Big Red Marching Machine

The Illinois State University Marching Band, “The Big Red Marching Machine”, has a long and proud history. Since its inception with Professor Ed Livingston it has developed into an accomplished marching band performing at major events at home and abroad.

Each year, the “Big Red” performs at home football games, exhibition performances around the state of Illinois, and at the State of Illinois High School Marching Band Championship. In addition, The Big Red has performed in events across the United States and Ireland including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.

The Big Red represents almost every major on campus and welcomes all students. WE WANT YOU to be a part of it!

If you have any questions regarding marching band at Illinois State University, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Summer Newsletter

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

The PULSE Drumline requires auditions for snare drum, tenors, and bass drums. There is no audition required to play cymbals. More information can be found on the drumline webpage.

Any student with questions regarding the auxiliary teams within BRMM, Redline Express Dance Team, Color Guard, or Twirler, please email the instructor associated with your area of interest for specific information.

Redline Express Dance Team: Jessica Waltrip

Color Guard: Jessi Rogers

Twirlers: Amanda Heyden

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

Enroll in the course:
- MUS 181A01: Wind players, color guard, dance, twirlers
- MUS 181A08: Percussionists only
Fill out the Online Membership Form no later than July 19 to reserve your spot and be eligible for early move-in to the residence halls. (Requires an active ULID and password.)
Once you are enrolled in the course, you will receive a welcome packet in your Illinois State e-mail in late July. This packet provides significant details and instruction for the next steps needed to participate. Please read it carefully, and follow the enclosed directions.

First-year students will register for classes during Preview and should fill out the Online Membership Form as soon as possible after registration.

We highly encourage all interested students to participate with the Big Red Marching Machine. In a typical year, students with a degree plan outside of music comprise of 90% of the marching band. This creates great avenues for peer study groups, peer mentoring, and networking beyond college!

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.

The Big Red Marching Machine rehearses on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4:10 p.m. – 6 p.m. and on Saturday mornings before home football games. There are assigned sectionals that occur throughout the season, but never more than one per week. There is also availability for additional instruction through the BRMM Leadership Team, and any student wanting additional assistance will have the opportunity.

Summer Band Camp and Fall 2021 schedules will be posted soon.

Schedules

2021 Summer Band Camp Schedule

Faculty & Staff

Mack Wood

Director

Ben Stiers

Assistant Director,

Drumline Inststructor,

Auxiliaries Cooridnator

Jessica Riss-Waltrip

Redline Express Coach

Jessi Rogers

Color Guard Coach

Amanda Heyden

Twirler Coach

Lydia Sheehan

Office Administrator,

ISU Bands

View Faculty Profiles