Monmouth College Music Season Brings Packed Lineup at Dahl Chapel and Zorn Stadium

MONMOUTH, Ill. — With record student participation and a full calendar of performances, Monmouth College’s 2025 music season promises a variety of opportunities for the community to enjoy concerts at Dahl Chapel, Zorn Stadium, and beyond, according to the River Cities’ Reader.

Marching Band and Parade Highlights

The Fighting Scots Marching Band kicked off the season with an appearance at the Warren County Prime Beef Festival Parade, where more than 60 members, boosted by 20 new freshmen, showed off their new routines.

Director Eli Kelly confirmed that fans can expect a brand-new halftime show at every football game, including classic rock hits like “Heartache Tonight” by the Eagles, “Beth/Detroit Rock City” by Kiss, and “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar.

The band will also make appearances at volleyball and basketball games later this fall, ensuring that live music remains a vibrant part of Monmouth’s athletic events.

Fall Concert Schedule at Dahl Chapel

The season continues with performances across multiple ensembles:

• October 4: The Monmouth Chorale, Chamber Choir, and Concert Choir present a wide-ranging program, including a spiritual, a Slovenian piece, and a selection inspired by Langston Hughes.
• October 22: Pianist Riyad Nicolas, husband of Monmouth alum and violinist Mariela Shaker, will perform a recital ahead of Shaker’s recognition with the Young Alumnus Award.
• October 24: The Wind Ensemble delivers its major fall concert featuring “Unbroken” and works by Illinois composer Roy Magnuson, along with a Halloween-inspired piece based on H.P. Lovecraft.
• November 2: The Monmouth Civic Orchestra presents its fall performance.
• November 14: The Jazz Band, directed by Steve Jackson, takes the stage.

The fall semester concludes with the much-anticipated “Christmas at Monmouth” concert on December 6, which professor Tim Pahel described as the best-attended concert of the year. With ensemble numbers rising across the board, organizers anticipate standing-room-only attendance.

Student and Community Engagement

Participation in Monmouth’s music ensembles has surged this year, with the Wind Ensemble growing to 52 members and the Chorale welcoming 15 new voices. Faculty say the increase reflects growing interest in both instrumental and vocal music on campus.

Beyond college ensembles, Monmouth will also host regional events, including the Illinois Music Education Association audition day on September 23, which has doubled in size since its launch three years ago, and the Honor Band concert on October 30.

High Demand for Seats

With nearly 750 flyers distributed at the Prime Beef Festival Parade, word is spreading quickly about the robust lineup of concerts. From marching band halftime shows to orchestral and choral concerts, Monmouth College expects Dahl Chapel and Zorn Stadium to be filled with eager audiences throughout the fall.

Monmouth’s diverse season ensures opportunities for every music lover, from classical and jazz to marching band and holiday traditions. For more updates on college concerts and music events across Illinois, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.