Writer: Bob
Major(s): Computer Engineering
I'm with the Band
Hello Future Illini,
Of all my campus involvements, one of the things I will always remember fondly is my membership in University Bands, particularly the Marching Illini (MI). Being an engineering major, I was concerned that I might not be able to join any of the bands here, since I wasn't majoring in music. I quickly learned this was not the case at all; in fact, there are nearly as many engineers in the "MI" as there are music majors.
One perk of being in the Marching Illini is that you get to move in early. We start band camp before the rest of campus moves in, and this has a lot of advantages. First, you get to avoid the long lines and crowds associated with move-in day. You also get to start meeting people right away—by the time the rest of campus is moving in, you will already have made a bunch of friends in the band and in your instrumental section.
My freshman year, meeting the band members really helped me make the transition to college life. I was never lonely or homesick because I was busy with band camp and had made an instant group of friends. Older “bandos” all know exactly what you are going through, and are always willing to help with whatever you need, whether that be a car ride to the store, giving advice, or simply "showing you the ropes" around Urbana-Champaign. We also go on at least one trip per year to perform at an Illini away game, and follow the team to any bowl games if they go. My freshman year I got to spend a week in New Orleans for the Nokia Sugar Bowl, an experience I will never forget.
There is more to University Bands than just marching band, however. The University of Illinois has the world’s largest collegiate band program, featuring 11 ensembles and over 850 students participating each semester. Musically, there is truly something for everyone. I’ve made some of my best friends through my involvements with the band program, and I really can’t imagine what my college life would have been without it.
Good luck!
-Bob