Illinois State University Bands

08/19/2026

The Illinois State University Big Red Marching Machine invites high school students to spend a day with us! Attend a football game and experience the exhilarating opportunity to feel like a Redbird while performing with an over 400 member college marching band!

Register for our event on September 19 or November 21.

REGISTER HERE:
https://finearts.illinoisstate.edu/bands/brmm/brmm-day/

08/19/2026

The Illinois State Bands Department is in full swing! We are so excited for this semester!

✅ Fall 2026 Concert Bands Retreat

08/15/2026

07/15/2026

Audition Materials are now available for Fall 2026 Ensemble Auditions!

Full information available here: https://finearts.illinoisstate.edu/bands/auditions/

Be sure to REGISTER for your audition by Monday, August 10:
https://illinoisstate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9nRDvtI7lSXUuA6

07/01/2026

Are you a band director looking for a great community parade? Look no further and come join the Illinois State University Homecoming Parade!

06/30/2026

06/05/2026

It is with deep sadness and profound gratitude that the Illinois State University Bands family mourns the passing of one of our own — Frank R. Payton Jr. While our hearts are heavy, we celebrate a life extraordinarily well lived.

A Chicago native and proud ISU alumnus, Frank graduated from our Music Education and Art program in August 1977 and went on to leave an indelible mark on everyone he touched.

He served his country with tremendous courage in the United States Air Force, completing two tours in Vietnam and later serving as Band Superintendent of the 566th Air Force Band — performing for the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, and the Queen of Denmark.

After his military service, Frank devoted himself to shaping the next generation of musicians as Director of Bands at Parkside Junior High School in Normal, Illinois. Additionally, countless music educators have called Frank an incredible colleague and caring mentor.

Rest in peace, Frank. Your music, your service, and your kindness will echo in our hearts forever.

05/31/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Summer Alumni Concert Band on a FANTASTIC performance yesterday! We look forward to making music with you again next year!

05/22/2026

Congrats to ILSTU Bands Graduate Teaching Assistant Madison Mueller-Howell on completing her Master of Music degree in Trumpet Performance and being named the new Director of Bands for the Lakeview School District (PA)!