University of Kansas Bands

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University of Kansas Bands

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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 concert 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.

10/27/2026

Registration for our 2027 Prairie Winds Festival is now open!
https://music.ku.edu/band/prairiewinds

Prairie Winds is a fantastic opportunity for students to develop in a fun and welcoming environment while working with our KU faculty and special guests. It is open to all band students in grades 9-12! This year’s festival will be held on Friday, February 5 and Saturday, February 6. Students will participate in the Prairie Winds Festival Band, perform in like-instrument ensembles, work with our applied lesson faculty and conductors, and participate in a clinic with our guest artists, BOSTON BRASS! Our festival concludes on Saturday evening with a concert featuring the Crossroads Wind Symphony, KU Wind Ensemble, and the Prairie Winds Festival Band. Students who wish to audition for the KU School of Music are able to audition that weekend as well.

10/26/2026

The KU Wind Orchestra welcomed Nicole Piunno to campus today to begin her weeklong residency with KU Bands. The Wind Orchestra is performing her symphony "Sunflower Studies" at their upcoming concert on Thursday. KU Professor Emeritus, James Barnes, also joined the Wind Orchestra for rehearsal and gave feedback as they prepare the premiere of his new work, "Old American Popular Songs."

10/25/2026

Join the University of Kansas Wind Orchestra and composer-in-residence, Nicole Piunno for "Echoes Across A Canvas," an evocative concert celebrating color, texture, and the art of musical reflection on Thursday, October 29 at the Lied Center of Kansas. We are excited to premiere "Old American Popular Songs" by renowned Kansas composer and KU Professor Emeritus, James Barnes in the first half of the concert. The second half will feature Piunno's "Sunflower Studies," a symphony for wind ensemble that explores a love of sunflowers and what they represent.

Event Information and Tickets: https://lied.ku.edu/event/ku-wind-orchestra-oct29/
Livestream: https://lied.ku.edu/live/

10/24/2026

IT'S HOMECOMING GAMEDAY! We are excited to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Memorial Campanile and Carillon at halftime with music by Metallica, AC/DC, and a bell carol arranged by Robert W. Smith.

Rock Chalk!

10/19/2026

Congratulations to former Dean and Director of Bands Paul W. Popiel for his work with the Lawrence City Band! And to alumnus Debbie Woodall Routledge!

Members of Lawrence’s Cultural Arts Commission are recognizing six artists and educators with 2026 Phoenix Awards for their outstanding contributions to the arts in Lawrence.

10/14/2026

Join us tonight at the Lied Center of Kansas for the KU Wind Symphony's first concert of the semester, titled "Reverberations," featuring a consortium premiere of Holly Harrison's new work, "Big Things."

Livestream: https://lied.ku.edu/live/

Event information: https://lied.ku.edu/event/ku-wind-symphony-oct14/

10/05/2026

The KU Wind Symphony, under the direction of Dr. Melissa Sawyer, is excited to present their first concert of the academic year entitled "Reverberations." Serving as a narrative thread, 'Reverberations' connects a program of pieces echoing through time, genre, and cultural heritage. This program features a consortium premiere of Australian composer Holly Harrison's new work, 'Big Things,' and Gustav Holst's masterpiece, 'Second Suite in F.'

Ticket and Event Information: https://lied.ku.edu/event/ku-wind-symphony-oct14/

Livestream: https://lied.ku.edu/live/

10/03/2026

IT'S GAME DAY!

We are excited for Saturday at The Booth and the first Tailgate Bands of the season! At halftime, we're celebrating movie anniversaries with music from iconic movies and movie trivia on the video board. This week's show was written by KUMJ Graduate Teaching Assistant, Jesse Deese.

Rock Chalk!

09/27/2026

Marching Jayhawks in London, Game Day

What an unforgettable experience for our students to represent the University of Kansas in the UK during the 2026 .

Rock Chalk! 🔴🔵

09/22/2026

Marching Jayhawks in London, Day 3

On Friday, members of the Marching Jayhawks had their final on field rehearsal with the KU Spirit Squads, B2wins, and the ASU Sun Devil Marching Band for the Union Jack Classic halftime show. In the afternoon, KUMJ performed twice at the flagship Adidas London store on Oxford Street before getting a few free hours in the afternoon for sightseeing and dinner.

Address

1530 Naismith Drive
Lawrence, KS
66045

Telephone

+17858643367

Website

http://music.ku.edu/

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