University Bands
- WIND ENSEMBLE
- CONCERT BAND
- UNIVERSITY BAND
- MARCHING BAND
- PEP BAND
- WESTERNETTES DANCE TEAM
- WIU CHAMBER WINDS
Wind Ensemble
The Western Illinois University Wind Ensemble is the
university’s premiere wind, brass, and percussion ensemble. Conducted by Dr.
Mike Fansler, the ensemble regularly leads new wind band and mixed chamber
commissions, while remaining a champion of significant historic repertoire. The
Wind Ensemble has been invited to perform at such prestigious venues as The
Midwest Clinic and the Illinois Music Educator’s Conference. In May 2025, the
ensemble will travel to New York City to perform in Carnegie Hall. For over
three decades, the ensemble has been proud to present a “President’s Concert”
each spring in honor of the President of Western Illinois University. Auditions for
the Wind Ensemble are held at the beginning of each semester and are open to any
student of the university.
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Concert Band
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University Band
The University Band is open to any university student without
audition. The ensemble also welcomes local high school students and community
members. Selected repertoire represents the high standards of concert band
literature. Conducted by upper-level undergraduate music education students, the
ensemble emphasizes member enjoyment and growth in musical knowledge.
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WIU Marching Leathernecks
The "Marching Leathernecks" include students from nearly every discipline on the campus of Western Illinois University. These students' total commitment to excellence has marked the legacy of Western Illinois University and the Marching Leathernecks.
The band is known for its powerful sound and unique innovations, which have impressed audiences throughout the Midwest. The Marching Leathernecks regularly support many local and regional events and are privileged to have a close bond with the campus community of Macomb, Illinois.
Their performances have included halftime shows for the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Rams, Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears of the National Football League, as well as exhibition performances at the Bands of America Super-Regional Championships at the TWA/Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri and at the Lucas Oil/RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. Western Illinois University also hosts the Marching Band Classic, a high school marching band competition that attracts bands from Illinois, Iowa and Missouri.
The band's greatest sense of pride comes from performing for the Western Illinois University Leatherneck football fans. The Marching Leathernecks perform a pre-game concert (affectionately known as "Pre-game At The Ashtray") and Fighting Leatherneck fans join the band for this event to get ready for a Leatherneck victory.
Traditions are a part of any successful organization and the Marching Leathernecks are no exception. Georgia On My Mind has been an audience favorite since 1982, when Dale Hopper (then director) hid half of the band, which "magically" appeared right in front of the audience in the middle of the song. Also, following each performance, the Marching Leathernecks "circle-up" and perform You'll Never Walk Alone, which strengthens our commitment to each other as individuals and bonds our group as a true musical family.
Whether before, during or after the game, the Marching Leathernecks strive to support its team, entertain its fans, promote the university, and continue the Tradition Of Greatness.
For further information about the Marching Leathernecks or for information on becoming a member, please contact the band office by phone (309-298-1505) or by email (Bands@wiu.edu).
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Pep Band
The Pep Band is a crowd favorite at “The Fighting Leathernecks”
home basketball games and is an integral part of the game atmosphere in Western
Hall. WIU’s Pep Band also performs at the Ohio Valley Basketball
Championships and most recently, the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.
This non-audition group is open to all Western Illinois University students.
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Westernettes Dance Team
“The Westernettes Dance Team Danceline is the Division I collegiate
dance team for Western Illinois University. During the fall semester, the Dance
Team can be seen alongside the Marching Leathernecks, performing at all home
football games, parades, and the WIU Marching Band Classic. During winter
months, the Westernettes join the WIU Pep Band on the sidelines of home
basketball games in Western Hall. The team’s foremost goal is to support
Leatherneck Athletics, enhancing the gameday experience, and crowd
involvement. More information about the Westernettes Dance Team can be found
here.
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WIU Chamber Winds Program
Students in the WIU Wind Ensemble are presented with the opportunity to further develop musical independence through our chamber wind program. Our two chamber wind ensembles meet weekly and present a concert mid semester both fall and spring.
The "WIU Chamber Players" is conducted by Dr. Mike Fansler and the “WIU Chamber Winds” are conducted by Dr. Matt Thomas. Students are exposed to both standard chamber wind repertoire as well as more contemporary works. Recently, the chamber groups have performed the music of: Adler, Beethoven, Bird, Dvořák, Gabrieli, Gounod, Grieg, Haydn, Hindemith, Husa, Jacob, Krommer, Lully, Mozart, Palestrina, Persichetti, Raff, Sibelius, Strauss, Sweelinck, and Washburn.
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