

Bella Green, Bailey Kozlen and Leonor Rivas • Sep 22, 2023

Ryan Budzinski

“That first show we didn’t complete the full show,” Band Director Mr. Paul Carter said. “Last week was our first time having the whole show on the field, but we were still learning at that point. “Over the next few weeks, we’ll continue to refine and continue to develop and improve… and strive for that excellence that we’re always going for.”

The Normal Marching Band took second in their first two competitions, debuting the 2023 season show “The Game.”

The season opener at the Washington Invite was a rematch of last year’s State Finals, with the NMB once again finishing 2nd behind the defending 6A State Champions from Morton High School.

The band delivered a condensed performance of their show, a modern take on chess, which features songs from the musical “Hamilton” and iconic rock band Queen.

Visually, NMB co-director Mr. Paul Carter said, this year’s chess-themed performance is vibrant.

“It’s not the basic black and white boring color scheme,” Carter said. “We’ve thrown a lot of really bright, fun colors in there.”

Learning this season’s show was made more accessible after the NMB won a Beyond The Books Foundation grant. The funds allowed NMB to map their drill digitally, the show’s choreography, using an app.

“Now,” Carter said, the performers, “can just hit play and watch the drill… and see how it changes and develops over time.”

After finishing as runners-up with their first presentation of the full-length show at Northern Illinois University’s Red and Black Fall Classic on Sept. 16, the band has their sights on October’s competition.

Carter said the group is looking towards a finals run at the Bands Of America Super Regional Championship this year after falling short in St. Louis the past few years.

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About the Contributors

Bella Green, Senior Staff Reporter

Bella Green is a senior at Normal Community High School. This is her second year working with the Inkspot where she is a senior staff reporter. I like watching basketball, specifically my favorite teams such as the Boston Celtics and South Carolina Gamecocks. In my free time, I enjoy finding new and obscure series and movies. I am inspired by Dawn Staley and her poise as a leader.

Bailey Kozlen, Staff Reporter

Bailey Kozlen is a senior at Normal Community High School. This is her second year working with the Inkspot as a staff reporter. She is involved with theatre and everything performing arts-related. In my free time, I love singing and going on long drives. My all-time dream is to live somewhere in a big city. My best advice is to take every chance and opportunity that comes your way.

Leonor Rivas, Staff Reporter

Leonor Rivas is a senior at Normal Community High School. She is a staff reporter for the Inkspot. My favorite film is "Heathers." A book that moved me is "One For Sorrow."