The forty-fifth annual State of the Art (SOTA) Catholic High School Band Contest was held on the Marmion Academy campus Saturday, February 21. The Marmion Rosary Band students and Music Boosters served as hosts for the day and managed to compete as well. Nineteen bands representing 17 high schools from around the Chicagoland area including one band from Indiana, came to play their best music for a panel of three judges: Dr. James Lambrecht of Augustana College, Dr. Tony Marinello of Illinois State University and Dr. Jeff Malecki of University of San Diego.
Bands competed in three classifications based on the difficulty level of their musical repertoire. Our Marmion Rosary Concert Band under the direction of Mr. Brian Birch opened the contest as the first band of the day. At the award ceremony the Concert Band was awarded Outstanding Brass and Outstanding Percussion sections and first place in Class A bands.
The Wind Ensemble under the direction of Mr. René Rosas performed Cyrus the Great march by Karl L. King and English Dances set 1 by Malcolm Arnold. The Wind Ensemble was awarded Outstanding Woodwind, Outstanding Brass and Outstanding Percussion sections and placed 1st in Class AAA. The Wind Ensemble was also awarded Grand Champions by earning the highest score of all bands in competition.
Saturday, February 20, 2027 will be the final year of hosting the State Of The Art at Marmion Academy. On that particular day the Wind Ensemble as Grand Champion will perform in exhibition as the final band of the day. 2027 will mark three consecutive years of Marmion Academy and Music Boosters hosting State Of The Art when the host duties will pass on to another member school. In addition to the performances the band student and members of the Marmion Men’s Chorus spend the day acting as band guides, serving and busing breakfast and lunch in Lux, selling tickets, manning the doors and so many more jobs. The accolades from visiting schools has been tremendous with many directors and visiting parents commending our students and parents on their warmth, openness and hospitality.
Congratulations to Mr. Rosas, Mr. Birch and the Concert Band and Wind Ensemble for a job well done!
