Erin Kirby, '22, Tunes into Huskie Marching Band Alumni Network for Connection
By Lia Kizilbash Gillet
Erin Kirby, '22 (Photo: NIU)
Erin Kirby's two favorite events are Homecoming's "Fill the Field" halftime program and "Play with the Pep Band" during "Cram the Convo." As a Huskie Marching Band Alumni Network (HMBAN) leadership member, she helps coordinate and participates in the events.
She describes the "Fill the Field" event as "a supportive and welcoming atmosphere connecting current marching band students and alumni through song."
Similarly, at "Cram the Convo," Huskie Pep Band alumni perform and connect with current band members at the NIU Convocation Center and play some fun rock tunes.
Kirby was inspired to become involved in the HMBAN—first as a member and now as the communications coordinator. She aspires for her volunteer work to have a meaningful impact, viewing it as a way to give back to the Marching Band and the NIU Foundation, organizations that supported her with scholarship assistance as a student. In her role, she oversees communication strategies via social media, email and newsletters.
“Serving on the HMBAN leadership team is a unique experience to see how we, as an alumni network, can positively impact and uphold connections between current and alumni band members,” Kirby said.
As a recent alumna, Kirby easily connects with current band members and fellow young alumni.
“It is truly gratifying to volunteer because I can continue participating in the alumni events I love while also organizing events that I enjoyed participating in as a student in the band,” she said.
While at NIU, Kirby was a drum major for the Huskie Marching Band, where she learned about musicianship and leadership. She performed in two football halftime shows, including the 2021 Cure Bowl and 2018 MAC Championship games.
Kirby was a theory and aural skills supplemental instruction leader, collaborating with graduate students and professors John Novak, Ph.D., and David Maki on tutoring practices for undergraduate students. She was also a 4-year member of The Harmelodics, a student-run, all-treble a cappella group.
“NIU provided me with such enriching learning experiences and performance opportunities as a student,” Kirby said.
NIU Band Director Thomas Bough taught Kirby the importance of positivity in leadership and collaboration between the ensemble when directing rehearsals.
“He instilled in me the value of communication, preparedness, and professionalism as a musician, as well as the importance of prioritizing mental health as a fellow educator,” she said. “The additional life skills of collaboration and compassion that I have learned from all of my professors at NIU are skills that I strive to impart upon my own students.”
Kirby teaches fifth-grade beginning band in Barrington Community Unit School District 220, is involved in community ensembles, and plays the Bb clarinet in the Glenview Community Band and the Knock on Wood Clarinet Choir. She is honored to remain connected and collaborate with fellow HMBAN members and student-teaching cooperating teachers Eric Caliendo, ’91, and Dana Antosz (Young), ’13.
Additionally, Kirby plays at the NIU Clarinet Cornucopia, organized by clarinet Professor Gregory Barrett.
“This is an amazing event where NIU alumni, community members, and current students unite to create clarinet chamber ensemble music that celebrates clarinet repertoire!” she said.
Regardless of the event, Kirby feels a sense of pride and enthusiasm when surrounded by the excellence NIU instills in its students.
NIU alumni volunteer their time in meaningful ways. Want to brainstorm ways you can get involved? Contact Eric Glasby, '15, M.S.Ed. '18, at eglasby1@niu.edu.