Batavia Marching Band at first-ever state finals performance, October 2022.
Marching Band
The Batavia Marching Band is a co-curricular opportunity that is open to all students in the Batavia Music program and select 8th grade students. The Batavia Marching Band (BMB) is a volunteer group of about 100 students and performs throughout Illinois and at all home football games. The BMB rehearses and performs from August until October. The marching band consists of students who perform on wind instruments, percussionists who make up the drumline and front ensemble, and students who perform as the color guard. Marching band is a no-cut activity – all students who sign up will perform.
In 2024, the marching band performed its award-winning show, On Top of Spaghetti, to local and competitive fanfare. They won their class at every local competition they attended and were again named Class 4A Runner-Up in the marching band state championships held at Illinois State University. They were named a finalist for the 3rd consecutive year and were 13th in finals for all marching bands at the competition.
In 2023, the marching band placed 1st or 2nd in their class at every competition that was attended. Additionally, they were a finalist in the Marching Band State Championships for the 2nd consecutive year, placing 11th, the highest in school history. In 2022, the marching band was named a State of Illinois Finalist at the state championships held in October at Illinois State University for the first time in school history. They placed and won caption awards at every competition they attended in 2022, a first in school history.
Enrollment begins in March through late April. A school fee of $150 applies for marching band, and a set of dues applies as well – these dues may change each year depending on the traveling commitment of the band. However, money should not be a barrier to any performer participating. Contact Mr. Owen if you need financial assistance.
Take a look at our Marching Band Informational Packet – this has information about the schedule, rehearsals, and costs for marching band.
Sign-up for marching band here.
https://bhs.bps101.net/music/calendars/#marching
Questions about Marching Band, Color Guard, and Percussion can be directed to Mr. Owen at chris.owen@bps101.net.