The Prospect High School Marching Knights finished their competitive season on a high note, winning the 5A class at the State of Illinois Invitational Marching Band Championships in Normal.

This was the 36th year for the competition, held in Hancock Stadium on the campus of Illinois State University, and run by members of the school's Big Red Marching Machine.

Playing under the direction of drum majors Mary Kate Banks of Arlington Heights, Christopher Enter of Des Plaines and Heather Harnvanich and Alex Wolodzko, both of Mount Prospect, the Knights earned first place in their division in general effect and visuals for their program, "Rhapsody in Red, White and Blue."

In the final round, going up against the top 12 bands from the preliminary round, Prospect eventually placed third overall, behind nationally-ranked Marian Catholic of Chicago Heights and Lake Park High School in Roselle.

Naperville North High School, with its highly creative show built as a salute to the music of silent films, finished fourth overall.

"For finals, that was probably our best performance of the season," said Prospect band director Chris Barnum. "It was a great way to end our marching band season."

In all, 42 bands took the field. Other suburban bands included Wheaton Warrenville South, Wheaton North, Downers Grove South, Waubonsie Valley and Warren Township (Gurnee) high schools.

The preliminaries and class competitions took place during the day, with the finals played out under the lights. ISU band officials estimate 15,000 fans attended over the course of the competition.

"The top bands really do present some different approaches to our activity," said Daniel Belongia, assistant director of bands at Illinois State. "In the last few years, the competitive bands have added a great variety of theatrics to their programs and they are using these opportunities in very creative ways.

At the same time, he added, some bands stay with a more traditional approach, which they execute at the highest level.

"It's a great opportunity for the fans to compare and contrast the styles," Belongia said.