The University of Illinois Band Program is among the most prominent, historic, and largest collegiate band programs in the world. We build upon that legacy through superb and innovative musical performances and experiences, while honoring our rich traditions.
We hope you will explore our website to discover our rich history and learn about our ensembles, events, faculty, and staff members, or make your way to the Marching Illini site to enjoy the sights and sounds of “The Nation’s Premier Marching Band."
If you are a prospective student, there is a place for you in the incredible Illinois Bands community.
Illinois Bands on Social Media
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It’s concert day! The Illinois Wind Symphony is excited to present their 2nd concert of the semester. This concert… https://t.co/NxcLpmQyew
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It's Monday, so it's time to meet one of our student staff workers! Abby assists with the management of the Illinoi… https://t.co/MW9RHvLKRl
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The Illinois Wind Symphony was grateful to spend time working with Shuying Li, composer of Kung Fu, as they prepare… https://t.co/uf5vFeGgIX
The Hindsley Symphonic Band started new music this week for their second cycle! Pictured is a chamber group led by master's student Tim Loman is reading "Sharp 9" by Omar Thomas. These students will work on this blues tune and explore improvisation and background writing while collaborating with some of our jazz faculty!
University of Illinois School of Music
We cannot WAIT to be back in the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts to be giving concerts and collaborating with our outstanding faculty and guests again!
This photo is from our collaboration with the Canadian Brass on the world premiere of Dana Wilson's "Quintessence" back in Spring 2019.
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
University of Illinois School of Music
Each Wednesday we will be featuring one of our "Encore at Illinois" panel discussions.
This week we present a panel led by Dr. Andrew Megill titled "Careers in Ensemble Singing" featuring:
Andrew Fuchs, tenor Pegasus Early Music, TENET, ARTEK, and New York Polyphony
Esteli Gomez, soprano Roomful of Teeth, Conspirare, Carmel Bach Festival, Lawrence University
Jonathan Woody, bass-baritone Trinity Wall Street, Carmel Bach Festival
Virginia Warnken Kelsey, mezzo-soprano Seraphic Fire, Carmel Bach Festival, Tenet, University of the Pacific
David Newman, baritone Bethlehem Bach Festival, Carmel Bach Festival, James Madison University
http://ow.ly/qDCg50E0bQJ
University of Illinois School of Music
While Zoom fatigue is a real thing, it has also served as a bridge to make us closer! Last week the graduate conducting seminar was joined by Richard Clary, Director of Wind Studies at Florida State University to discuss his career, sound concepts, and many other topics. Thank you to Prof. Clary for sharing his time with our students!
University of Illinois School of Music
Several groups have been busy recording over the last week with more happening soon! We can't wait to share the work of our students later in the semester. Pictured here are members of the Wind Symphony recording last week under the direction of masters conducting student Tim Loman.
University of Illinois School of Music
This semester we have been running three sections of MUS 242: Elements of Conducting! Seen here are students from doctoral student Isaac Brinberg's section taking place in the Music Building.
University of Illinois School of Music
Members of the Illinois Wind Symphony started work on "Intégrales" by Edgard Varèse under the direction of Dr. Peterson recently. Despite all the protocols, our students and faculty/staff have been persevering to ensure that music making can still happen!
University of Illinois School of Music
Each Wednesday we will be featuring one of our "Encore at Illinois" panel discussions. This week we present a panel led by Dr. Andrea Solya titled "Share Your Musical Talents: Rewards and Challenges of Making Music with People with Special Needs" featuring Allison Fromm, Artistic Director, Joyful Noise, NJ; Julie Duty, Artistic Director of United Sounds, Arizona [instrumental]; Leigh Ann Ryan, Artistic Director of Newfoundland Deaf Choir, Canada and co-hosted by Dr. Beth Peterson.
http://ow.ly/SbYu50DShda
University of Illinois School of Music
Last Thursday, composer Aaron Perrine "zoomed" in for the Hindsley Symphonic Band rehearsal of his "Life Painting." Thank you to Aaron for sharing his time and music with us!
Aaron Perrine
University of Illinois School of Music
We have had several Percussion Ensembles hard at work in the Harding Band Building again this semester. Under the direction of Aaron Kavelman, these groups have been preparing several works that we hope to record later this semester.
University of Illinois School of Music
Yesterday, members of the Hindsley Symphonic Band "zoomed" with composer Katahj Copley. The ensemble is currently working on his "Serenade," which will be recorded soon. Thank you to Katahj for sharing your music and time with us!
Katahj Copley Music
University of Illinois School of Music
The Illinois Wind Symphony has been preparing "Ba Yin" by Chinese-American composer Chen Yi which was written for saxophone quartet and wind ensemble. Dr. Peterson can be seen leading members of the wind ensemble prior to combining with the saxophone quartet.
University of Illinois School of Music
Each Wednesday we will be featuring one of our "Encore at Illinois" panel discussions. This week we present a panel led by Dr. Elizabeth Peterson titled "From Music Major to Arts Management" featuring Kelly Bryan, Executive Director Midwest Clinic, Chicago;
Geoffrey Devereux, Ensemble Coordinator Mannes School of Music, NY; Carlvin Sanon, Jazz Production and Library Manager, The Juilliard School, NY.
http://ow.ly/cmlp50DM7KK
University of Illinois School of Music
The Illinois Wind Symphony has been hard at work on several chamber works. Members of the brass section can be seen here preparing the "Brass Sextet in E-flat Minor" by Oskar Böhme with coaching help by graduate student Tim Loman.
University of Illinois School of Music
Brass members of the Wind Orchestra and Hindsley Symphonic Band have been gathering to form a brass choir this semester which rehearses in beautiful Smith Recital Hall. Dr. Beth Peterson is seen here leading the group in the rehearsal of "Fireworks Fanfare" by composer Kevin Day.
University of Illinois School of Music
Each Wednesday we will be featuring one of our "Encore at Illinois" panel discussions. This week we present a panel led by Prof. Barry Houser titled "The Importance and Impact of Diversity and Race in the Collegiate Band World" featuring Andrea Brown, Associate Director of Bands, University of Maryland; Arris Golden, Assistant Director of Bands, Michigan State University; Kelvin Jones, Director of the Tiger Band, Louisiana State University; and William Lake, Jr., Associate Director of Bands, SUNY-Potsdam.
http://ow.ly/IHAY50DFQs3
University of Illinois School of Music
Members of the Hindsley Symphonic Band have been hard at work this semester working in chamber groups. The students in this photo are currently working on Katahj Copley's "Serenade" in the beautiful Smith Recital Hall.
University of Illinois School of Music
We are excited that we can again offer Campus Band this Spring semester. It looks different, but we are all enjoying making music together!
Members of the Illinois Wind Symphony have been rehearsing over in the Krannert Center of the Performing Arts this semester. Here masters graduate conducting student Paul Carter leads the group in a rehearsal of Hartley's "Concerto for 23 Winds."
University of Illinois School of Music
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts