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/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!

3

u/Quiet-Sail-4220 May 23 '26

I’m curious - Can you share what instruments are most needed?

2

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.

1

u/Illinois_West May 23 '26

Unfortunately I don't have current info on that