The 99 member Andrew High School Marching Thunderbolts comprised of freshmen through seniors work hard. Not your typical 40 hour a week for these kids, in addition to school work they rehearse and perform an average of 20 hours a week. They begin their season preparations almost the moment school lets out the previous year, already working on the newest show for the following year, giving up most of their summer for the good of the show.
Halftime Friday night football games are just the beginning. The "show" that is perfected through all of these months is then performed at high level competitions throughout the season. This years show is titled " The Canvas" under the direction of Andrew Alum Mark Iwinski featuring music from Jeff Beal, Portico Quartet and Frederick Chopin.
Precise choreography, movement, visual aspects are then perfected at their rigorous rehearsals. Clarinetist Elisabeth Lang painted each one of the canvasses used on the field by hand. On October 19, the group performed their show for the community at Andrew and in lieu of admission fees they asked each spectator to bring a non perishable item to be donated to the Tinley Park Food Pantry.
All of their hard work is paying off. At the Downers Grove South Music Competition October 26 the VJA Marching Thunderbolts were rewarded with a first place win in the 2A category with additional wins of Best Music, Best Percussion, and Best General Effect. After a rewarding performance at Bands of America Super Regionals on November 9, they are now tirelessly preparing for their Grand National performance on November 15 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis!
