Students in the John Hersey High School Band Program participate in the Symphonic Band and Concert Band for credit and meet every day. All students form the Marching Huskie Band in the fall. Various small ensembles meet regularly from November through May. The Jazz Program features two Jazz Ensembles and 2 Jazz Combos that meet regularly throughout the year. The JHHS Jazz Ensemble I has performed at the MidWest International Band and Orchestra Convention, the Chicago Jazz Festival and they have been Grand Champion at Jazz in the Meadows and the Purdue Jazz Festivals (90+ bands) several times in the last 10 years. The Marching Huskies have placed at the top of all competitions entered including being named the 2006 Marching Illini Festival Field Show Grand Champion (40+ bands), 2008 Parade Champion and 2009 Governor’s Cup winner and a Finalist the last two years in the State of Illinois Marching Championships. The Fall and Winter Color Guards rehearse throughout the year and are extremely active.
In the Symphonic Band, students are active in the Illinois Music Educators Association District and All-State Festivals. Students actively participate in various instrumental honors ensemble festivals throughout the state.
MacArthur Junior High, under the direction of Sam Simpson, River Trails Middle School, under the direction of Todd Smith and Thomas Middle School, under the direction of Candi Horton and Dana Berry, as well as several area parochial schools, annually send students to the John Hersey Band Program.