Batavia Marching Band at first-ever state finals performance, October 2022.

Marching Band

The Batavia Marching Band is a co-curricular opportunity 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 their 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 stand in the way of 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.

Marching Band Competition Information – 2024 Season

Victor J. Andrew Competition (9/21/2024)

RESULTS – 1st Place in Class 2A. Best General Effect. Best Percussion. Overall – 2nd Place with 17 bands in attendance.

Northern Illinois University Red & Black Classic (9/28/2024)

RESULTS – 1st Place in Class 2A Best Music, Visual, and General Effect. Overall – 4th Place with 17 bands in attendance.

Lincoln-Way Invitational (10/12/2024)

RESULTS – 1st Place in Class 2A with 10 bands. Best General Effect. Overall – 6th Place with 23 bands in attendance.

Illinois State Marching Band (10/19/2024)

RESULTS – 2nd Place in Class 2A. 13th Place marching band in the state of Illinois.

Marching Band Results – 2023 Season

NIU Competition (9/16/2023)

Results – 1st Place in Class 2A. Best Visual. Best General Effect. 

Prospect HS Competition (9/30/2023)

Results – 2nd Place in Class 2A. 2nd Place overall with 11 bands in competition.

Naperville Central Competition (10/14/2023)

Results – 1st Place in Class 2A. Best Music, Best General Effect, Best Percussion. 2nd Place overall with 16 bands in competition.

Percussion Standstill Grand Champion

Illinois State University – Marching Band Championships (10/21/2023)

Results – 2nd Place in Class 2A. Best Visual. Highest placement in class in school history. 2nd consecutive finalist selection.

Finals – 11th Place. Highest placement in school history.

Questions about the Marching Band, Color Guard, and Percussion can be directed to Chris Owen.