Kewanee High School’s marching band students took first place in their division in Dunlap Saturday. [Photo courtesy of KHS Music Department]

***William Ly is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.

On Saturday, the Kewanee High School Marching Boilermakers traveled to Dunlap High School to compete in the 11th annual Dunlap Marching Band Invitational. 

They took first place in Class 2A, beating out University High School of Normal and Rock Falls High School.

The Boilers performed their 2024 show “Pure Imagination” featuring works from the films Willy Wonka (2023) and The Greatest Showman (2017).

Kewanee High School’s drum line performs. [Photo by Chase Palm of the Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program]

This is Kewanee’s second first-place trophy out of the band’s last three competitions. 

The Marching Boilermakers hope to continue their success at the WIU Marching Band Classic in Macomb on Oct. 26.

Other achievements by the Marching Boilermakers this season include:

Sept. 7: Washington Marching Panther Invitational

First Place in Class F

Best Percussion

Sept. 21: Geneseo Maple Leaf Classic

Third Place in Class 3A