Barry L. Houser

Barry L. Houser is a Clinical Associate Professor and Chair of the Conducting Area at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's School of Music. He serves as Director of the Marching Illini, Associate Director of Bands, Conductor of the Wind Orchestra, and Director of the Fighting Illini Athletic Bands. His roles include leading 400+ members in the Marching Illini, teaching conducting, and coordinating athletic bands. He holds a BME from the University of Florida and an MM in Conducting from UIUC.

His research interests focus on ensemble leadership, marching band techniques, and music pedagogy. He has contributed to The System textbook and Teaching Music through Performance in Band. Notable performances under his direction include Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NBC Today Show, and the Indianapolis 500 Parade.

Prof. Houser received numerous awards, including Excellence in Education and Yamaha Master Educator recognition. He leads the Smith Walbridge Clinics and serves on national boards for Music for All, College Band Directors National Association, and Big Ten Band Directors Association.