Music has been a part of Barry Houser’s life from an early age.
Though not formally trained, a young Houser experimented with singing and playing piano and the keyboard. His childhood fascination grew as he did. Watching marching bands in parades and football games eventually turned into Houser participating in them in high school and college.
Now, Houser is the director of the Marching Illini, providing leadership and support for the 400-person band since 2011.
“I get to work with truly and absolutely amazing and talented students that come from a variety of backgrounds,” Houser said. “I just feel very fortunate that I get to be part of their lives, and hopefully, I make a difference in theirs.”
According to the College of Fine and Applied Arts website, Houser is also the associate director of bands, conductor of the wind orchestra, director of the Fighting Illini athletic bands, clinical associate professor and the chair of the conducting area in the School of Music.
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Despite his passion for music, conducting wasn’t Houser’s original plan. He first wanted to be a lawyer. He then taught at public schools in Florida and Indiana before teaching higher education at Eastern Illinois University. Later, Houser came to the University, drawn by the rich history of the band and its excellence.
Houser’s transition wasn’t easy. He brought a significant change to the band, and students expressed discontent with his work.
“We made it through some of those challenges, and then with each year, things seemed to get better and better,” Houser said. “It’s never perfect each and every day, but the fact that our students are aware of this, and a big part of the solution, helps tremendously.”
One of Houser’s main focuses is listening to students’ needs and learning what’s important to them. According to Alex Hall, 2024 graduate and Marching Illini drum major, Houser does this exceptionally well.
“He puts everyone first, whether it’s health, safety, a good experience,” Hall said. “He’s the perfect example of someone who gives a lot more than he gets. He’s very welcoming to everyone in the band as well as the community. He makes sure all the students are taken care of.”
Hall also admires the work Houser puts into the band, recognizing the extent of what goes into the band’s performances and practices.
Houser arranges music for every instrument and ensures the arrangement fits into the allotted performance time. Additionally, he creates different formations and flag designs and reviews routines for the dance team.
“He’s always putting in so much behind-the-scenes work that nobody ever talks about or knows because he’s humble,” Hall said. “He doesn’t share any of that, really.”
Houser’s behind-the-scenes efforts extend beyond daily rehearsals. According to Houser, the performance process is “extensive,” and preparation for the next year often starts immediately after the current season ends.
Despite the Marching Illini’s success, including playing on the NBC Today Show and in the ISSMA State Marching finals, Houser said they are continuously evolving.
“I don’t feel like we’re coasting,” Houser said. “I feel like we’re constantly tweaking and putting the entire program under the microscope.”
As maintained by Houser, one of the major components of the band’s success is playing things that students enjoy. He values making shows memorable while staying true to the band’s tradition.
From its beginning as a military band in 1868, Houser considers the band part of the school’s framework. He aims to represent past and present students, remaining traditional while being innovative.
Despite the work that goes into leading the band, Houser said his biggest challenge is ensuring everyone is seen and heard.
“I take it to heart,” Houser said. “I really work to make sure that I know everyone’s name … I want to make sure that (they’re) not just a number … I think with our big University, it’s easy to fall through the cracks.”
Lia Pappas, junior in FAA, had never participated in a marching band before joining the Marching Illini. She said Houser’s kindness and commitment to his students made her transition into the band easy.
“(Houser’s) not just someone who knows how to teach, but (he’s) someone who treats every member of the ensemble like they’re a member of the ensemble, and they’re a human with real feelings and real issues,” Pappas said. “He makes everybody feel at home within the band, and like we’re all a family.”
According to Pappas and Hall, Houser’s leadership has cultivated a culture of musicality and community within the Marching Illini, serving as a driving force for the band. His hard work, dedication and commitment to his students and the band continue to inspire and motivate those around him.
“He is probably one of the best directors we could have ever had,” Hall said. “He truly gives a world-class experience for both the members and for the community.”
