After surveying the band program, the students have overwhelmingly voted to keep band a part of the school day.

“We would have to practice along with other sports on the turf, have sunlight conflicts, and it would take away time for homework. It would also force kids who are involved in other after school activities to choose between band and clubs/sports,” said senior Jake Boxer.

Despite the rumors about the band program, they have continued to focus on what is important and have accomplished a lot this year.

“The marching season ended on a high note with a second place finish at the Renegade Regiment and a fourth place finish and the winner of Best Crowd Appeal at the State Marching Band Festival for their show Jet Set. The Band has also been busy with concert, jazz and pep band performances throughout the winter,” said band director, Dr. Candace Edstrand.

Recently though band had been practicing for the IHSA State Solo and Ensemble Contest.

“The entire Grayslake North music program earned 239 Division I medals and 98 Division II medals,” Dr. Edstrand said.

After the IHSA contest, Grayslake North’s band program is currently ranked fourth out of the 60 competing schools. As a whole, the entire music program is ranked 10th out of 60 schools in class AA.

Dr. Edstrand said, “this competition will continue into April when the bands and choirs attend the IHSA Organizational contest.”

Currently though, band is preparing for their upcoming trip to Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida.

“The band auditioned in the Spring of 2016 to perform in the Disney Parks [and were] selected to perform for Spring Break 2017 in the premiere parade event ‘The Festival of Fantasy,” Edstrand said.

Along with the performance in Florida, members of the band will partake in an instrumental workshop with professional sound technicians, musicians, and will create a soundtrack to a Disney movie.

“The color guard will also participate in an auxiliary workshop with a mock audition to become a performing cast member at the parks,” Edstrand said.

Band is busy and continuing their long tradition of past success here at Grayslake North.