UIC Concert Band

The UIC Concert Band is open to both music majors and qualified non-music majors. Participation in this ensemble will provide exceptional musical experiences for its members and audiences, as it serves both the University community and the greater Chicago area.

The Band seeks new works from major composers and performs classics from the finest wind band literature available.  Recent repertory includes the Chicago premiere of Sir Peter Maxwell Davies “Beacons of Hope," the modern premieres of two rare band works by W C Handy (one from a set of parts found at Yale’s Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library) the modern Chicago premiere of late work by Louis Moreau Gottschalk in an 1870 arrangement in the John Philip Sousa Collection of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (the first published work in history to feature the New Orleans “Second Line” jump street beat), and the reconstructed “large band” version of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” drawn from a cue sheet written by the work’s orchestrator, Ferde Grofe.

Conducted by Mr. David Morrison, the UIC Concert Band rehearses Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3-5 p.m. The ensemble is open to woodwind, brass and percussion players from any college or department. Qualified alumni and exceptionally fine performers from the community may participate as well. Students take Concert Band as Mus151 and receive one-hour credit per semester. Students may register for band first and then schedule an informal informational audition with the instructor. Programs include four or five performances annually, master classes with guest artists, visits to Chicago Symphony rehearsals, and occasional guest appearances at local conventions and high schools. Tuition waiver assistance is available for exceptionally qualified players, and in some instances, certain instruments may be provided.

Go to Auditions for more details concerning audition criteria for Concert Band. To schedule an audition, or to speak with someone concerning Concert Band auditions, call (312) 355-1699, send email to: Mr. David Morrison, or come to room L-048, EPASW, 1040 W. Harrison St.