53rd Annual Showcase of Bands Weekend - February 20-21, 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, 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 Guest Composer
TBA
TBA
2026 SHOWCASE BANDS
Evanston Township High School
Wind Symphony
Matt Bufis
Oswego High School
Wind Symphony
Stephanie San Roman & Kevin Schoenbach
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.
Future Showcase Participants
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| Showcase Bands | Clinicians |
| Evanston Township | Dr. J. Cody Birdwell |
| Oswego | Dr. Erik Richards, Honor Band |
| West Aurora | |
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| Showcase Bands | Clinicians |
| Libertyville | TBD, Showcase Bands |
| Downers Grove South | Nikk Pilato, Honor Band |
| TBD | |
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