In spring 2020 the WKU Department of Music canceled everything – we all went home and studied music alone from our quiet living rooms. We watched music online and on TV; we tried (emphasizing tried) to make music through recordings and Zoom; and we presented concerts for empty rooms. It was certainly not ideal, but I couldn’t be more proud of the work the students, faculty and staff of the WKU Department of Music did in meeting the conditions of the moment – keeping everyone healthy, while continuing to provide an outstanding music education experience.
Now it’s time to move forward. WKU is back on campus and preparing a full calendar of musical concerts and events, while continuing to maintain a safe environment. As head of the WKU Department of Music, I invite you and your family back to campus to share in the great musical spirit that exists on the Hill. Our students and faculty are passionately devoted to the art of making music and every semester we offer a wide assortment of musical experiences for our local community. Bands, choirs, orchestras, jazz, percussion, chamber music, solo recitals and guest artists – come see, hear and share the musical spirit of the WKU Department of Music! Here is just a taste of what you might enjoy…
The fall WKU Bands include the Symphonic Band and the Big Red Marching Band. The Symphonic Band is a concert ensemble made up of over 80 woodwind, brass and percussion students. Under the direction of Director of Bands Dr. Gary Schallert, the ensemble performs contemporary original works, classical transcriptions and traditional marches. In addition to an October concert on the Hill, we are partnering with SKyPAC for a community performance in November. You can also hear the Big Red Marching Band, with over 270 student musicians, at all WKU football games, local parades, WKU homecoming festivities (Oct. 29-30) and future Conference Championships and Bowl Games! Go TOPS!
The WKU Choirs include the internationally-recognized Chorale, the large Choral Society, University Singers, Treble Chorus and student-run a cappella groups the Treblemakers and Redshirts. Through these many opportunities, students and audiences are treated to a broad collection of choral and vocal repertoire that includes classical masterworks, chamber settings, unique collaborations with instrumentalists and pop/jazz arrangements. A highlight of the fall includes the annual Winterfest at Holy Spirit Catholic Church – a beautiful choral celebration of the spirit and warmth of the holiday season that is simply stunning.
The WKU Symphony is a student orchestra that has been one of the premier ensembles at WKU for over 100 years. The fall season begins with Elgar’s Cello Concerto featuring local young artist Amelia Allen, and Dvorak’s colorful Symphony No. 8 in G Major. For Halloween, dancers from the Department of Theatre and Dance will join The Symphony for Kurt Weill’s Seven Deadly Sins. The fall concludes with the annual Holidays on the Hill concert where the WKU Symphonic Band and Southern Kentucky Choral Society join the orchestra for a celebration of the season! For specific information regarding the Symphony at WKU please contact the Fine Arts Box Office at 270-745-3121.
The WKU Jazz Band and Steel Band are two of the most energetic ensembles on campus! The WKU Jazz Band, directed by Dr. Sarah Herbert, is a traditional big band featuring a full rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, drums) and a 15-piece horn section (saxes, trumpets and trombones) that will keep you snapping your fingers all night long! Using 55-gallon oil drums, the WKU Steel Drum Band performs traditional music from the Caribbean, Latin and Brazilian music, popular arrangements and contemporary originals. The audience is invited to cheer, laugh, toss beach balls and imagine life on the beach with the WKU Steel Band.
In addition to the above, the WKU Department of Music will also present many chamber music recitals, faculty solo recitals, guest artist clinics and master classes, as well as student recitals and convocations throughout the fall semester. Every week brings a new assortment of musical events and experiences. We strive to develop and present outstanding musical artistry through a wide assortment of diversified musical experiences – engaging students and audiences in music that spans a wide spectrum of styles, instruments, time periods, collaborations and creative expression. I hope you will join us for one, or many, of our fall 2021 events. I guarantee you will have an outstanding musical experience!
Most events are free, or ask for a nominal donation, and open to the public – please contact the WKU Department of Music for specific details about individual events at 270-745-3751 or visit www.wku.edu/music. Face coverings are required on the WKU campus for all indoor events.
-by Scott Harris, WKU Department of Music
