Update: 3/4/26 11:00 pm
We're excited to announce a generous new gift for March Forth 2026 establishing the Sewell Family Marching Illini Fund. Thank you to the Sewell Family for their incredible support of the Mellophones and their commitment to the continued excellence of the Marching Illini!
Help the Marching Illini March Forth on March 4th 2026!
Be sure to choose your favorite section in the MI Section Challenge on the checkout screen when you are making your gift! Details are below in Marching Illini Section Challenge!
March Forth is a day of giving which supports the students and staff of the 400-member Marching Illini. The Marching Illini represents a tradition unlike any other. Beginning as a student-run organization in 1868, the Marching Illini has grown to be recognized as one of the nation's premier college marching bands, rooted in tradition, pride, excellence and loyalty spanning more than one hundred and fifty five years. #band158
The Marching Illini serve as ambassadors for the University and our Fighting Illini athletic teams, providing musical spirit at all home football games, men’s and women’s basketball games, volleyball games and other athletic events. In addition, the Marching Illini serves and performs for many other campus, state, regional, national and international events. Four hundred STRONG, its members represent academic units across the Urbana-Champaign campus. The Marching Illini culture and philosophy provides opportunities to pursue and achieve excellence, teamwork, discipline and other important life lessons.
Your gifts have and continue to make a difference for our students!
- $500 can cover the cost of one musical arrangement for halftime in Memorial Stadium
- $250 can cover the cost of 25 pairs of white spats
- $100 can pay for ten lunches on Game Day
- $25 can cover the cost of one Official Marching Illini Ballcap for our student members
Thank you for your generosity and as we extend our #AttitudeOfGratitude, know that your gift, no matter how big or small, will help ensure that future Illinois students have First Class experiences in the Marching Illini as we continue to March Forth!
WE ARE the Marching Illini!
*Anyone who makes a gift of $1,000 or more will receive a personalized message from our Director, Barry Houser!
Donors
View All Donors| Section | Donors | Raised ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Piccolos | 27 | $5,580 |
| Baritones | 25 | $3,653 |
| Saxophones | 39 | $6,457 |
| Trumpets & Flugs | 83 | $12,412 |
| Trombones | 69 | $95,244 |
| Drum Majors & Twirlers | 18 | $3,311 |
| Sousaphones | 24 | $3,383 |
| Guard | 26 | $15,611 |
| Drumline | 27 | $5,462 |
| Mellophones | 40 | $103,752 |
| UGStaff & B1G Flags | 31 | $3,784 |
| Illinettes | 13 | $1,787 |
| Clarinets | 33 | $14,466 |
