People say that when you turn 30, you step into a new kind of confidence – one shaped by clarity about who you are and where you’re headed. You know what works, what doesn’t, and just how much you’re capable of achieving. The missteps along the way become fuel for growth, leaving you wiser, stronger, and ready to see the bigger picture with excitement for what comes next.
This year, Western Kentucky University’s annual PRISM concert turns 30! Since 1996, this concert has captivated the audience with its electrifying showcases of nearly every performance ensemble in the department, from the Wind Ensemble and Steel Drum Band to Jazz and Guitar Ensembles. With seamless transitions, creative staging, and high-energy performances, PRISM is a one-of-a-kind celebration of musical artistry and collaboration. Now a well-oiled machine that just gets better with time, PRISM is ready for its 30th debut. This year’s concert falls on Friday, January 23rd, 2026 at 8pm.
Here is just a taste of who you may hear from during the evening!
The WKU Wind Ensemble, directed by Dr. Gary Schallert, is the premier wind and percussion ensemble on campus. The ensemble has performed at the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) convention nine times in the past decade and at the College Band Directors National Association Southern Division Convention, including a standout performance in Charleston, South Carolina. Internationally, the ensemble has toured Russia and Costa Rica and recently performed at London’s historic Cadogan Hall.
Directed by Drs. Paul Hondorp and Lauren Whitham, WKU Choirs include three large SATB choruses, a treble choir, and two a cappella groups, the Treblemakers and the Redshirts. These ensembles have a storied history of performances at KMEA and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Southern Division Convention. They have toured internationally and are celebrated for their dynamic performances of classical and contemporary works. This March, Dr. Paul Hondorp is traveling with the WKU Chorale to Spain for their first overseas trip in over a decade. They will be performing in spectacular venues in Madrid, Toledo, Valencia, and Barcelona. Many of the students will be taking their first trip out of the country and, for a few, their first flight!
Under the direction of Dr. Sarah Herbert, the WKU Jazz Band delivers diverse jazz repertoires, from swing standards to contemporary pieces. The traditional big band setup allows students to strengthen their improvisation skills while learning to perform with precision and cohesion as a group.
Directed by Dr. Mark Berry, the WKU Steel Drum Band brings high-energy performances featuring Caribbean, Latin, and Brazilian music. With 55-gallon oil drums, they create vibrant, beach-inspired atmospheres for audiences.
Led by Professor John Martin, the WKU Guitar Ensemble explores works from the Renaissance to the 20th century, offering students opportunities for live performance and skill enhancement.
WKU Chamber Ensembles include Flute Choir, Piano Ensemble, Trombone Choir, Cello Ensemble, Horn Choir, and many more! Generally working without a conductor, these ensembles require members to be highly aware and sensitive to each other’s parts as they present a more intimate performance setting for both performers and the audience.
We invite students, adults, families, and friends of all ages to attend the 30th anniversary of the WKU PRISM Concert. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $20 for reserved seating, 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 2026 semester, including:
•WKU Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble – Friday, February 27th at 7:30pm – Van Meter Auditorium
•WKU Symphony – Friday, March 6th at 7:30pm – Van Meter Auditorium
•WKU Choirs – Sunday, March 8th at 4pm – Van Meter Auditorium
•Campus Community Band & Wind Ensemble – Noah Woody Graduate Conducting Recital – Monday, March 9th at 7:30pm – Van Meter Auditorium
•Opera Theater – Sunday, April 19th at 7:30pm – Fine Arts Center Recital Hall
•Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble – Friday, April 24th at 7:30pm – Van Meter Auditorium
•Choirs Spring Finale Concert – Sunday, April 26th at 4pm – Van Meter Auditorium
•Campus Community Band – Monday, April 27th at 7:30pm – Van Meter Auditorium
•WKU Symphony – Choral Spectacular! Feat. Southern Kentucky Choral Society and Chorale – Friday, May 1st at 7:30pm – Van Meter Auditorium
Join us for a semester filled with celebration, music, and artistry at WKU. We look forward to seeing both familiar and new faces at our events!
WKU Department of Music: 270-745-3751 or visit www.wku.edu/music.
-submitted by WKU Department of Music
