ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The City of Rock Island has announced the University of Illinois Marching Illini Band will perform during this year's 40th annual Rock Island Labor Day Parade on Sept. 2.
The Marching Illini band consists of 400 members and has performed at venues across the country, including several Chicago Bears games.
“I can think of no better way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the annual Labor Day Parade than with the Marching Illini Band performing in our community,” said Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms. “The musicianship and showmanship of the band will make this year’s parade a very special experience and one that will be remembered.”
Rock Island High School Band Director Pete Carlin led the effort to bring the Marching Illini to the parade.
“Director Carlin was instrumental in securing the band,” said Labor Day Parade Advisory Board Chairwoman Mary Chappell said. “Their participation will make this year’s 40th annual Labor Day Parade all the more exciting to watch.”
The Marching Illini Band consists of: three drum majors; 24 piccolos; 32 clarinets; 24 alto saxophones; 16 tenor saxophones; 70 trumpets; 24 mellophones; 40 trombones; 20 baritones; 24 sousaphones; 37 drumline drummers; 28 guard members; 28 Illinettes, members of the precision dance team; 15 B1G Flags, one feature twirler; eight undergraduate staff and seven graduate staff.
The first Rock Island Labor Day Parade was held in 1985 as part of the City's 150 birthday celebration. Parade entry information will be available in early June, and additional information about the map of the parade route is available at the City's website.
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