Schaumburg band performs at sold-out NIU football game

The Schaumburg High School marching band joined nine other high school bands and the NIU Huskie Marching Band, performing in front of a sold-out, Northern Illinois University football game on Sept. 21.

The mass band halftime show played to 35,000 game attendees.

“The students had a great time,” said Kevin Miller, Schaumburg band director. “The crowd was electric that night, and we performed under the lights, which is always wonderful. You could just see the band step a little taller and there definitely was a sense of pride because of this.”

Schaumburg has attended NIU Band Days every year since he started teaching, except for one. The opportunity to perform with a collegiate band is important for his students, he believes.

“We also take the students to NIU to try and let them get a sense of what is at the next level,” Miller said. “We rehearse with the Huskie band and perform next to them, then we sit in the stands next to the NIU band so they get to watch that experience. We hope some of our students will make a decision to play in college.”

There are two former Saxons who are playing in this year’s NIU band, and one of them gave a tour to the Schaumburg band during the visit. Between practices, the SHS Marching Band explored the DeKalb campus and got a feeling for college life.

“They get a chance to ... feel the vibe of a college campus,” Miller said. “Plus, this event is a great day of camaraderie, and spending this time together is great for our cohesion, getting to know each other, and seeing the fun social side of band and our work.”