High school marching band students will join the Marching Salukis at the Oct. 18 football game. (Photo provided)
October 15, 2025
Area high school band students to perform with SIU Marching Salukis on Saturday
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Area high school instrumental marching band students will join the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Marching Salukis on Saturday, Oct. 18, and perform at halftime and in the stands during football game against North Dakota.
This is the first time the Marching Salukis have incorporated high school students into their performance in several years, said Christopher Butler, assistant professor and assistant director in SIU’s School of Music.
Butler is excited that the Marching Salukis are reaching out to the community.
“This event furthers the overall mission of the School of Music — to enrich and grow music education and performance throughout Southern Illinois,” he said.
The Marching Salukis will present their halftime show, “The Foundations of Funk,” featuring the music of James Brown, Tower of Power and Cameo.
The high school students will be part of the full band rehearsal in the morning. After lunch, the band will assemble for a parade to the stadium, which starts at 1 p.m., an hour before kickoff.