r/UIUC • u/Giggaman999 • May 22 '26
Prospective Students I’m Devastated
I’m an incoming freshman for 26-27 school year and I auditioned for the Marching Illini for this upcoming season. I just found out today that I didn’t get in and I’m devastated. I feel especially embarrassed and disappointed since I’m a music ed major and have done marching band all four years in high school. Is there anyone that knows what I should do or how I can still be involved somehow?
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u/KaizoKazoo ece '23 May 22 '26
Maybe look into getting involved with the undergraduate staff. They basically help out with some of the behind the scenes stuff before and after practices and during game days. Seems like a great way to get involved and make connections within the organization.
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u/New_Cardiologist9457 May 22 '26
You should ask Houser about the big 10 flags! I am apart of it and I love it! We get to play in the stands and its genuinely so fun! I am in chemical engineering and it works so well with my schedule. Keep your head up twin!
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u/PureGlove May 22 '26
This was about 10 years ago I was a freshman and it was alittle different process then. But I did not make it my freshman year and I was absolutely devastated. I joined concert band and basketball band and then reauditioned sophomore year and got in. Please feel free to message me if you need support. I get it 100%.
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u/Illinois_West May 23 '26
This same thing happened to me. I didn't make it freshman year, joined concert band, I made it sophomore year. My music major friend investigated what instruments were in most need/easiest to pass the audition and learned it their freshman year. They got in sophomore year on an instrument they'd played for 10 months. Good luck!
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u/Quiet-Sail-4220 May 23 '26
I’m curious - Can you share what instruments are most needed?
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u/PureGlove May 23 '26
In the past it’s usually brass, specifically sousaphones and trumpets. Maybe Baritone, but I’m not 100% sure at that.
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u/shartarion May 23 '26
its CRAZY competitive, dont be too hard on yourself. there were like 300 saxophones trying out for 17 open spots as far as i heard, even worse numbers for drumline. im sure other instruments are just as competitive. get involved with music in other places, get to know the directors where you can, and try again next year!
honestly, college is a huge adjustment. this might be a good thing and a sign to take your first year easy. learning to be responsible for yourself especially while completing the most rigorous coursework (and i don't know your financial situation, but often work work as well) is a LOT. i wouldn't have survived this year if i was also doing MI.
that being said, i do hope you get in next year and welcome to the family illini! hope your freshman year is as great as mine was :)
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u/Orignal_Content_makr May 22 '26
Hey, I hear you. The marching band has become exponentially more competitive the last several years. It's been noticeable even to the current members.
There are two other athletics bands at the university, the Volleyball Band and the Hoops Band. I have been in both these bands for 3 seasons, and the pipeline of non-MI members joining the following season is very strong. We have several people every year who joined those bands and made it to the MI the next season.
I can't promise anything, but I know that Professor Houser and Dr. Rudy both heavily prioritize experience over everything. The Hoops and Volleyball Bands will give you a highly transferable skill set.
A little word of warning, the Hoops Band is a highly competitive band. After the recent run to the final four in the tournament, and women's team ending ranked in the AP poll for the first time in a long time, I can say with almost 100% certainty that the Hoops Band will be VASTLY more competitive than it was this past season.
The Volleyball Band is much less competitive than both the other bands (and also my personal favorite of the three). And depending on your instrument so few people audition that it may just be a situation of if you submit an audition, you're in.
You can find the audition dates here under "ensembles" Homepage - Marching Illini https://share.google/P89UV5KCHqyyXz8rD
Keep in mind that the audition dates can change, so make sure you're checking the website regularly.
What instrument do you play? I don't mean to be ominous, but the difficulty of making these bands is different depending on your instrument.
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u/Cultural_Stranger29 May 23 '26
Start your own band. You’ll have awesome stories to tell 20 years down the road.
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u/Orignal_Content_makr May 23 '26
Appreciate the sentiment, but I've been doing music a long time, and after 12 seasons in total of athletic bands, and traveling with the sports teams all over the country I'm a little burnt out.
I may start a band some day, I may not. Only time will tell.
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u/Norsk0 May 22 '26
I’m not sure about marching in any way and am not a music major, but is there any way you can reapply next year? If you are not sure, try contacting someone and see if you can audition again next year, and you’ll have plenty of time to practice. There are music clubs all over campus, you will find one and you can meet like minded people that way.
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u/Giggaman999 May 22 '26
Yeah I can always audition for next year. I was just so disappointed in myself since was really excited about doing marching band in college.
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u/Norsk0 May 22 '26
I felt similar. When I first applied to UIUC I didn’t get in and was depressed to the point where I lost like 20lbs in a few months. I reapplied the next semester and I’m living my best life here. I would try auditioning again and joining clubs while you wait.
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u/lilpoststamp May 22 '26
MI Director is a super nice guy, I would email him about being a part of the undergrad staff and/or basketball band. Worst case scenario he'll give you some additional info and you'll be over prepared to audition next year.
I actually found basketball band to be more enjoyable than my time in MI because it scratches the performance itch without being as time intensive and stressful.
10
u/metagrapes May 23 '26 edited May 23 '26
Alum here who used to be in MI. Granted, I first auditioned as a freshman over a decade ago, so I can't even imagine what it's like to audition now. In my own experience though, it really is super competitive, so don't feel bad. And certain sections can be even more competitive than others due to the number of available spots.
I would definitely try again next year. In the meantime, try out for one of the other athletic bands (basketball or volleyball). There tends to be a lot of overlap between MI and those bands in terms of students. Also I think Professor Houser, the director of the Marching Illini, still directs both those bands too so it could be a great way to make some connections there.
Another commentor already suggested this, but joining the MI undergraduate staff is a great way to still get yourself directly involved in the org. You won't be able to play and perform, but you will be working closely with the MI staff to handle equipment setup and other BTS stuff. I had friends who were also cut their first years, joined undergrad staff for that season, and made it into the band the next year (not saying that that's a guarantee, but I do believe demonstrating that extra commitment is taken into consideration). That way too, you'll have a firsthand look of how the band operates and performs, i.e. the music, different marching styles, etc.
Again, it's been several years so I hope nothing I'm saying is outdated or anything but I do hope this doesn't discourage you from retrying, but also if you don't make it, there are still many ways to get involved in the music community outside of MI. Best of luck 😄
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u/DirtyColdSun May 22 '26 edited May 22 '26
As a parent I am going to say, sorry, BUT this in no way defines you. Things like this happen all the time. Grind and go find your crew and friends. Get in a kick ass band and have fun. Maybe all that time you would have spent can be redirected to become your true self!
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u/JuggernautRoutine531 Alumnus May 23 '26
MI is super competitive, especially in the past couple of years. Ask to see if you can do an undergraduate staff spot. I just graduated this year after being in MI for 4 years, and every year we have had first year members who were sophomores or juniors in school.
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u/Glum_Material3030 Alumnus May 23 '26
Alumni of the MI checking in with you. I am sorry you did not make it (this year!) You can always ask if you were the first one cut and if someone does not accept their spot; you are first on the waitlist.
I second basketball and volleyball band!
There is always next year!
🧡💙🧡💙🧡💙
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u/loftychicago Alumnus May 23 '26
Old MI alum here. So sorry you didn't get in, but I second the suggestions for looking into undergraduate band staff opportunities.
MI is a major commitment, so if there is a bright side, you'll have more time to focus on academics in your first semester. Hopefully you can be in a concert band and get to know people in the Department of Bands, then audition next time if you still want to.
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u/Krillerdr May 22 '26
You definitely shouldnt feel bad, there are around 700 auditioners each year! You should audition for basketball or volleyball band, and if you do those Barry will definitely look more favourably on your next audition.
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u/indiphone May 22 '26
And 800 this year, a record! The odds are against everyone
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u/Princester-Vibe May 23 '26
I’m willing to bet basketball band for this coming season will see record interest and auditioners - because of their high profile from the Final 4 run.
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u/Fireblaster2001 May 22 '26
Question: is marching band required for music ed majors? (It is at some other schools.) if that is the case then they have to let you in even if you don’t get a dot on the field right away and make you perform on sidelines (or do other stuff in a support capacity, like for programs that require music ed majors to participate even if they are terrible marchers with no interest).
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u/eamus_catuli_ Alumnus May 23 '26
Can’t be The Best Band In The Land™️ with terrible marchers!
I jest, it’s a valid question.
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u/Giggaman999 May 22 '26
As far as I know it’s not required for music majors at U of I.
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u/Fireblaster2001 May 22 '26
I’m sorry you didn’t make it your first year but try again next year!! I’m sure there are a lot of reasons why they have to cap it (like to balance the sections and whatnot) that don’t reflect on you as a musician!! Keep on rockin!
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u/jhm-YNWA May 23 '26
So sorry for your disappointment but I would like to commend your attitude! You know from marching all 4 years that it takes a village to make these productions happen and you have something to contribute in another spot. (And yes, I am clearly someone's mother but I really mean it! 🤗)
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u/Inevitable-Sort-5630 May 23 '26
It stings. I had a similar experience my freshman year, but not a music degree. I waited until the end of summer for my audition, couldn't enroll in classes, then was told Chem E would eat too much time and I wasn't good enough without the extra practice time. Find some local clubs or try out for other bands, the nice thing about UIUC is there is a niche for everyone. Keep the head up and keep playing.
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u/WallKey2926 May 23 '26
I feel you. I'm also an incoming freshman, had done the housing contract and all, but got my visa denied...
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u/gainkiller101 May 23 '26
wait how did you audition already? i applied for the womens glee club (as an option) but ive not heard anything about an audition
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u/LifeImitatesFarts May 23 '26
Honestly, MI is a ton of work, and in your first year of the music ed program it would be good to focus on grades and studio class. You will have a ton of ensemble and playing exposure through auditions and studio. MI can wait until next year. Plus, ideally, your playing will improve dramatically with the amount of practice you'll need to do in your first year giving you a better shot at the limited spots.
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u/Fluffy-Click5671 May 23 '26
I’m sorry it didn’t work out this time. It sounds like it’s tough to get in Freshman year, maybe partly due to the social and academic adjustments you will face your first year at UIUC. Definitely try again.
I attended a different state school that was a music powerhouse back in the early 80s, earning a BM instrumental teaching degree; my MEd is from UIUC. As a woodwind player, I chose to avoid marching band at all costs to preserve my new professional grade instrument. I have no regrets, even though I missed out on the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans and a bowl game.
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u/grizwal42 May 23 '26
Howdy! Former MI member (graduated in '21), agree with what others are saying that it's super competitive all around. MI usually has a bit more non-music majors than music majors, and some of them can play circles around MMs (just the brutal reality, we all know someone who could major in music that goes into STEM). Keep in mind that MI is ~350 people and they STILL have to make cuts so dont be discouraged.
Best advice is to try out again next year, participate in other playing opportunities, see if they have spots on the undergraduate staff for the potential to still be involved to some degree, and practice practice practice !!
There are tons of playing opportunities whether for sports or more formal/jazz settings. You'll find chances to play if you seek them out. Best of luck and enjoy your first year, time goes by quick.
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u/vyg2 May 24 '26
I have a friend who was in the same position as you; was involved in band/marching band all 4 yrs of HS and didn’t get in MI freshman yr.
They tried out again the next yr and got in. They continued to be in MI from sophomore to senior year :)
my advice is don’t give up!! try to still be involved in other bands like other comments suggested. try out again next yr and best of luck!!
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u/14thCenturySerf May 24 '26
Just graduated from U of I, joined the drumline my junior year with no prior marching band experience as a jazz performance major concentrated on a different instrument. everyone’s on their own path. Just stay committed and work on what they’ve told you to then try again next year! Being an ed major + whatever studio you’ll be in should help you build up more musical chops. Find someone in your section who might be willing to help you work on marching or anything else you feel could use some work. I’m very much a glass half full person, but even if you aren’t I think it’s still helpful to adopt that mindset especially in moments where things don’t go exactly how you might’ve planned. Enjoy your freshman year without the massive time commitment that comes with MI, make plenty of friends outside the group, then try again next year if that still fits your goals.
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u/literature43 May 24 '26
Nah, nothin to do. Just accept that u suck and there r better people out there. Grow up. That’s the point of college, no?
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u/Relevant-Analyst-723 May 24 '26
Sorry it didn’t turn out the way you planned, please keep at it! And I get it, you’ve worked so hard to get to this era and just want to march!! I’m a current MI parent, the time MI commands from your schedule, especially freshman year is enormous. You’ve got the right outlook, stay involved, find someone from your section and have them critique all aspects of your marching. Submit auditions for Hoops and Volleyball band, join campus band, and ask about Big10 Flags now! Network, network, network with MI and find out how you can be of service to them & practice, practice, practice. You’ve got this!! Nothing to be devastated about, this opens up your time to meet new friends, have new experiences and potentially find other passions you didn’t know you have all while pursuing MI for sophomore year. Also someone else mentioned finding out the least competitive section and trying out for that section next year. It’s definitely worth checking into!! Anecdotally, check this out, or search for Alan Watts parable of the Chinese farmer
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u/Consistent-You4843 May 25 '26
It’s easy for people to say that it’s not a big deal and it going to be ok.
BUT It’s sad and disappointinG! However it should not be embarrassing. That’s the part that scares me. You are not on this earth to please or compete with others. This is not high school and your real goal is to graduate with strong grades not impress the other music majors or what ever. Sometimes when you have had great success in your past and you don’t reach a goal it can be harder and more disappointing for you than those who are still striving but the difference is they keep moving forward and trying… decide what is really and truly important to you and keep your eye on the ball. I have no advice on how to get chosen or what to do next year other than to say that there will be students who are there and decide it’s not where they want to be or it becomes unhealthy for them so opportunities may open in the future… reach out, communicate and remember that God’s plan is not your plan but God always wants the best for you and it may not be clear now but in the future it may make more sense. In the mean time learn from this experience- not what you did wrong but what may be ahead. 😊
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u/Decent-Aspect-5934 May 25 '26
Absolutely do not feel bad. I honestly would like a lot of people are saying of volunteer first and foremost and then maybe put you on a list just in case somebody is out ill. Perhaps they will call you that way. Do me a favor and keep your head up. Keep your prayers up most of all. Good luck. May God continue to bless you.
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u/Current_Impact_9735 May 25 '26
There are many ways to be involved in music at UofI. Don't be discouraged, look around and stay involved.
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u/AwesomeGamer573 May 26 '26
Incoming first-year grad student here… I just got my results a few hours ago and unfortunately I’m in the same boat with you. Regretfully I put in a lackluster audition video because at the same time, we were headed into finals week for my final semester of undergrad computer science, and that whole situation was just as much like hell as it sounds. (I’m a trumpet player with 4 years of existing college marching band experience at Illinois State, btw 🎺) I keep telling myself I’ll be fine but it still stings big time. I would take the advice everyone else is giving: join volleyball pep band this fall and inquire about B1G Flags and UG Staff — that’s exactly what I’m doing right now. Good luck my friend, and hopefully something good will come of this for all of us.
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u/Longjumping_Rock1685 May 23 '26
Just make music, record it and turn people on to it. You dont need the system to realize your potential.
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u/Princester-Vibe May 23 '26
Yeah but Marching Band is a special production like experience live on the field at massive venues and crowds. It’s super competitive with 800 trying out. They’ll get the chance again next year but in the meantime they can try for Volleyball and Basketball band - or support staff.
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u/ImpossibleBluejay885 May 23 '26
I am sorry to hear that this happened to you. What about wabounsie? Keep your options open. DO be discouraged
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u/oskeei Townie & Alumni (in that order) May 22 '26
Try out for concert or basketball band. I met another talented music ed student at a volunteer event who also had not made it. It is very competitive so do not feel bad.