Mahomet-Seymour Band Gears Up for Championships and Farewell to Director
On a blustery October afternoon, the Mahomet-Seymour High School marching band prepared for its final practice before the highly anticipated Illinois Marching Band Championships at Gies Memorial Stadium. This year’s performance, titled “The Writings on the Wall,” will showcase a blend of music from iconic productions such as Sunset Boulevard, Hamilton, and the 2015 film Spectre. As they fine-tuned their routine, the band of 160 members, featuring three drum majors, 21 percussionists, and a dedicated color guard, focused on making their last appearance together a memorable one.
This championship holds particular significance for the Bulldogs, as they not only aim to defend their Class 1A-3A Governor’s Grand Champion Trophy but also bid farewell to Michael Stevens, the band director who has shaped the program for the past 33 years. Stevens, who began his tenure fresh out of Western Illinois University in 1993, expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from both the administration and the community, stating, “I never, ever saw a reason to leave. There was just nothing out there that I thought was going to be that much better.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Under Stevens’ leadership, the band has achieved remarkable success, including performances at renowned events such as the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Fiesta and Peach Bowls. Yet, for Stevens, the highlight of his career has been the consistent recognition at competitions, including 13 wins at the University of Illinois as the Governor’s Grand Champion. He remarked, “I had such great kids who have made this job such a joy, and all those things together are really special.”
As the band prepared for competition, Stevens emphasized the importance of adaptability in unpredictable weather conditions and encouraged the students to enjoy the experience. “On Saturday, we don’t know what’s going to happen, but all we can do is control what we do, and we’re gonna do the best we can,” he said. “Let the chips fall where they may.”
Building Connections and Memories
At the start of the school year, Stevens implemented a leadership structure designed to foster connections among students. This approach paid off, with senior leaders like Allie Dilger and Cheyenne Stephens reflecting on their experiences. Stephens, who has known Stevens since her final year of elementary school, noted, “I feel like I can go to him and talk to him like he’s my best friend.” As the season comes to a close, both seniors expressed a bittersweet mix of pride and sadness.
“It’s nice to be at the end of the season and look back at everything we’ve done, but also there’s no more after this,” Dilger said. Stephens, who plans to attend the University of Illinois but not study music, shared her feelings of loss, stating, “I’m definitely going to be sad to see Mr. Stevens go.”
Reflecting on his time at Mahomet-Seymour, Stevens looks forward to retirement, where he plans to travel with family, spend time with his soon-to-be five grandchildren, and perhaps return to playing the saxophone in community bands. He will miss the relationships he built with his students and their successes, saying, “I’m looking for a new chapter in my life and not that I haven’t enjoyed the previous ones. I just want something different.”
As the Bulldogs prepare for their performance on Saturday, one thing is clear: the journey has been as rewarding as the destination, leaving behind a legacy that will resonate for years to come. The spirit of camaraderie and dedication in the Mahomet-Seymour marching band is a testament to the influence of a remarkable director and the community that has supported them.
