Barry L. Houser

Houser's first band directing job was at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois as the Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands. The Eastern Illinois University Marching Panthers was the first college marching band Houser directed.[7][8]

After the resignation of director Pete Griffin, the University of Illinois hired Houser as the new director of the University of Illinois Marching Illini, a marching band.[9][10]

The band has performed at Chicago Bears home football games, an It's On Us rally held by Vice President Joe Biden,[11] the Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the 2015 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.[12] The band was selected to perform at the end of the parade bringing in Santa Claus.[13][14]

During Houser's time at the university, the band has held a fundraiser called the "Sousaphone 5K."[15][16] After the first year the race was held, Houser agreed to run the 5K the following year while wearing a sousaphone if the band raised $5000.[17] Another band fundraiser included the piccolo section's participation in a dance marathon.[18]

In April 2015, the News-Gazette reported that the Ohio State University was recruiting Houser to serve as the director of their marching band.[19] After interviewing and being named a finalist, Houser withdrew his candidacy.[20][21]

Houser is also the President of the Smith Walbridge Drum Major Clinics. Houser first joined the staff in 1995. Houser has been selected to conduct the Macy's Great American Marching Band six times.[22]