University of Kansas Bands

Home
United States
Lawrence, KS
University of Kansas Bands

KU Bands: Wind Orchestra, Marching Jayhawks, 3 concert bands, and 3 pep bands—tradition, artistry, and Jayhawk pride since 1887. Popiel, Director of Bands.

Matt Smith, Director of Bands
Sharon Toulouse, Director of Athletic Bands
Melissa Sawyer, Assistant Director of Bands The University of Kansas Bands offers you a wonderful musical environment in which to learn, grow, and make life-long friends. No matter what your level of interest or major, THERE IS A PLACE FOR YOU IN THE KU BANDS! Opportunities exist for performing in one of our outstanding conc

ert bands, athletic bands, or jazz bands. Prospective students are invited and encouraged to visit campus. To schedule your visit, please make an appointment with the Visitor Center 785-864-3911. Please let them know you are interested in making an appointment to visit with the Band Faculty and see the facilities. You may also contact us by emailing us at [email protected]. Described by the New York Times as “one of America’s most esteemed concert bands,” the University of Kansas Wind Ensemble is the premier wind band at the University of Kansas and is conducted by Dr. Paul W. Their Carnegie Hall debut in 2013 was described by Feast of Music as “showing amazing chops in their transitions and an impressive range of dynamics” and by the New York Times as “performing with polish, assurance and copious spirit, eliciting a rousing ovation." The Wind Ensemble’s membership is selected by audition from among the finest wind and percussion players at the university. The Wind Ensemble performs diverse repertoire of the highest caliber from chamber works to large ensemble pieces and has a strong commitment to new music as well as the finest standard band repertoire. The band has a long tradition of excellence and performs regularly at national conventions, commissions new works, and hosts outstanding composers, conductors, and soloists.

09/04/2026

IT'S GAME DAY!!! Catch the Marching Jayhawks from start to finish this evening, and don't miss our first halftime show of the season, "Long Live the QUEENS."

ROCK CHALK!

09/02/2026

Join the KU School of Music brass faculty this month for Brass Day! This event, open to all high school brass players, will conclude with a mass brass choir performance.

08/26/2026

The University of Kansas Wind Symphony and their conductor, Dr. Melissa Sawyer, are excited to announce their Fall repertoire and 2026-2027 performances featuring a mix of new works and standards in the repertoire.

We hope to see you at the Lied Center of Kansas this year!

08/25/2026

Enjoy these "Scenes from Camp" from KUMJ's 2026 Band Camp last week. In addition to Band Camp, the Marching Jayhawks performed at Traditions Night, the KU vs. Creighton Volleyball match, and UnionFest.

Rock Chalk!

08/21/2026

Marching forward, together. A big Rock Chalk thank-you to Chris and Adele Hodgdon for helping us launch a new fund in support of the KU Marching Jayhawks! This fund will help provide new instruments and uniforms the band needs to perform, represent KU and carry on a tradition that brings music and spirit to life.

And you are invited to be part of their impact. Give today to help build a future that is in step, in tune, and ready to play:
https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1312/lg21/form.aspx?sid=1312&gid=1&pgid=650&cid=1568&bledit=1&dids=2886&sort=1&appealcode=WEK

08/16/2026

Welcome back Marching Jayhawks! It's good to see you.

08/14/2026

Scenes from Camp 📷

08/11/2026

Join us this year for an exciting series of performances from the University of Kansas Wind Orchestra and their conductor Dr. Matt Smith.

This fall, we are excited to welcome world-renowned composers Nicole Piunno and Pete Meechan as composers-in-residence to Lawrence to work with KU Bands!

08/10/2026

Sign-ups for the Fall 2026 ensemble placement audition are now posted at the Band Office (124 Murphy Hall)! An audition is required for placement into our Wind Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Symphony Orchestra. No audition is required for our University Band, though, you may complete an audition for that ensemble if desired.

Auditions begin in two weeks on Monday, August 24th. Dates, times, and audition material can be found at music.ku.edu/band/concert-band-auditions.

08/03/2026

Prof. Toulouse and Dr. Sawyer had a fantastic time visiting our friends at Fruhauf Uniforms, Inc. today! It was great catching up and getting everything ready as we gear up for another exciting season with the Kansas Marching Jayhawks. We cannot wait to welcome our students back and kick off the 2026 KUMJ season!

Address

1530 Naismith Drive
Lawrence, KS
66045

Telephone

+17858643367

Website

http://music.ku.edu/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when University of Kansas Bands posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The University

Send a message to University of Kansas Bands:

Want your university to be the top-listed University in Lawrence?