As the Western Kentucky University Department of Music welcomes a new academic year, we also join communities across the nation in commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. This historic milestone invites us to reflect on the music that has given voice to our shared experiences, celebrated our diverse traditions, and marked moments of triumph, remembrance, and hope.
Music has long served as a bridge between generations, cultures, and communities, reminding us that our greatest achievements are often found in listening, learning, and creating together. As we begin this new season of performances, scholarship, and artistic discovery, we celebrate not only the legacy of the past but also the promise of the future embodied by our students, faculty, and audiences.
May this academic year inspire curiosity, excellence, and collaboration as we honor the enduring power of music to enrich lives, strengthen communities, and shape the stories yet to be written.
Fall 2026 Large Ensemble Events
Big Red Marching Band – Featuring nearly 300 student musicians and performers, the BRMB will perform at all WKU football home games, local parades, and during Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, November 15th!
WKU Symphonic Band – A concert ensemble with over 80 woodwind, brass, and percussion players, performing contemporary original works, classical transcriptions, and traditional marches.
•Thursday, October 1st at 7:30pm – Van Meter Auditorium
•Thursday, November 19th at 7:30pm – Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center
WKU Choirs – Includes Chorale, the Southern Kentucky Choral Society, University Singers, Treble Choir, and student-run a cappella groups Treblemakers and Redshirts. This fall’s performances span classical masterworks, chamber settings, collaborations with instrumentalists, and pop/jazz arrangements.
•Chorale – Sunday, September 20th at 4:00pm – First Christian Church
•Sunday, October 18th at 4:00pm – Van Meter Auditorium
•Southern Kentucky Choral Society – Friday, November 6th at 7:30pm – First Baptist Church
•Winterfest: A Choral Celebration – Saturday, December 5th at 8:00pm – Holy Spirit Catholic Church
The Symphony at WKU – A full orchestra combining students, faculty, local professionals, and community members. The Symphony continues the 400-year tradition of classical music while fostering unique collaborations with guest artists, WKU Choirs, and WKU Department of Theatre and Dance.
•Friday, September 25th at 7:30pm – Van Meter Auditorium
•Friday, October 30th at 7:30pm – Van Meter Auditorium
•Holidays on the Hill! – Tuesday, December 1st at 7:30pm – Van Meter Auditorium
WKU Jazz Band – A traditional big band with a full rhythm section and 15-piece horn section, where students develop improvisation and rhythmic interaction in this distinctive genre.
•WKU Jazz Band at the Colonnades – Friday, October 2nd at 11:30am – Fine Arts Center Colonnades (OUTDOORS)
•WKU Jazz Band at the Capitol – Sunday, November 22nd at TBA – The Capitol Theatre
The WKU Department of Music is dedicated to cultivating and showcasing outstanding musical talent through a diverse array of performances. Whether you are a seasoned music lover or new to the scene, this fall offers something for everyone.
All events are open to the public. For more details, contact the WKU Department of Music at 270-745-3751 or visit www.wku.edu/music.
-submitted by WKU Department of Music
Be the first to comment