Band

Band

Illiana Christian High School’s music education program includes both orchestral, and symphonic styles and jazz, and performance band styles. Students who are passionate about and gifted in instrumental arts will find our program to be high quality and fun. The bands we offer at Illiana include Pep Band and Jazz Band.  If you are searching for other instrumental music experiences, head on over to our Orchestra page! 

• Symphonic Band: Symphonic Band is open to an unlimited number of students who have reached a certain level of proficiency on their instrument. The band performs original works for band, sacred music, and orchestral transcriptions. Students in this band also work out of band method books to improve their playing skills on their instrument and their knowledge of music theory. In the spring the Symphonic Band combines with the Wind Ensemble to form the Marching Band, which marches in two or three, parades a year.
• Wind Ensemble: Wind Ensemble is Illiana Christian’s most advanced band. This is a select ensemble limited to 54 members. Students attend one after school sectional per week as part of the class requirement. The group performs mostly advanced wind band literature and sacred music, however, in the spring the band will perform a pops concert including Broadway show tunes, movie themes, etc. The band also participates in IHSA Concert Festivals and other various concert band competitions throughout the country. In the spring, the Wind Ensemble combines with the Symphonic Band to form the Marching Band, which marches in two or three parades a year.
• Pep Band: Pep Band is based on voluntary membership of anyone enrolled in the Instrumental Music Program at Illiana. It meets during the second quarter using club periods for rehearsals and as needed after that time. Pep Band performs during home basketball games and creates a lively, school-spirit-filled atmosphere. Student chant and dance along while the Pep Band does what it was meant to do–bring the pep!
• Jazz Band: Jazz Band is an extracurricular band that meets every Wednesday from 3:00 until 4:00 pm.  It is made up of a saxophone section, a trumpet section, a trombone section, and a rhythm section.  Occasionally Jazz Band also has a vocalist.  Jazz Band plays in four of the Music Department’s yearly concerts. In addition to this, they play for contests, banquets, festivals, and retirement homes throughout the year.  They have also played in a Chicago Fire Soccer game. The Jazz Band travels and plays in more places than any other Illiana Instrumental group. Jazz band members are selected from Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior members of Illiana’s Bands.

Resources:

• 2025/2026 Band Handbook
• Pass-Off Rubic

If you would like any further information regarding instrumental music at Illiana, contact Mr. Tom Gilman at tgilman@illianachristian.org. For schedules of practice, concerts, or other performances, you can view our calendar here. 

We are proud of Illiana Christian High School’s music program and the talented bands and choirs we have. If you would like more information regarding choral music at Illiana, please visit our choir page.