Marching Illini

ILLINOIS BANDS E-NEWSLETTER

February 2025

Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Recap

The Marching Illini embarked on their journey to Orlando, Florida for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, where the Fighting Illini football team secured their tenth win and tied the programs highest single-win record! Highlights of the trip included rehearsing at University of Florida and University of Central Florida, performing at Disney's Magic Kingdom, bringing the hype at the Cheez-It Bowl Pep Rally at Pointe Orlando, and pregame and halftime performances at the game itself. Congratulations to Band 156 on a fantastic close to the football season!

Conducting Symposium

The Illinois Band Conducting Symposium was hosted February 14th15th. Host clinician Dr. Kevin Geraldi and guest clinician Prof. Gary Green welcomed sixteen participants to the Harding Band Building to work with large and chamber ensembles on a wide array of wind/band repertoire.

Historical Cornet Donation to Bands Inventory

Illinois Bands recently received a Selmer-Paris Cornet #493, donated by Randall Faust, former professor of music at Western Illinois University. The cornet belonged to his father, the late Dr. Claire Faust. Dr. Faust taught in the public schools in Garden Grove, Iowa, and Leon, Iowa, using the cornet in his teaching. He also performed with the instrument in the community bands of Mankato, Minnesota and the symphonic band at Minnesota State University from 1962 to 2010. Pictured below is the University of Illinois Wind Symphony trumpet section holding Dr. Fausts cornet. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to Randall Faust for the donation of this historic cornet!

March Forth Preview

It is once again time for the annual March Forth giving campaign! Your support to Marching Illini funds things like traveling to future bowl games, improvements to instruments and equipment, and scholarships for future Marching Illini students. Please show your support and help the Marching Illini March Forth on March 4th!