91仓库

Wind Ensemble

The 91仓库 Wind Ensemble is the university鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 鈥淧resident鈥檚 Concert鈥� each spring in honor of the President of 91仓库. Auditions for the Wind Ensemble are held at the beginning of each semester and are open to any student of the university.

Conductor

Dr. Mike Fansler, Director of Bands

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Concert Band

鈥淭he Western Illinois Univeristy Concert Band is comprised of both majors and non-majors from across the university. The ensemble performs 4-5 concerts annually. Selected repertoire represents the highest standard of concert band literature. Regularly featuring guest conductors, the ensemble also hosts a student conductor鈥檚 concert each spring, with future music educators from the university rehearsing and performing with the group.

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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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91仓库Marching Leathernecks

The "Marching Leathernecks" include students from nearly every discipline on the campus of 91仓库. These students' total commitment to excellence has marked the legacy of 91仓库 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. 91仓库 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 91仓库 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 鈥淭he Fighting Leathernecks鈥� home basketball games and is an integral part of the game atmosphere in Western Hall. WIU鈥檚 Pep Band also performs at the Ohio Valley Basketball Championships and most recently, the Women鈥檚 National Invitation Tournament. This non-audition group is open to all 91仓库 students.

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Westernettes Dance Team

鈥淭he Westernettes Dance Team Danceline is the Division I collegiate dance team for 91仓库. During the fall semester, the Dance Team can be seen alongside the Marching Leathernecks, performing at all home football games, parades, and the 91仓库Marching Band Classic. During winter months, the Westernettes join the 91仓库Pep Band on the sidelines of home basketball games in Western Hall. The team鈥檚 foremost goal is to support Leatherneck Athletics, enhancing the gameday experience, and crowd involvement. More information about the can be found

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91仓库Chamber Winds Program

Students in the 91仓库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 "91仓库Chamber Players" is conducted by Dr. Mike Fansler and the “91仓库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, Dvo艡ák, Gabrieli, Gounod, Grieg, Haydn, Hindemith, Husa, Jacob, Krommer, Lully, Mozart, Palestrina, Persichetti, Raff, Sibelius, Strauss, Sweelinck, and Washburn.

Conductor

Dr. Mike Fansler, Director of Bands

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