The stage is set for this season’s Marching Illini under its new director, University alumnus Barry Houser.

After former director Pete Griffin accepted a position at Elmhurst College in May, the School of Music began a search for a new assistant director of bands and director of the Marching Illini and athletic bands.

In late July, Houser was named to these positions and immediately began work with the 2011 Marching Illini.

Houser received his master’s degree in wind conducting at the University, during which time he was a teaching assistant for the Marching Illini. Through this experience, Houser said he has an understanding of the traditions associated with the band.

“We will continue to refine and work details that have made the (Marching Illini) look so great,” Houser said. “We want to increase and improve the overall sound — meaning volume ­­­— and continue to build upon the entertainment value.”

With eight home football games this season, Houser had a challenging job ahead of him picking and arranging music for eight unique shows.

The music for this year’s shows vary in style from patriotic to classic rock to today’s top 40 hits, which Houser said he is very excited about.

“We hope that everybody comes out to support Illini football and the Marching Illini because we aim to entertain,” Houser said.

Student leaders within the band worked with Houser for over a week before classes began at band camp. Houser said student leadership roles are important to the success of the band, and that he is giving those leaders more responsibility.

“The students are what (the marching band) is all about,” Houser said. “This is their Marching Illini and I love seeing their energy and work ethic.”

Band members are excited about this new dynamic between director and students, said Brian Ferguson, trumpet section leader.

“Student leaders are being utilized more than in years past and given greater responsibility,” said Ferguson, senior in FAA. “All the students feel the connection with Professor Houser.”

Houser admitted the Marching Illini is steeped in tradition, but also aims to create new traditions of excellence.

“The Marching Illini has always been about not just tradition, but innovation,” Houser said. “Our goal is to serve as the model for college and high school ensembles, not just in Illinois, but throughout the country through contemporary approaches to music and marching.”

Drum major Brooke Atlas said she is looking forward to the changes in the band’s practice strategy this year and is hopeful to improve its field presence.

“Professor Houser has a different energy that he brings to the band,” said Atlas, junior in FAA. “We have fast-paced rehearsals, and will use time later for cleaning our drill.”

Houser spent the past three years serving as the director of bands at Eastern Illinois University. In his time there, the band program increased by over 50 percent, Houser said. The bands received new uniforms and instruments, and even forged a partnership with Nike.

Houser, whose primary instrument is trumpet, taught elementary through high school students in Florida and Indiana. He is a director of the Macy’s Great American Marching Band and also the director of the Smith-Walbridge Clinics, one of the largest music camps in the nation.

Houser has been married for four years and his wife Abigail, also in music education, is expecting a baby due in February.

“It was a lot of life changes — moving, a new job, baby on the way­ — the time frame was absolutely insane to put together basically five months of marching band in about 13 days’ time, but we’re doing all right with the time frame given,” Houser said.

Houser believes the purpose of the Marching Illini is “to support the football team and to be an ambassador for the University.”