EIU Media Relations

38th Annual Panther Marching Band Festival Set for Oct. 4

The public is invited to the 38th annual Panther Marching Band Festival, set to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Eastern Illinois University’s O’Brien Stadium.

This annual all-day event is a field competition allowing high school bands a great way in which to close their performance season. Awards in each class in the areas of music, visual, general effect, percussion, guard and drum major will be awarded. Grand Champion and Spirit trophies will be awarded for Small Class and Large Class divisions.

Nearly 40 bands are scheduled to compete, with EIU’s Panther Marching Band performing in exhibition at 4:15 and 9 p.m.

Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students/seniors, while children 5 and under will be admitted free. (Cash or check accepted.)

Participating schools are scheduled to perform as follows: Robinson, 9:45 a.m.; Arthur/Lovington/Atwood/Hammond, 10; Carterville, 10:15; Johnson City, 10:30; Blue Ridge, 10:45; Oblong, 11; Arcola, 11:15; Heritage, 11:30; Charleston, 11:45;

LeRoy, 12:30 p.m.; Watseka, 12:45; Ridgeview, 1; Pleasant Plains, 1:15; Mater Dei, 1:30; Paris, 1:45; Casey-Westfield, 2; Mt. Carmel, 2:15; Freeburg, 2:45; Newton, 3; Unity, 3:15; University, 3:30; Paxton-Buckley-Loda, 3:45; Monticello, 4;

Triad, 5:15; East Richland, 5:30; Mt. Zion, 5:45; Danville, 6; Rantoul, 6:15; Mattoon, 6:30; Centralia, 6:45; Belleville West, 7:15; Highland, 7:30; Marion, 7:45; Champaign Centennial, 8; Granite City, 8:15; Limestone, 8:30; and Mahomet-Seymour, 8:45 p.m.

Awards for Small Division schools will be presented at approximately 4:30 p.m. Large Division honors will be awarded at 9:15 p.m.

More information on the 38^th annual Panther Marching Band Festival can be found here.