The Illinois University Band is used by the entire University, playing for all special occasions, commencement and other events. The football marching band is made up of the concert band, the first regimental band and at times it is aided by some members of the second. Frequently the band plays over local radio stations. The football marching band is made up of the concert band and the first regimental group, two-hundred or more bandsmen. It makes an impressive appearance in the brilliant orange and blue uniforms, every instrument held in proper position and every movement in perfect unison. A picturesque figure precedes the great band. One of the men representing Chief Illiniwek, the symbol of the fighting Illini, dressed in the traditional Sioux Indian costume, does an Indian dance down the field in front of the band. ALBERT AUSTIN HARDING The Illinois University Bands, famed not only for size but also for the excellent quality of their playing, owe their reputation to Doctor Albert A. Harding, for so long a time their leader. Through many years his was the outstanding name among college band conductors in the United States. “Austin” was born in Georgetown, Illinois, but after his mother’s death when he was a small boy, he lived with his grandparents in the little town of Paris, Illinois. He acquired his first musical training by tooting a cheap brass cornet in a practice room which was actually an old barn. His music rack was the dashboard of an antiquated sleigh. His grandfather, a loyal Democrat, was quite disgusted when his grandson played his horn in a Republican rally for William McKinley. “Aus,” as the boy was called, was asked to learn the fife and play in a fife and drum corps organized by the Illinois State Republican Committee. Instead the boy bought a piccolo and became such an expert player that he was appointed leader of the high school band. After his graduation young Harding became leader of a dance orchestra, playing for dances in Champaign and Urbana, Illinois; Terre Haute, Indiana and the surrounding area. Upon entering the University of Illinois, Harding majored in Engineering and also kept on with his musical activities. He played in the University band as well as in several local organizations. In 1905, his senior year, Harding was asked to direct the University band of about fifty pieces. This position Harding held for forty-three years, building--according to John Philip Sousa--“the greatest college band in the country.”