The Lincoln-Way East Marching Griffins revealed a portion of their 2010 field show this past weekend, performing for area residents at a community concert.

“We appreciate you being here,” Lincoln-Way East Music Department Chair Clifton Smith told a crowd of spectators Saturday night (Aug. 21). “We’ve been working on balance, poise and control.”

Students have been practicing nearly every day to prepare for the 2010 marching season. During the summer, they would often practice eight to 12 hours a day, learning new music and refining their marching steps for halftime shows and a competitive field show.

As a “thank you” to the neighbors who have listened patiently to the sound of tooting horns, rhythmic timekeepers and booming bass drums, the Marching Griffins hosted an ice cream social and community concert at the school Saturday.

“This is just one small way of saying thank you to our communities that have been so supportive,” said Lincoln-Way East Principal Brenda Jensen.

Spectators were treated to ice cream sandwiches as the Marching Griffins played snippets of their halftime show (featuring music by Journey), its parade song and a competitive field show called “Blue Cathedral.”

“We’re still in infant form,” said Smith. “You will see more choreography in a few weeks.”

The Marching Griffins, led by drum majors Michael Novak, Ryan Miller and Danna Webber, will perform their halftime show during a special football game at Illinois State University on Aug. 28 as well as the school’s first home football game on Sept. 10.

Other home football games and marching band performances are scheduled for Oct. 8 and Oct. 15.

On Sept. 11, the Marching Griffins will compete at their first field show competition at Lake Park West High School.