55th CHICAGOLAND MARCHING BAND FESTIVAL!
WHEELING HIGH SCHOOL
Established in 1966, and the longest-running marching band festival of its kind, CMBF provides an educational marching band experience for bands of all class sizes and performance experience
2023 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (updated 9/12/2023)
“...district success is on display in well-run events like CMBF...”
-Frank Bischoff, judge and Bands of
America Hall of Fame inductee
“I’m proud to host all of the schools and their fans.”
-CMBF volunteer
“We love attending CMBF... We appreciate the judging panel’s ability to make taped comments that are both applicable and helpful for our students to take their performance to the next level.”
-Andy Sturgeon, Director of Bands,
Mundelein High School
“This has always been my favorite marching band festival!”
-Visiting Spectator
Reasons to attend this marching band festival...
Become a part of one of the greatest marching band traditions in northeastern Illinois
Professionally run and well organized (we’ve been doing this a long time!)
Nationally recognized judges
Professional video recording of your performance
On-site parking for spectators
Artificial turf stadium
CMBF apparel available for sale
Tasty concessions
Add-ons you likely won’t find at other festivals
Drum Major Award (camp scholarship with $550 value)
Instrument award for top band performance
Clinics with top-notch clinicians right after your show (limited availability)
Free on-site instrument repair
Free event program for spectators
And in most years...
Bands from multiple states
Exhibition performance by college marching band
