In the 1920s, John Philip Sousa called the Illinois band the "world's greatest col­lege band." Superlatives like this have come to be expected during the long and illustrious history of the University of Illinois bands.

Shortly after the University opened in 1868, a military band was organized. The military band became the Concert Band and gave its first formal concert in 1890. The University of Illinois Bands of today are the top of a pyramid of university band organizations, both concert and marching, which regularly enroll more than 700 students.

This year's Marching Illini numbers nearly 360 participants, which includes musicians, flag corps, Illinettes (a precision dance corps), drum majors, feature twirlers and staff members.

The unique style of the Marching Illini has become famous, representing a combination of past traditions and exciting innovations. The Marching Illini is at the forefront of great university bands, having received the Louis Sudler Intercollegiate Marching Band Trophy in recognition of outstanding achievement in 1983.

The Marching Illini also have performed at the Rose, Sugar, All American, Peach, Liberty, Citrus, Hall of Fame, John Hancock, Micronpc.com and Holiday Bowl games.

The Marching Band will perform pregame and halftime shows at all six home football games this year, as well as the State Farm Arch Rivaly game against Missouri in St. Louis and selected road games. The 2008 Marching Illini is under the direction of Peter Griffin.

Marching Illini website

Songs of the Illini