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University Bands

53rd Annual Showcase of Bands Weekend - February 20-21, 2026

The Showcase of Bands at ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã gives talented high school musicians the opportunity to participate and learn from nationally recognized wind band conductors, as well as WIU’s own applied and conducting faculty. Band directors are encouraged to attend and observe sessions under the direction of our guest conductors and the WIU School of Music faculty. Each year, WIU Bands invites three high school ensembles to participate. Additionally, local high school directors are given the opportunity to nominate students for the Honor Band, which allows students to work with a guest conductor and perform at the conclusion of the weekend.

2026 HONOR BAND CONDUCTOR

conductor

2026 Showcase Bands Clinician

conductor

2026 Guest Composer

TBA coming soon

TBA


2026 SHOWCASE BANDS

Geneseo

Evanston Township High School
Wind Symphony

Richwoods High School

Oswego High School
Wind Symphony

stay tuned

West Aurora High School
Wind Ensemble



Concert Schedules - Friday, Feb. 20 & Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

53rd Annual WIU Showcase of Bands

  • Friday, Feb. 20, 7:30pm - WIU Wind Ensemble Concert
  • Saturday, Feb. 21, 1:00pm - Showcase Bands Concert
  • Saturday, Feb. 21, 4:00pm - Honor Band & WIU Concert-Band Concert

All performances will be live-streamed on the or .

2026 Honor Band Nomination Form (opens late fall 2026)

Future Showcase Participants

February 20-21, 2026
Showcase Bands Clinicians
Evanston Township
Oswego
West Aurora Ìý
February 19-20, 2027
Showcase Bands Clinicians
Libertyville TBD, Showcase Bands
Downers Grove South Nikk Pilato, Honor Band
TBD Ìý