NIU celebrated the 50-year anniversary of the NIU Showband at this year’s 117th Homecoming. Founded by director Michael Embrey in 1974, the NIU Showband’s innovative origins paved the way for the stunning NIU Marching Band performances that took place at Homecoming.

Embrey also created the show-stopping Silverettes and dynamically incorporated the color guard and twirlers, contributing to the uniquely exciting visual appeal of the band’s performances.

During the football game, Embrey was presented with a Huskie Plaque of Appreciation by NIU’s Director of Athletic Bands and Wind Symphony Conductor, Dr. Thomas Bough; NIU’s Marching Band Alumni Council President and Silverette alumna, Cheryl Ringler; and NIU’s Alumni Association Board President and marching band alumnus, Marty Johnstone, ’09, M.B.A. ’21. Embrey's vision and leadership impacted thousands of NIU students and remains alive in today’s Huskie Marching Band.

Last November, NIU celebrated a special milestone and honored one of our own. Dr. Thomas Bough has served 20 seasons as the leader of our NIU Huskie Marching Band, The Pride of the Midwest! Dr. Bough was presented with the Huskie Plaque of Commemoration by the NIU Alumni Association Board President Marty Johnstone and on behalf of the NIU Marching Band Alumni Council.

Since beginning his service to NIU in 2005, Dr. Bough has led thousands of student musicians and performers. Under his leadership, the Huskie Marching Band has performed at every NIU bowl game, numerous Chicago Bears games, and countless significant community events. His demonstrated dedication to the students’ success, energy for recruiting new members, passion for music and pride in NIU are just some of the reasons why the Huskie Marching Band continues to raise the bar for collegiate marching bands.