GENESEO, Ill. — Saturday's Maple Leaf Classic in Geneseo gave 16 local high school bands an opportunity to get out in front of a live crowd and receive feedback from judges.
"I love seeing our progression of our high schoolers, and how much they do and how far they go," Co-Chair Stacy Jozwiak said. "I think it's great."
The showcase, entering its 34th year, is one of Geneseo High's biggest fundraisers, raising money for student equipment and upcoming travel for competitions.
"It really helps support all of our band and speech and all of the things that our kids do with marching band," Jozwiak added.
"There is an opportunity for our choir to go to Dallas, Texas this year, and our fundraising is going to help assist them get the charter buses so the parents don't have to get that out of pocket," Co-Chair Jennifer Garnant said.
Geneseo High School's head band director, John Versluis, pulled some strings behind the scenes, securing an exhibition from the University of Wisconsin's marching band cap. The band performed six songs to cap off the night.
Washington Community High School was declared the winner of Saturday's showcase.