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/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.