BIG RED MARCHING MACHINE

Hello BIG RED MARCHING MACHINE!!!! (BRMM)

My name is Dr. Mack Wood and I have the distinct honor of being the director of the Big Red Marching Machine. Next year will be my seventh year with Illinois State University and the Big Red Marching Machine. We have many exciting things planned for the Fall 2026 season and I cannot wait to get started!

This newsletter provides information on:

• Course Registration
• Preseason Instruction Week (formerly Band Camp)
• Housing
• Required Materials
• Auxiliary Auditions
• Summer and Fall Schedules

Please make sure and complete our Preseason Instruction Week Forms. There is a specific form for Returners and for New Members, please complete the appropriate form no later than July 19, 2026. This survey helps us plan for instrumentation, uniform needs, etc...It also helps us plan for how many spots to write for each show. This form does not register you for the course, but helps us plan accordingly for Summer Band Camp. This form also helps us communicate with Housing as to who will need early move-in for BRMM in August.

Please complete by July 19, 2026

All students who are planning to move into a Residence Hall for BRMM on Sunday, August 9th, make sure the Preseason Instruction Week survey is complete by July 19. We send the information in the survey directly to Housing to plan for early move in. You will be assigned a specific move-in time the week leading up to our Preseason Instruction Week. There is a fee for early move in, for the Fall 2025 season it was $80, which covered two nights stay and meals at the Dining Hall (rates may change as we get closer to summer). We run our early move in through Summer Camps and Conferences which is why there is an additional fee. Housing contracts start for the students on Tuesday, August 11th, so in order for us to start when we need to, this is how we are now able to make it work. I will communicate with students via email throughout the summer, so please make sure all students are checking their ISU email addresses once you are registered for classes.

For any student living on campus, we have a BRMM Living Learning Community (LLC) Themed Floor located in Hewett-Manchester. 2022-2023 was the first year we piloted this floor, and I think it was a great success. Any student interested in living on the BRMM floor should indicate that interest when signing up for their on-campus housing. You will need to make sure to complete the Preseason Instruction Week form so Housing knows you are in BRMM. This is first come, first serve and I encourage anyone wanting to live on this floor to select it ASAP!

I cannot wait to see you again this fall or meet you for the first time - the Big Red Marching Machine is a great band family to be a part of and we look forward to welcoming you!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me!

To Do List, Deadlines, and Schedules

• Complete Preseason Instruction Week form by July 19
• Order Materials before August 1
• August 9 - Early Move In and BRMM Registration

Summer Auxiliary Camps

The Color Guard, Drumline and Redline Express Dance Team all offer summer camps to help in preparation for the fall season. Information for Auxiliary Camps is located in the Summer Newsletter Linked below:

Color Guard

• Color Guard audition reservation form (due April 10, 2026)
• Color Guard audition video submissions (due Tuesday, April 14, 2026)
• Color Guard In-Person auditions (Saturday, April 18, 2026, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, location TBA)

For questions about Color Guard:

Drum Line

• Drum Line registration is due on April 17, 2026
• Drum Line auditions (May 1, 2026 or May 2, 2026)

For questions about Drumline:

Redline Express Dance Team

• Redline Express Dance Team Audition Registration Deadline (April 10, 2026)
• Redline Express Dance Team In-Person audition (Sunday, April 19, 2026, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, location TBA)

For questions about the Redline Express Dance Team:

Twirlers

Twirler Registration Form and Video Pre-Screening deadline (due Saturday, March 14, 2026 by 5:00 pm). Submit an unlisted YouTube video of different field and competition routines and a Twirler Resume in your Registration Form. A minimum of 2 videos for each is preferable.

For questions about Twirlers:

All Auxiliary Team Members should complete this form once the sections are set following auditions.

Auxiliary summer camp (June 5 - 7)

Required Materials (Order by August 1. All items must be in hand by PIW)

Most items should last for your entire college career. Prices are subject to change.

• Digital Subscriptions to Beam and Ultimate Drill Book are part of the BRMM Materials Fee. These are charged when you register for the course. DO NOT purchase these on your own.

• Purchase BRMM Shirt ($22.00) / BRMM hat ($22) - We recommend that you buy in-person after the middle of July from the Redbird Spirit Shop (formerly Alamo II) located at 319 W North St, Normal, IL 61761

• Black Shorts $12 - *NEW* this fall, you must purchase black shorts - (no more khakis) for the warm-weather uniform with the BRMM shirt. Purchase uniform black shorts.
• The Black Pants (optional) - we wanted to provide an option for students that prefer pants or wanted them for cooler weather.
• Prices are subject to change.

E-Flip, Lyres, Shoes, and general band supplies: reeds, valve oil, etc...can be purchased through the Music Shoppe linked below (only wind players need E-Flips and Lyres - wind players and drum line members will need shoes). The Music Shoppe will have orders delivered and available for pick up on Sunday, August 9th. You are welcome to order ahead of time and they will have those items for you on August 9th.

• MTX Black marching shoes (wind players & drumline only). You are encouraged to order in advance from The Music Shoppe
• E-Flip & Lyre (wind players only) – Order in advance from The Music Shoppe
• General band supplies: reeds, valve oil, etc. – Order in advance from The Music Shoppe

Auxiliary uniform and supply requirements – information will be provided by your instructor.

We do not want finances to be a reason that a person cannot participate with BRMM. Please email Dr. Wood if you need assistance with any of the items. Most of the items for BRMM should last all 4 years of college if cared for properly.