The Eastern Illinois University Marching Panthers was the first college marching band Houser directed. After a last-minute resignation of director Pete Griffin, the University of Illinois began their summer search for a new director of the University of Illinois Marching Illini, the marching band that is part of the nation’s first collegiate band program. This search ultimately resulted in the hiring of Houser, who would now return to lead the program he had served as a graduate assistant for just three years before. During Houser’s first five years as a faculty member at the University of Illinois, the band has grown to a record-size of 375 members. Under Houser’s direction, the band has performed at Chicago Bears home football games; an It's On Us rally held by Vice President Joe Biden; the Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade; and many other events separate and apart from athletic events at the University. The band’s most notable performance during Houser’s first five years at Illinois was during the 2015 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The band was selected to perform in the preeminent position at the end of the parade bringing in Santa Claus. Houser had previously co-directed the Macy's Great-American Marching Band for many years, and therefore had experience preparing for the unique performance at Herald Square. In April 2015, it became known that the Ohio State University was actively recruiting Houser to serve as the director of their marching band. Despite his participation in the interview process, and finalist-status, Houser ultimately made the decision to remain at the University of Illinois. In an interview about Houser's choice to stay, Jeff Magee, the director of University of Illinois’ School of Music described Houser as a “pillar” of the Illinois Bands program. In addition to the work that the band does on the field, Houser believes the band can and should use its fame and manpower to help give back to the community. During his time at the university, the band has taken on numerous causes and held unique fundraisers, most notably the "Sousaphone 5K." After the first year the race was held, Houser agreed to run the 5K the following year while wearing a sousaphone if the band raised $5000 in an effort to generate additional hype and create an incentive that would help raise more money. Another notable charitable endeavor during Houser's time at the university was the piccolo section's participation in a dance marathon.