Football games are a favorite past time of many students at the University of Illinois, but for some students, game day starts far before that 11 a.m. kickoff. No, I’m not talking about those students who head to Block I at 9 a.m. or even about the beloved Fighting Illini football team. I’m talking about the “best band in the land,” our very own Marching Illini. We see them at every game, campus event, and sometimes even hear them outside our windows at 7:00 in the morning. These students practice for around three hours a day with the band, and for even longer on their own time. The job requires even more responsibility for a select group of students, the drum majors. Junior Brooke Atlas will spend her fall semester leading her fellow students in music, attitude and example.
HC: When do you get started with music?
BA: I began playing piano when I was in first grade. From there, I joined band in fifth grade and have been playing and performing in band ever since.
HC: So are you studying music here at the U of I?
BA: I am a Music Education major here at U of I. I chose Illinois because of the great program we have for my major, and because I felt I would learn a lot from my trombone professor as well.
HC: Who has most influenced you musically?
BA: I have had so many positive influences in my music career. I’d have to say thank you to all of my past orchestra and band directors, each of them has taught me so much about music and have had different ways of motivating me to be the best I can be.
HC: What exactly is your role within the Marching Illini?
BA: I am a drum major for the Marching Illini. I began as a freshman in the trombone section, and sophomore year became a drum major. Being a drum major involves holding a student leadership position in the band, and being able to help with music and marching. During pregame, we perform traditional routines such as run-on and mace routines. During halftime, we conduct the band and perform another traditional mace routine during Three-in-One. I put a lot of time into the Marching Illini during fall and spring semesters, and I spend much of the summer time training for the upcoming season.
HC: Have you ever had any embarrassing moments or funny experiences on the field?
BA: Right before we went on for halftime during the Purdue game last season, I tripped as the Purdue band was coming off the field and ours was going on. I face-planted, got right back up, shook it off and felt like everyone was staring at me. Definitely embarrassing!
HC: This will be your first year as a Drum Major under the Marching Illini’s new band director, Barry Houser. How do you feel about the change in directors?
BA: I think this is going to give student leaders and returning members a great opportunity to keep the traditions of the Marching Illini going. This is an exciting time for all those involved with the band. We are thrilled to welcome Professor Houser with open arms.
HC: Finally, what advice would you give to any students considering auditioning for this incredible band?
BA: Practice, Practice, Practice. The Marching Illini holds many traditions and the audition process is competitive. We hold high standards for musicians so we can really be the “nation’s premiere college marching band.”
Look for Brooke and the rest of the Marching Illini on and off the field this season. Sing along to songs like, “Oskee Wow-Wow” and “Illinois Loyalty” as always, but this time, take a minute to think about how hard these 300 students work so the rest of us can enjoy our fight songs!