Carl Sandburg Marching Eagles Place First at State Fair

ORLAND PARK, IL — The 2016-17 season is off to a great start for the Marching Eagles of Carl Sandburg High School. Led by Band Directors Stewart Bailey and Brian Hillhouse, the Carl Sandburg High School Marching Band walked away with the first place title as a result of their performance in the Twilight Parade at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield on Thursday, August 11.

In addition to bragging rights and the title, the band was awarded a $2,000 prize.

The multi-hour bus ride, record-high temperatures and lack of air conditioning during the trip up and back didn't stop the members of the marching band from giving it their all.

"I am so proud of our students and parent chaperones for enduring challenging conditions and for demonstrating great effort, determination and performance," said Bailey. "All of this without a single complaint about the excessive heat."

The band has been busy this summer. The Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade marked the end of summer marching band camp that began in late June. The band marched in the Orland Days parade and entertained the massive crowds at the Taste of Orland Park at the main stage on opening night.

The Carl Sandburg Music Boosters invite the community to come out and enjoy the band performances throughout the school year. The Marching Eagles perform at all home football games, basketball games and numerous competitions and parades throughout the year.

For more information, visit sandburgmusic.org or email musicboosterspublicity@gmail.com.

Photo: Carl Sandburg Marching Eagles perform at the 2016 Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade in Springfield.