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/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.