“The Coolest Concert at WKU!”
The PRISM concert returns to WKU after a year hiatus on Friday, February 18 in Van Meter Hall. PRISM is a stunning and extraordinary event that reflects the true spirit of the WKU Department of Music. Featuring roughly 20 performance groups from the WKU Department of Music, this single event highlights what studying music is all about. PRISM showcases musical diversity, collaboration, creativity and the great commitment WKU students make to artistic musicianship. Concertgoers may hear the Wind Ensemble, Steel Drum Band, Jazz Ensemble, Redshirts, Guitar Ensemble and much, much more – all tightly organized throughout Van Meter Hall into a seamless high-energy production that includes special lighting, unique staging and even a little good humor. Here is just a taste of who you may hear from during the evening…
Wind Ensemble – The WKU Wind Ensemble is the premier wind (woodwinds and brass) and percussion ensemble on campus. The Wind Ensemble has performed at the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) convention seven times since 1996 and at the College Band Directors National Association Southern Division Convention, including a featured 2016 performance in Charleston, SC. The ensemble has travelled abroad to Russia and Costa Rica, and they celebrated Veteran’s Day with a special commemorative concert at SKyPAC here in Bowling Green in 2016. Directed by Dr. Gary Schallert (WKU Director of Bands), the ensemble performs traditional band literature as well as commissioning and performing new contemporary works for the medium.
WKU Choirs – The WKU choirs include three large choruses, a treble choir and two a-cappella groups – the Treblemakers and the Redshirts. Directed by Drs. Paul Hondorp and Lauren Whitham-Raynaud, the choral program at WKU has a long history of excellence, having performed at multiple KMEA conventions and for the Southern Division Convention of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). WKU choral ensembles have toured Southern Spain, Costa Rica, and have performed in Carnegie Hall. Performing for many university, alumni and community events, the Treblemakers and Redshirts are very popular across campus and in the region with their highly energetic renditions of popular rock, jazz and gospel works.
Jazz Band – The WKU Jazz Band performs a wide repertoire of jazz music, including swing standards, Latin favorites and cutting-edge selections from the present. The band is a traditional big band that features a full rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, drums) and a 15-piece horn section (saxes, trumpets and trombones). Under the direction of Dr. Sarah Herbert, students learn and demonstrate the art of improvisation through working with a rhythm section, ensemble interaction and chord/harmonization study.
Steel Drum Band – Under the direction of Dr. Mark Berry, the WKU Steel Band is one of the most energetic ensembles on campus! Using 55-gallon oil drums, this group 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.
Guitar Ensemble – The WKU Guitar Ensemble is a performance group designed to improve reading and playing ability, widen knowledge of the guitar and related literature, and expose each student to live performance. The ensemble performs music from the Renaissance Period through the 20th century, is directed by Mr. John Martin, and typically includes 10-12 guitarists from across campus.
Chamber Ensembles – these ensembles are small groups of students and faculty who typically perform on similar instruments like the Trumpet Ensemble, Trombone Choir, woodwind and brass quintets, string ensembles, Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble, and the Percussion Ensemble. Generally working without a conductor, these ensembles require students to be highly aware and sensitive to each other’s part as they present a more intimate performance setting for both our students and the audience.
The PRISM concert has been featured at WKU for over 20 years. If you would like a taste of everything the WKU Department of Music has to offer, then this is the perfect concert for you. I invite students, adults, families and friends of all ages to attend on Friday night, February 18 at 8pm in Van Meter Hall. Tickets are available through the WKU Department of Music and all proceeds go towards music scholarships.
In addition to PRISM, be sure to visit www.wku.edu/music for a full calendar of Department of Music events throughout the Spring 2022 semester including: Bands, Choirs, Orchestra, Chamber Music, Guest Artists, Student and Faculty Recitals, and the spring musical Little Women.
I look forward to sharing the return of PRISM with the entire Southern Kentucky community and I hope you can join us for multiple events throughout the Spring 2022 semester! Go TOPS!
WKU Department of Music: 270-745-3751 or visit www.wku.edu/music.
-by Scott Harris
