ALTON - The Marching 100 will give the crowd an early look at its season at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, when Alton High School Band Director Matt Chesner leads a preview show at Piasa Motor Fuels Stadium, weather permitting, or in an Alton High School gym if rainy weather interferes.
Chesner said the event will show what the band has been working on, including the Star-Spangled Banner, the fight song, pregame material, and the halftime material learned so far, which he described as about half of the show. A snow cone truck and Marching 100 merchandise also are planned for the event.
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Chesner, in his second year at Alton High School, said he has seen growth in the band since last year.
He said it has been great to see “how much growth” students have shown in their skills, attitude and execution of musical and visual elements.
The band had 65 members last year and has just under 80 this year, including percussion and color guard sections, according to Chesner.
Chesner also said he has been excited by the number of Alton eighth graders who have joined at the high school level.
He said students have been participating in spirit days and showing interest in being part of “something bigger than themselves,” calling those “really good signs.”
