Illinois Marching Band Championships

The Illinois Marching Band Championships provides participating marching bands with feedback from the activity's finest adjudicators, relevant and educational evaluation rubrics, and the thrill of performing in historic Memorial Stadium on the campus of the University of Illinois! Participation is open to the first 42 Illinois high school marching bands that are divided into six classifications based on IHSA school enrollment.

2025 IMBC Registration Opens
Friday, February 28 at 6:30 AM

PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

• Only the admin login link will be visible before 6:30 AM, Friday, February 28. You will need to reload the page to access the LIVE application form.

• The form will go live at 6:30 AM on Friday, February 28.

• If you receive an “unauthorized” error, reload the page to complete the application.

• The registration form captures director info, school classification, and contact information.

• Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation message with a timestamp, prior to the payment screen which will sent via email after the first submission.

• The first seven bands in each classification will receive a link to submit payment information. Those who are accepted will need to pay via credit card on February 28 and will not be confirmed until payment has been received.

• Acceptances will be processed in the order received according to the timestamp with a confirmed subsequent payment.

• Any questions or issues, contact bhouser2@illinois.edu or 217-333-3027.

Application Form Opens February 28, 2025, at 6:30AM

GENERAL INFORMATION

• DATE: Saturday, October 25, 2025

• LOCATION: Historic Memorial Stadium on the campus of the University of Illinois.

• APPLICATION & FEE: $450.00 — can be paid via credit or debit card.

• The application form accepts credit cards — please have your card in hand before you begin.

• Entries received through the online form before FEBRUARY 28 at 6:30 AM will be disqualified.

• ACCEPTANCE POLICY: In order for your application to be complete, the application, along with payment via credit card, must be received no earlier than February 28 at 6:30 AM.

ENROLLMENT | CLASSIFICATION INFORMATION

Please verify your school classification with your school administration before you apply. Classification should be based on your Spring 2025 School Enrollment. Please note, some bands may be moved to another class to balance the size of each class. In addition, you may move up a class if you wish.

• 1A | 1 - 350

• 2A | 351 - 800

• 3A | 801 - 1100

• 4A | 1101 - 1600

• 5A | 1601 - 2500

• 6A | 2501 and above

2025 PERFORMANCE ORDER

• Class 2A

• Class 3A

• Class 1A

• Class 5A

• Class 6A

• Class 4A

2024 IMBC RESULTS

Congratulations to all who performed and spectated at the 2024 Illinois Marching Band Championships. We appreciate your attendance and the overwhelming positive responses we received. Thank you for helping us maintain the quality and integrity of the Illinois Marching Band Championships, and we hope to see you again next year!

CLASS 1A-3A

GOVERNOR’S GRAND CHAMPION TROPHY

Mahomet-seymour high school

Class 1A
Best Music:
Mater Dei Catholic High School
Best Visual:
Watseka Community High School
Best General Effect:
Mater Dei Catholic High School

1st Place:
Mater Dei Catholic High School
2nd Place:
Watseka Community High School
3rd Place:
Hoopeston Area High School

Class 2A
Best Music:
Illinois Valley Central High School
Best Visual:
Illinois Valley Central High School
Best General Effect:
Illinois Valley Central High School

1st Place:
Illinois Valley Central High School
2nd Place:
Effingham High School
3rd Place:
Paris High School

Class 3A
Best Music:
Mahomet–Seymour High School
Best Visual:
Mahomet–Seymour High School
Best General Effect:
Mahomet–Seymour High School

1st Place:
Mahomet–Seymour High School
2nd Place:
Geneseo High School
3rd Place:
East Peoria Community High School