The Thomas Worthington High School marching band plans to be the best in the state again this year, and to have fun and show audiences a good time along the way.

The 135 members of the band are winding up two weeks of band camp this week, and will spread out around the community to knock on doors and collect donations from residents on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The annual collection is called Tag Day.

"We are looking for another fabulous year of support from the Worthington community," said marching band director Mike Maynard.

"Chicago" will be the band's theme this year, since the school's entire music department will go to that city over spring break next April. Two concert bands, the jazz band, orchestra and choir will make the trip.

To celebrate, the marching band is working on a "Chicago" show to show off its talents at contests. Parts of the show will also be included in the half-time shows at football games.

The show is on "the cutting edge" with a theatrical approach and props not often seen in high school marching band productions, Maynard said.

Music will include Frank Sinatra's "That Toddlin' Town;" "Fight Fire with Fire" by Metallica; "Just You and Me" by Chicago; and "Sweet Home Chicago" from the movie "The Blues Brothers."

"People will enjoy the show and the kids are having a blast putting it together," Maynard said.

Besides high school games, local events, and competitions, the band will perform  at Denison University's homecoming on Oct. 18.

The Thomas Worthington band plays in Ohio Music Educator's Association (OMEA) competitions. This year, it will travel to competitions at Cloverleaf, Lancaster, Licking Valley and Tri-Valley high schools and will host the Preview of Champions at Thomas Worthington on Oct. 4.

The season will conclude with the state finals. For the past four years, Thomas Worthington has earned "superior" ratings, which is the highest  a band can earn in Ohio.

A fifth "superior" is definitely on the radar, Maynard said. It would be the first time the school would win five straight titles.

"It has never been done before, but we think we can do it," he said.