Marching Illini

ILLINOIS BANDS E-NEWSLETTER

MARCH - APRIL 2026

FRIDAY, APRIL 24TH CONCERT

ILLINOIS WIND SYMPHONY at the AMERICAN BANDMASTERS ASSOCIATION

On March 4, the Illinois Wind Symphony performed at the Harris Theater for the opening night of the American Bandmasters Association Convention. During the trip, students had the opportunity to perform a diverse and challenging program, as well as collaborate with guest conductors and composers.

The ensemble stayed overnight at the Swissötel in Chicago, with transportation, lodging, and meals provided. This opportunity was made possible through the generous support of the Bands Loyalty Fund, with special thanks to donors James and Candace Penn Frame, whose contributions continue to elevate student experiences in meaningful ways.

APRIL 8 ILLINOIS WIND SYMPHONY CONCERT

The Illinois Wind Symphony performed their second concert of the season on April 8th at 7:30pm at the Krannert Center in Foellinger Great Hall. The program featured Professor Scott Tegge on Daugherty’s Reflections on the Mississippi, as well as works by Dahl, Hailstork, and Ives. Washington Community High School was first on the concert, allowing their students to experience Foellinger Great Hall. Congrats to all!

MARCHING ILLINI IN IRELAND

The Marching Illini are grateful for an unforgettable trip across the pond to Ireland. During the trip, the band performed at Kilkenny Castle and marched in the world-renowned Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Beyond performances, students enjoyed opportunities to explore Ireland’s culture and landscapes, highlights including a Gaelic Games experience, free time in Dublin and Galway, as well as a visit to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher.

The trip created lifelong memories for all involved.

MARCH FORTH

On March 4, the Marching Illini family came together in extraordinary fashion for March Forth 2026, celebrating a remarkable day of generosity and Illinois Loyalty. Thanks to the support of alumni, parents, fans, and friends, this year’s campaign reached historic heights with 838 donors contributing an incredible $389,688 in support of the Marching Illini.

These record-breaking totals reflected far more than numbers—they represented a shared belief in the power of this program and in the life-changing experiences it provides for our students. Gifts from across the Marching Illini community will support scholarships, instruments, uniforms, travel opportunities, and the resources necessary to sustain a world-class experience for more than 400 student musicians.

March Forth 2026 was a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when the Marching Illini family rallies together with an attitude of gratitude and a commitment to excellence. To all who gave, shared, and championed this effort—thank you for helping the Best Band in the Land continue to march forth into a bright future.

838 donors. $389,688 raised. One incredible day! THANK YOU!

ILLINOIS BANDS CONDUCTING SYMPOSIUM

This February, Illinois Bands brought together a group of fantastic conductors for the annual conducting symposium. Bringing together passionate educators dedicated to growing their craft, this weekend was filled with inspiring sessions, meaningful conversations, and hands-on learning.

Thank you to all the conductors who stepped on the podium and shared their musicianship with us, and to our esteemed clinicians, Dr. Kevin Geraldi and Professor Michael Haithcock, who made this event a success!

A LIFETIME OF GRATITUDE, A LEGACY OF SUPPORT: MAUREEN DURACK

Few people consider acceptance into a university band program a life-changing moment. For many students, it’s an extracurricular, a hobby, or even just a way to make music in a loud, visual way. Many students and Alumni move through college without fully understanding the profound impact an organization like the Marching Illini can have on an individual and their lives. Maureen Durack [BS-Accountancy, 1983], however, is not one of them.

Maureen and her husband Chris have been dedicated supporters of Illinois Bands for many years, continuing to invest in the Marching Illini and even returning each year for Homecoming. After participating in Color Guard throughout high school, Maureen auditioned for the renowned Marching Illini “Flag Corps” at the start of her college career. That experience would shape not only her time at UIUC, but her entire life. Maureen met her husband Chris (BS-Biology, 1981), who was a Senior in the Percussion section, through the MI, performed in the Rose Bowl, built friendships she still cherishes, and later watched her two daughters become University alumni themselves.

A statement from past director Gary Smith about the sense of community and connection within the Marching Illini stayed with her long after graduation and ultimately inspired her to give back. Reflecting on what motivated her philanthropy, she recalls, “Gary made sure every student knew how much the MI meant to our legacy as individuals and how important that was to our lives. With that in mind, I knew I wanted to help and do more for the organization that had given so much to me.” Maureen became an active supporter of Illinois Bands, serving as President of the Alumni Band Board, helping establish the Gary E. Smith Excellence in Leadership Award and donating in various ways to help students achieve more.

When Maureen was asked about what she wishes other alumni knew about donating and helping, she said, “My motivation has always been to give to something bigger than myself and to create more enthusiasm in the gifting culture of Alumni. Most people aren’t aware of just how easy it is to donate. [There are] very professional people who can help you, and you can customize support!” Maureen also expanded upon the success that donors are a part of when supporting Illinois Bands. “The bands are always grateful! You get to be a part of every football game, every concert, every trip when you decide to help the students out, and that “Attitude of Gratitude” is a core value of all the faculty and staff. You not only make a difference, but you get that appreciation back in everything the bands do.”