53rd ANNUAL SHOWCASE OF BANDS WEEKEND - February 29-21, 2026

 

The Showcase of Bands at Western Illinois University gives talented high school musicians the opportunity to participate and learn from nationally recognized wind band conductors and Western's own applied and conducting faculty. Band directors are encouraged to attend and observe the sessions under the direction of our guest conductors and the WIU School of Music faculty.

 

2026 HONOR BAND CONDUCTOR

 

Davis

Dr. Erik W. Richards 

 

2026 SHOWCASE BANDS CLINICIAN

 

Genvro

Dr. J. Cody Birdwell

 

2026 Guest Composer

 

coming soon

TBD

2026 SHOWCASE BANDS

Geneseo

 

Evanston Township High School

Wind Symphony

Matt Bufis

 

Richwoods High School
Oswego High School

Wind Symphony

Stephanie San Roman & Kevin Schoenbach

 

stay tuned

 

West Aurora High School

Wind Ensemble

Victor Anderson

 

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 School of Music's YouTube channel or Facebook page.

 

2026 Honor Band Nomination Form (opens late fall 2026)

Future Showcase Participants

 

February 20-21, 2026
Showcase Bands Clinicians
Evanston Township Dr. J. Cody Birdwell
Oswego Dr. Erik Richards, Honor Band
West Aurora  
February 19-20, 2027
Showcase Bands Clinicians
Libertyville TBD, Showcase Bands
Downers Grove South Nikk Pilato, Honor Band
TBD