Panther Marching Band & Basketball Band

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Eastern Illinois University Panther Marching Bands

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It's a fall afternoon on the campus of Eastern Illinois University. You've just performed for countless fans at Eastern’s "Concert On The Steps." You march to the Stadium, parading in front of the Panther Nation. In the stadium, you hear the echoes of Coach Spoo, Tony Romo, and many other Panther greats. The whistle blows, the drumline begins, and you're off to an explosive entrance in front of thousands of screaming Panther fans.

We Are…The Panther Marching Band!

Athletic Bands

Eastern Illinois University Panther Marching Band
Barry L. Houser, Director of the Panther Marching Band

The Eastern Illinois University Panther Marching Band performs for thousands of college football fans at every home game, numerous away games, pep rallies, parades, playoff games, and other exhibition performances at Chicago Bears or Indianapolis Colts games. It would not be a football game without the Panther Marching Band and that theme has been in existence since 1927 (an estimated 405 games through the 2008 season).

The 150+ members of the Panther Marching Band come from all across the Midwest and represent every academic major on campus. Made up of Eastern’s finest, Band members arerecognized each year as distinguished graduates in their respective fields of study.

On Saturday morning, the Panther Marching Band assembles at O’Brien Stadium for a final rehearsal of the afternoon's performance. After a brief meeting and rehearsal, band members have a break to grab brunch and change into their uniforms. Hundreds of fans meet the Panther Marching Band at the steps of Doudna Fine Arts Center for our tradition-filled "Concert on the Steps." With kickoff nearing, the Panther spirit is stirred as the band plays all the Eastern Illinois football songs plus the day's half time music.

Fans who stay at Doudna after the concert are treated to the observation of inspection and line the parade route anticipating the traditional march to the stadium.

After cheering the Panthers on to yet another victory, the Panther Marching Band marches back to the Doudna Fine Arts Center setting our sights on the next opponent.

Football Weekend Band Performance Schedule
Saturday, 12:00 am: Midnight Drummer's Circle, Commemorative Courtyard
Saturday, 60 minutes before kickoff: Concert on the Steps, Doudna Fine Arts Center
Saturday, 45 minutes before kickoff: Inspection and Marchout from Doudna to Stadium

Eastern Illinois University Panther Basketball Band
Barry L. Houser, Director of the Panther Basketball Band

Panther Basketball Band members also travel to conference post-season tournaments such as the Men's and Women’s Ohio Valley Conference Basketball Championship at Somet Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Panther Basketball Band is an auditioned group of 60 of the finest and most spirited musicians in the athletic bands. The Panther Basketball Band performs for all Men’s and Women’s basketball and select other athletic events throughout the year. Students are selected from current marching band members as well as other students from across the campus. Selections are based on auditions that take place in early October, service to the band, instrumentation, and overall attitude and spirit.

FACEBOOK

Panther Marching Band
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eastern-Illinois-University-Panther-Marching-Band/56582610842

Panther Basketball Band
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eastern-Illinois-University-Panther-Basketball-Band/67041734551

Ensembles:
http://www.eiu.edu/music/ensembles_university_bands_athletic.php

For more information, contact our Director of Athletic Bands:
Barry L. Houser
Associate Director of Bands
Director of Athletic Bands
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
217.581-6087
blhouser@eiu.edu