Bands

All wind players (woodwinds and brass) are accepted without audition. A GOOD ATTITUDE is all that is required! 

Percussion, Colorguard, Dance Team, and Twirlers will go through an audition process in the spring for the fall marching season. Auditions for fall 2017 have already occurred for colorguard, dance team, twirlers and returning marching percussion.

Percussionists participate in summer mini-camps to determine the specific instrument to be marched.

Email the instructor of the colorguard, baton, dance, or drumline for specific information about each area, and don't hesitate to email the marching band director at any time.

 Percussion: Ben Stiers 

Dance Team: Jessica Waltrip 

Twirler: Amanda Heyden 

1. Fill out the Bands Information Form OR complete it at the PREVIEW music breakout session.
2. Enroll in the course – MUS 181A01 (everyone BUT percussionists) or Percussionists enroll in MUS 181A08
3. 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.
4. Show up for camp!

Many many band members are not music majors, and, last season, we had students from every department of ISU. In fact, many band members who share the same major end up creating study groups together.

ALL ensembles at Illinois State are credit generating classes. With responsible preparation of your music and commitment to the ensemble, they should provide solid A’s to boost your GPA every semester!

The average GPA of the members of the ISU Bands is significantly higher than the GPA of the general student. If your grades are a priority (and we hope they are), you WILL be successful as a member of the ISU Bands.

We rehearse Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 4:10 - 6:00. Your section will have a one hour sectional each week, and we rehearse Saturday mornings of game days.

Early residence hall move-in will be Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at a determined time.

• Important: Be sure that you are registered for Marching Band (MUS 181.01/281.01). Everyone who is registered for the course will be provided a WELCOME PACKET through your ISU Email that will detail information and provide additional forms to be completed to ensure your housing is prepared for your arrival.
• Pre-Season training camp runs from the Wednesday-Sunday immediately before the start of the fall semester, with an additional weekend after the first week of classes.