Comprised of less than 50% music majors, students in the UI Bands represent virtually every discipline of study here at the University of Illinois. The University Bands strive to enroll all interested and qualified musicians. Many students simply enjoyed their high school band experience and wish to pursue it at the university level while studying in non-musical fields. Increasing numbers of students recognize their continued musical development as a sincere priority, evidenced by surging enrollment and a noticeable increase in the musical abilities of the participants.

James F. Keene
Professor Keene is only the fourth Director of Bands to serve the University and is a Professor of Music at the University of Illinois. Mr. Keene conducts the Illinois Wind Symphony and oversees all functions of the University Bands.

Dr. Kenneth Steinsultz
Dr. Ken Steinsultz is Assistant to the Director of Bands and conducts Symphonic Band I. Dr. Steinsultz oversees all logistical and financial operations of the UI Bands as well as managing UI Bands properties.

Dr. Peter J. Griffin
Dr. Peter Griffin is Assistant Director of Bands. In addition to conducting Symphonic Band II, British Brass Band, and Summer Band, Dr. Griffin directs and oversees all aspects of athletic bands, including the world-famous Marching Illini.

Daniel Neuenschwander
Daniel Neuenschwander is Assistant to the Director of Bands and a Visiting Lecturer in Music. He conducts Concert Band I and is Assistant Director of the Marching Illini.

Lucinda Lawrence
Lucinda Lawrence is Assistant to the Director and University Bands Librarian. Lucinda has been active preserving, organizing and expanding the world's largest collection of band literature as librarian, and as assistant to Mr. Keene, she helps organize the flow of information to, from, and within the University Bands.

Sandy Helregel
Sandy Helregel, University Bands Secretary, she maintains the Bands Main Office and handles audition scheduling and band department organization.

Albert Austin Harding
Albert Austin Harding served as the first Director of Bands from 1907 to 1948.

Dr. Mark Hindsley
Dr. Mark Hindsley served as Assistant Director of Bands from 1934 until 1942 and became the second Director of Bands upon the retirement of Albert Austin Harding in 1948, serving in that capacity until 1970. Mark Hindsley oversaw the planning, construction, and dedication of the historic A.A. Harding Band Building and began the farsighted University Bands Recording Project, which continues today.

Dr. Harry Begian
Dr. Harry Begian served as the University's third Director of Bands from 1970 until 1984. In addition to continuing the UI Bands Recordings Project, Dr. Begian established the University Bands Conducting Internship Program.

Gary E. Smith
Gary Smith served as director of the Marching Illini from 1976-1998, Associate Director of Bands, director of Basketball Band, and Symphonic Band II. He shared conducting responsibilities with James Keene for Symphonic Band IB, and taught marching band procedures and band arranging in the School of Music.