DeKalb man creates scholarship for NIU marching band students

SYCAMORE – A new scholarship has been created for Northern Illinois University students who participate in the university’s marching band program.

The Michael Embrey Band Scholarship Fund runs through the DeKalb County Community Foundation, according to a news release.

Established by Embrey, the fund honors his lifelong music career and pays forward the significant influence of the scholarship he received as a student.

Applications for the Embrey Band Scholarship will open each fall, beginning this year. The recipient will be recognized during the NIU homecoming football game each year.

“A single music scholarship changed my life,” Embrey, a DeKalb resident and retired NIU Marching Band director, said in a news release. “It allowed me to continue pursuing my music career and opened doors I never imagined. I want to provide that same opportunity for future band members.”

Embrey’s musical journey began at the age of 6 when his family moved from Texas to the Ozarks in southern Missouri, where his father opened a truck stop. One day, a trucker who couldn’t afford fuel offered a musical instrument as payment. Embrey’s father accepted the old, beat-up trumpet and gave it to Michael, who quickly learned to play. The local school band director recognized his talent and encouraged the family to seek more professional training for Michael.

The Embrey family relocated to Mount Prospect. Michael joined the school band and the Championship Drum and Bugle Corps (The Cavaliers) during high school. His skills earned him a trumpet scholarship to the University of Illinois. This scholarship was life-changing for him.

At this time in his life, the Vietnam War was escalating. Embrey auditioned to become a musician and arranger for the U.S. Air Force Band and Drum Corps. After completing his four-year military tour, he returned to college on the GI Bill, spending two years as a professional musician. Shortly after, he was invited to apply for the NIU marching band director position. He accepted.

As the new band director, Embrey transformed the NIU Marching Show Band, introducing a dance team (The Silverettes), flag corps, rifle corps and twirling squad. His leadership revitalized the program, establishing a dynamic collegiate marching band.

After a decade of success, Embrey left NIU to launch his entertainment production and international travel companies. He remained in DeKalb, drawn by his love for the community, the university and the friendships he made.

In October, Northern Illinois University honored Embrey during homecoming, celebrating the 50th anniversary of his modernization of the marching band. Inspired by the recognition, Embrey established the Michael Embrey Band Scholarship Fund.

Embrey holds two degrees from NIU, actively serves on multiple community organization boards, and has earned national recognition for his work with military veterans and veteran organizations.

“Michael shared with us that he chose the DeKalb County Community Foundation because of our professionalism, something he experienced firsthand when creating the DeKalb County Veterans Recognition Fund,” Community Foundation Executive Director Dan Templin said in a news release. “This new fund will carry on his legacy with the NIU marching band program, helping dozens of future NIU Huskie Marching Band members for years to come.”

Donations to any fund at the Community Foundation, including the Michael Embrey Band Scholarship Fund, can be made online at dekalbccf.org/donate or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178. For questions or to start your charitable fund, contact Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.