FALL NEWSLETTER 2022
Dear Alumni and Friends of the Illinois Bands, It is my privilege to write to you as the seventh director of bands at the University of Illinois. I am honored to join this tremendous community, engage with the incredible traditions, and continue building the legacy of the Illinois Bands. As a native of the Chicago suburbs, returning to my home state after spending the past seventeen years on the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a particularly special opportunity. I am grateful to be serving the University, College of Fine and Applied Arts, and School of Music. My wife, Gina, daughter, Sarah, and I moved to Champaign in July and we are enjoying all that the area has to offer. We look forward to meeting people and making new friends at rehearsals, games, and concerts in the coming months. Much gratitude is owed to Steve and Beth Peterson for their incredible leadership and stewardship. They have been very generous and supportive of me as we build a bridge to the next phase of our historic program. Congratulations to them on their tremendous careers and their retirements.
IN THIS ISSUE 2
Being able to work with Barry Houser every day is incredible. He is simply the best in the business! Barry and I worked during the summer to assemble a fantastic team of band conductors on interim appointments. We are happy to introduce Assistant Director of Bands Dr. Kimberly Fleming and Assistant Director of Athletic Bands Dr. Hannah Rudy. Welcome Kim and Hannah!
Illinois Bands Faculty & Staff
While there may be some new faces on the faculty in the historic Harding Band Building, the extraordinary tradition of excellence built over the past 154 years continues to thrive! Hundreds of students from across campus are participating in the Illinois Bands and making music in 3 Graduate Teaching our building every day in the Marching Illini, concert bands, and athletic bands. Providing our Assistants students with amazing experiences that serve their needs is our highest priority. Our program is a 4 Illinois Bands Events model for other universities as we lead the way through our concert bands, athletic bands, music 5 Peterson Retirement Concert education program, and graduate conducting studio. Throughout this newsletter, you will see substantial evidence of the accomplishments of our program over the past year. 6 Alumni & Homecoming After arriving in Champaign, I visited a Summer Band rehearsal and guest conducted on the 8 Marching Illini July Twilight Concert. The level of enthusiasm and passion for our Illinois Bands was incredible. 9 Drum Majors & The sustained success of our program and the quality experiences provided for our students is MI Schedule made possible by the generous support of our alumni and friends. Every contribution is greatly appreciated, and this newsletter highlights the many ways in which donor support has enhanced 10 MI Awards our program. Please look for information about new and ongoing opportunities to give. 11 Illinois Band Schedule & Awards All of us in the Harding Band Building are looking forward to an exciting year and to welcoming you to campus very soon. 12 James Keene Obituary 13 Pierce Scholarship 14 Development 15 Donors
GO ILLINI! Sincerely,
Kevin M. Geraldi Director of Bands