Barry Houser, Director of the Marching Illini, Associate Director of Bands, Director of the Fighting Illini Athletic Bands, and Clinical Associate Professor of Music of the University of Illinois joins The Stage to discuss his life experiences in music and advocating for music. Barry has a hand in a number of different band activities at Illinois, as well as teaching and directing band camps, and directing bands that have performed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the NBC Today Show, the Indy 500 Parade, along with many more.
On this episode, Houser joins Ken Burke to talk about a number of different topics within his expertise, including how important it is to have band and music programs in schools across the country, the difference between successful music programs and those that struggle, and what being the Director of the Marching Illini has taught him. Throughout the conversation, it's clear that Barry continuously strives to be the best possible version of himself, and even gives tips for educators and administrators that are involved in music.