Homecoming Recap

Earlier this month, we were thrilled to welcome over 200 bands alumni back to campus for this years homecoming celebrations! The festivities kicked off on Friday with a lively homecoming parade, followed by a reception at the iHotel.

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Early Saturday morning, our dedicated alumni band members gathered bright and early at 6 a.m. for a gameday rehearsal, rehearsed with the current Marching Illini, and joined us for our Drumline Public Warmup, Grange Grove Performance, and March Out from the Armory. During halftime, the alumni band took the field with "I'm Just A Gigolo," a favorite tune for many!

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We also had the privilege of Associate Director of Bands Emeritus Gary Smith joining us to lead the Alumni Band along with former director of the Marching Illini, Dr. Peter Griffin, who conducted the National Anthem. Without a doubt, the spirit of the Alumni band was instrumental in helping the Fighting Illini secure their win over Central Michigan.

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It was a wonderful weekend filled with camaraderie, music, and cherished moments, a wonderful reminder of the lasting connections made through Illinois Bands. Thank you to the alumni who joined us, and a very special thank you to the Alumni Board for all of their planning, coordination, and dedication to making the entire weekend a success! We hope to see you all next year!

Harding Band Building Improvements

Theres always something new happening in Illinois Bands - most recently, updates to the Historic Harding Band Building! In room 167, one of our conducting lab classrooms, a new whiteboard and digital display will greatly enhance the learning experience and make the space even more flexible for our students and faculty. Upstairs, the hallway surrounding the Uniform Room has been outfitted with stunning new graphics and signage to give the space some Illini spirit. Finally, the Uniform Room itself has a new desk and storage area, along with the new shako shelves installed this past Spring to help Uniform Staff continue their efficient and outstanding work. These improvements were made possible by donations to the Marching Illini Gift Fund and the Bands Loyalty Fund - we're incredibly grateful for your continued support and generosity!

President's Own United States Marine Band

The Presidents Own United States Marine Band will perform at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, October 6th at 3:00pm. Their annual fall tours were initiated in 1891 by their 17th director, John Philip Sousa, and the tradition of excellence continues to this day. Under the direction of lieutenant colonel Ryan Nowlin, the band is comprised of some of the finest musicians in the country, with several members being alumni of the University of Illinois School of Music. All advance tickets have been reserved for this concert, but after 2:45pm any available seats will be open to the first-come, first-served standby line. For more information, visit the Krannert Center website: https://krannertcenter.com/events/usmb

Illinois Wind Symphony

September 27, 7:30pm

Foellinger Great Hall - KCPA

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The Presidents Own U.S. Marine Band

October 6, 3:00pm

Foellinger Great Hall - KCPA

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Wind Orchestra and Hindsley Symphonic Band

October 8, 7:30pm

Foellinger Great Hall - KCPA

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Illinois Wind Symphony Chamber Concert

October 9, 7:30pm

Smith Recital Hall - Smith Memorial Hall

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