This past weekend, September 30th, 2023, the Normal Marching Band hosted their 11th annual band invitational, held at Illinois Wesleyan University. 

The invitational consisted of 16 schools, including West, who all worked to put together performances to be evaluated. As hosts, Normal West’s Marching Band did not compete, but they still received feedback and evaluations. 

“The band had a really nice performance,” marching band director Ryan Budzinski stated. “We worked pretty hard in a rehearsal that morning, which was really productive. We were really thrilled with the performance that we gave that night.”

Overall, the invitational was successful. Schools were able to show off their talents and connect with other bands from around the state. 

“The encouragement from other bands always makes the invitationals enjoyable,” senior and drum major Owen Votoupal expressed. He looks forward to the rest of the competition season.