Dr. Mack Wood, Illinois State University’s associate director of bands and director of the Big Red Marching Machine, joins Redbird Buzz for a behind-the-scenes look at all things marching band. The Big Red Marching Machine is comprised of more than 400 students representing every college on campus and is set to perform in Dublin, Ireland, at the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

From discovering his passion for music at a young age, to serving as the University of Texas at Austin’s Longhorn Band drum major, to his current role leading the Big Red Marching Machine, Wood’s career in bands spans almost every level. He shares stories from his high school and college band director days, his experience at the Rose Bowl with the Longhorns, and how the Big Red Marching Machine’s stellar reputation ultimately brought him to Illinois State.

Tune into this episode to get a peek behind the curtain at the preparation and effort the directors and students in the Big Red Marching Machine put into a full season of football performances, how Wood has transitioned marching band processes to digital formats, and to hear about the importance of the band’s strong alumni base.

Redbird Buzz is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Transcripts of each episode are available online at Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/Podcast.