Skip to main content

Dan Farris, director of athletic bands, will retire this spring

For 26 years and almost 200 Northwestern football games, Farris has been setting the tempo on gameday
March 18, 2026 | By Stephen J. Lewis
dan farris
Dan Farris joined the Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music in August of 2000, already carrying nearly two decades of experience in music education. He had directed award-winning bands, marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, performed at NCAA Final Four tournaments and led a band through the streets of Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day. Photo by Ryan Kuttler

If you’ve watched the Wildcats in action, then you’ve probably also seen Dan Farris at work. Stationed on the 50-yard line, Farris’ eyes are locked in on the task before him. He has been a constant presence on the sidelines at home football games, leading the Northwestern University Marching Band and setting the tempo for game day long before the first snap.

In his 26 years at Northwestern, Farris has achieved something few people can claim: perfect attendance. As director of athletic bands, Farris has conducted the marching band at almost 200 football games, including 14 bowl games, without missing a single one.

Somewhere in all of it, more than 1,500 students passed through his program and came out on the other side a little more confident, a little more connected and a little more in love with Northwestern.

Farris will soon take his final bow at a May farewell concert and retire at the end of the academic year.

“It’s been the fastest 26 years,” he says, and he means it.

Farris joined the Bienen School of Music in August of 2000, already carrying nearly two decades of experience in music education. He had directed award-winning bands, marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, performed at NCAA Final Four tournaments and led a band through the streets of Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day.

“Northwestern is a world-class university with a renowned faculty,” Farris said. “It was an incredible environment to join.”

But for Farris, it was the students, more than anything, that sealed his love for Northwestern.

“They have this great combination of intellect, passion, focus and energy. They’re incredibly spirited and back the ‘Cats no matter what.  All of that creates a synergy like no other university in the county,” he said.

Farris brought more than musical direction to Northwestern. He’s also a senior lecturer in the school of music. From his first year on campus, Farris set out to build something less tangible: a culture of community.

“That’s my proudest achievement,” he said when asked about his legacy. “When I joined Northwestern, my goal was to create a welcoming and accepting community within the marching band and to provide undying support to the athletic program.”

Mallory Thompson, Bienen professor emeritus and director of bands for more than two decades, worked alongside Dan Farris for much of his tenure before her own retirement two years ago. She watched him mentor student after student, year after year, with a consistency that she says was remarkable. Photo by Tom McGrath ’03

Students past and present say he did just that and more.

Emily Mayekar played clarinet in the marching band between 2003 and 2007. More than two decades later, what she remembers most isn’t the performances or the road trips, it’s the rehearsals, the laughter and the sense that trying something new was always encouraged.

“He fostered an environment of excitement, experimentation and deep Northwestern pride,” she said.

Andy Habib, Northwestern senior and current marching and concert band member, says he is constantly inspired by Farris. “Mr. Farris teaches all of us that no matter how busy you get, you can always make time to do the things you love,” he said.

Farris, who mentioned that he enjoys rehearsals even more than the performances, says the daily interaction with students is what he will miss the most.

Dan Farris will soon take his final bow at a farewell concert in May.

Mallory Thompson, Bienen professor emeritus and director of bands for more than two decades, worked alongside Farris for much of his tenure before her own retirement two years ago. She watched him mentor student after student, year after year, with a consistency that she says was remarkable.

“Dan’s devotion to his students was clear in the way he nurtured their leadership skills, teamwork and love for Northwestern,” she said. “His work ethic was perfectly balanced with his sense of humor.”

“Dan Farris has provided steady leadership to one of the most visible student-performing organizations on campus,” said Jonathan Bailey Holland, dean of the Bienen School of Music. “The marching band is essential in creating enthusiasm and connection with the fans during games, and Dan has helped to create a community that takes pride in their level of performance on the field.”  

Farris conducts his final Northwestern Concert Band performance on Friday, May 15 at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall. In this farewell concert, talented students from across the campus will present a range of exciting repertoire for band.

The Bienen School of Music is currently working with Northwestern Athletics to find Farris’ successor, which is expected to be announced soon.

Editor’s Picks

.StoryImageAltText.ATT

Related Stories

loft club