Dan Farris, director of athletic bands at Northwestern University, will retire at the end of the academic year after 26 years in the role, according to a March 6 announcement. Farris is set to conduct his final Northwestern Concert Band performance on Friday, May 15 at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall.
Farris has been a constant presence at home football games for nearly three decades, leading the Northwestern University Marching Band and setting the tempo for game day. Over his tenure, he conducted almost 200 football games—including 14 bowl games—without missing a single one. More than 1,500 students have participated in his program during that time.
Reflecting on his career, Farris said, “It’s been the fastest 26 years.” He joined the Bienen School of Music in August of 2000 with nearly two decades of experience in music education. His background includes directing award-winning bands and participating in events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and NCAA Final Four tournaments. “Northwestern is a world-class university with a renowned faculty,” Farris said. “It was an incredible environment to join.”
Farris emphasized that it was the students who made his experience special: “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.
Mallory Thompson, Bienen professor emeritus and former director of bands who worked alongside Farris for much of his tenure, praised his mentorship: “Dan’s devotion to his students was clear in the way he nurtured their leadership skills, teamwork and love for Northwestern,” she said. Jonathan Bailey Holland, dean of the Bienen School of Music, also recognized Farris’ impact: “Dan Farris has provided steady leadership to one of the most visible student-performing organizations on campus,” Holland said.
The Bienen School of Music is currently working with Northwestern Athletics to find Farris’ successor.
