Bands

All wind players (woodwinds and brass) are accepted without playing an audition.

Percussion, the Redline Express Dance Team, Color Guard, and Twirlers take part in an audition process in the spring for the fall marching season. Email the instructor associated with your area of information for specific information.

Although auditions have taken place for these auxiliary groups, it isn’t too late to get involved in marching band, fall 2018.  Please reach out and get involved!

Percussion: Ben Stiers 

Redline Express Dance Team: Jessica Waltrip

Color Guard: TBA (contact Ben Stiers for more information)

Twirler: Amanda Heyden 

It's easy to become a member of The Big Red Marching Machine. Just complete the following steps!

1. Enroll in the course
   • MUS 181A01 Wind players, color guard, dance, twirlers
   • MUS 181A08 Percussionists only
2. Once you are enrolled in the course, you will receive a Welcome Packet through your ISU Email. This packet provides significant details and instruction for the next steps needed to participate. Read it carefully!
3. Fill out the Online Membership Form no later than July 15 to reserve your spot and be eligible for early move-in to the residence halls.

You DO NOT have to be a music major to participate in The Big Red Marching Machine! Many band members meet other students within the same major that they wouldn’t have met outside of band. These students often create study groups and share helpful advice for each other as they progress through their program of study!

All ensembles at Illinois State University are credit generating classes. With responsible preparation of your music and commitment to the ensemble, they should provide a boost to your GPA every semester you participate!

The average GPA of the members of The Big Red Marching Machine are significantly higher than the GPA of the general student population. Your grades should be a priority while you are a student, and it is possible to be academically successful and a member of The Big Red Marching Machine.

We rehearse Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:10 - 6 p.m.  There are assigned sectionals that will happen throughout the season; never more than one per week.  We also rehearse Saturday mornings of game days.

Band Camp will run from August 14 - 19, as well as August 25 - 26. In order to be considered for early residence hall move in, complete the registration form. Please fill out this form as soon as possible to ensure that housing gets the information they need.

Please be sure to register for the class as well to receive your Big Red Marching Machine Welcome Packet. This packet will include more specific information about band camp. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Ben Stiers for more information!.