University Bands

53rd Annual Showcase of Bands Weekend - February 20-21, 2026

The Showcase of Bands at Western Illinois University gives talented high school musicians the opportunity to participate and learn from nationally recognized wind band conductors, as well as WIU’s own applied and conducting faculty. Band directors are encouraged to attend and observe sessions under the direction of our guest conductors and the WIU School of Music faculty. Each year, WIU Bands invites three high school ensembles to participate. Additionally, local high school directors are given the opportunity to nominate students for the Honor Band, which allows students to work with a guest conductor and perform at the conclusion of the weekend.

2026 HONOR BAND CONDUCTOR

conductor

Dr. Erik W. Richards 

2026 Showcase Bands Clinician

conductor

Dr. J. Cody Birdwell

2026 Guest Composer

TBA coming soon

TBA

2026 SHOWCASE BANDS

Geneseo

Evanston Township High School
Wind Symphony
Matt Bufis

Richwoods High School

Oswego High School
Wind Symphony
Stephanie San Roman & Kevin Schoenbach

stay tuned

West Aurora High School
Wind Ensemble
Victor Anderson


Concert Schedules - Friday, Feb. 20 & Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

53rd Annual WIU Showcase of Bands

  • Friday, Feb. 20, 7:30pm - WIU Wind Ensemble Concert
  • Saturday, Feb. 21, 1:00pm - Showcase Bands Concert
  • Saturday, Feb. 21, 4:00pm - Honor Band & WIU Concert-Band Concert

All performances will be live-streamed on the School of Music's YouTube channel or Facebook page.

2026 Honor Band Nomination Form (opens late fall 2026)

Future Showcase Participants

February 20-21, 2026
Showcase Bands Clinicians
Evanston Township Dr. J. Cody Birdwell
Oswego Dr. Erik Richards, Honor Band
West Aurora  
February 19-20, 2027
Showcase Bands Clinicians
Libertyville TBD, Showcase Bands
Downers Grove South Nikk Pilato, Honor Band
TBD