McLean's band program is currently conducted by Chris Weise, who took over the direction of the band at the beginning of the 2008–2009 school year. Jim Kirchenbauer, who had been the conductor since 1982, was forced to step down from his position early because of serious health concerns. Under Mr. Kirchenbauer, the McLean band was awarded many honors, such as the Sudler Flag of Honor, an award granted by the John Phillip Sousa Foundation for consistent superior musical performance, in 2000, and again in 2018 under the direction of Chris Weise. McLean remains one of only seven bands in the country who have earned the award twice. The band also traveled to the Midwest Clinic in 2006, one of the most prestigious performances a high school band can achieve.