Maine West Welcomes District 62 Marching Bands for an Unforgettable Night! #207Now #marchingband #marchingwarriors @mainewestband @d62schools

Maine West High School had the pleasure of hosting a spectacular Marching Band Night with our friends from District 62! Students, families, and community members came together to celebrate the artistry, dedication, and spirit of these talented musicians.

The night featured incredible performances from Maine West’s own Marching Warriors alongside the outstanding bands from District 62 middle schools. Each ensemble brought its unique energy, filling the spec gym with sound. The collaboration between high school and middle school students highlighted the vibrant band community we have in our district, inspiring younger musicians as they prepare to join the high school programs in the years to come.

Audience members were treated to an exciting mix of tunes, from high-energy pep band favorites to beautifully arranged pieces from this year's marching band show, Redemption For an Outlaw, that showcased the technical skill and musicality of the high school band. 

Events like this underscore the power of music to bring our community together and give students the chance to shine. We are proud of all the students who performed and grateful to the staff and families who make these moments possible. 

Thank you to District 62 teachers and administrators for your collaboration on this event!

HERE is a folder full of more pictures from the event.

The Marching Warriors Earn "Best Crowd Appeal" at the ISU Marching Band Championships! #207Now #marchingband #marchingwarriors @mainewestband @mainewestfab

 

This past Saturday, the Maine West Marching Warriors competed for the first time in the prestigious Illinois State University Marching Band Championships! The Illinois State Marching Band Championships is the state’s premiere invitational event hosting forty-two high school marching bands in preliminary and finals competition. Participating bands are divided into the six classifications determined by the Illinois High School Association school enrollment. Bands are evaluated by the leading clinicians in music education and enjoy the thrill of performing to packed crowds at the incredible Hancock Stadium on the campus of Illinois State University.

We are so very proud to announce that the Marching Warriors earned "Best Crowd Appeal" in their class for this year's show, "Redemption For an Outlaw!" Congratulations to all members of the Marching Warriors, and their dedicated directors and staff!

Maine West Marching Band Festival A Resounding Success! #207Now #marchingband #marchingwarriors @mainewestfab @mainewestband

 
The 2025 Maine West Marching Band Festival brought incredible energy and talent to our campus on Saturday, October 4th! With a large crowd of enthusiastic attendees, the event was a celebration of music, teamwork, and school spirit.

We were thrilled to host six outstanding visiting bands, each representing their schools and music programs with pride: Evanston Township’s Wildkit Marching Band, the Geneva High School Marching Vikings, the Belvidere High School Marching Bucs, the Prairie Ridge Wolfpack Marching Band, the Crystal Lake South Marching Gators, and the Fremd High School Viking Marching Band. Each ensemble delivered dynamic performances that showcased their discipline, dedication, creativity, and precision.

Maine West’s own Marching Warriors delivered an incredibly strong performance of this year's show, Redemption For an Outlaw! Both the music and visual formations were executed at a high level. The color guard added stunning visual flair, making the show both powerful and memorable. The entire ensemble demonstrated incredible skill, energy, and teamwork, leaving the audience in awe.

The festival was not only a chance to hear incredible music but also an opportunity for students, families, and our community to come together and celebrate the joy of the marching arts. Maine West is proud to provide this stage for both our students and visiting bands to share their talents! A big "thank you" to Maine West Band Director, Mr. Bernie Gerstmayr, for all of his planning and organization that made this event a success!

We look forward to next year’s festival and the continued growth of our marching band community!

A massive thanks to our volunteer crew with the Maine West Fine Arts Boosters! Without you - this event could never happen!

HERE is a link to the program.

HERE is a link to a folder full of pictures.

Orchestra Informances Showcase the World of Orchestral Playing! #207Now #orchestra @mworchestras @mainewestfab

Thursday, September 18th, the students in the Maine West Orchestras presented Informances for family and friends. This casual performance gave guests a unique look inside the world of our student musicians! They were invited to sit right among the players, experiencing the sights and sounds from the musicians’ point of view. These informal performances offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how an orchestra rehearses, learns, and performs — celebrating the hard work and creativity of our talented students. Bravo to everyone who made the evening so special!

More pictures from the Orchestra Informance can be found HERE.

Gold Rush 2025! #207Now #schoolspirit #goldrush @mainewestband @mainewestchoir @mainewestfab

 

Today, the 2025 Marching Warriors and Choraliers made their 2025-2026 debut at the Gold Rush Assembly! The drumline welcomed everyone to school today with a parade through the building and the energy in the gym during the Gold Rush Assembly was electric! Students and staff came together decked out in gold to celebrate school spirit, highlight our incredible fall athletes and performers, and launch into the year with pride and excitement.

HERE are more photos from today's Gold Rush celebration!

Be sure to come to tonight's football game to see the Marching Warriors perform their 2025 show!

Congratulations to the 2025 Fine Arts Department Senior Award Recipients! #classof2025 #207Now @mainewestfab

 

Congratulations to Nathan, Jaiden and Carter for being the recipients of the Fine Arts Outstanding Senior Awards! You all have elevated our programs because of your work ethic, love for the arts, determination and high standards. Thank you for your dedication to the Fine Arts at West!

Music Awards Celebration 2025! #207Now #musiceducation @mainewestband @mworchestras @mainewestchoir @mainewestfab

 

Last night’s Music Awards celebration was a powerful reminder of why the arts matter. We came together to honor the growth, dedication, and incredible talent of our band, choir, and orchestra students. Representatives from each grade level delivered heartfelt speeches, sharing how their experiences in the music program at West have shaped them and why it continues to mean so much.

The evening was filled with joy, pride, and inspiration. From awards for musicianship and leadership to creativity and spirit, each recognition reflected the passion our students bring to every rehearsal, performance, and collaboration. These awards weren’t just about achievement—they celebrated the vibrant community we’ve built through music.

Thank you to our amazing staff, families, and friends for your ongoing support. And to our students: thank you for lifting each other up and making our program stronger, bolder, and more joyful every single day. We’re so proud of you! 

HERE are many more pictures from the Music Awards Night!