Baker University Music & Theatre Notes

02/24/2026

Jake Lemonds, senior music education major, recently conducted two high school choral ensembles as part of the Free State High School Choirs' Kaleidoscope Concert on February 19, 2026 at the Lawrence First United Methodist Church downtown. This spring, Jake is student teaching in the mornings with Katie Jacobsen at Baldwin Elementary Center and in the afternoons with Joshua East at Free State High School in Lawrence. The concert was AWESOME and we are so proud of Jake! Baker University Choirs

02/24/2026

We mark the passing of a beloved former Baker University Orchestra Director, Larry R. Williams. After retiring from a distinguished career in public school music education, Larry started teaching at Baker University in 1995. He was inducted into the Kansas Music Educators Hall of Fame in 2002. "His legacy lives on in every lesson taught, every life touched, and every melodious moment in nature that continues to echo his spirit." You can find the full obituary at https://www.amosfamily.com/obituaries/larry-williams. Baker University

02/05/2026

Way to go, Mr. Lemonds!

12/18/2025

Just in: Baker University’s Director of Theatre, Trevor Belt, has been selected to receive the “Road Warrior” Award at this years Region 5 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival! The award is described as being “intended to provide special recognition for people who often function as unsung heroes of the festival: the Regional Production Respondents. As is often said, the on-site response is the heart and soul of the KCACTF mission of learning about the theatre, and every weekend many of our colleagues donate their time and talents toward that mission.” Congratulations Professor Belt!
Baker University

11/09/2025

Kaitlyn Lingle takes 4th place and Alayna Parvin takes 5th place in the 2025 National Association of Teachers of Singing West Central Division Auditions! The women competed against collegiate vocalists from Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, and Kansas. Baker University Baker University Choirs

11/08/2025

BREAKING NEWS: Kaitlyn Lingle and Alayna Parvin have advanced to the FINALs at the NATS West Central Division Auditions in Laramie, WY!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations to Kaitlyn, Alayna, Carol Cooper, and Marci Ziegler!! Baker University Baker University Choirs The Baker Orange

11/08/2025

BREAKING NEWS: Junior vocal music education majors Kaitlyn Lingle and Alayna Parvin have advanced to the semi-final round of the 2025 National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) West Central Division Auditions. Both students study voice with adjunct teaching artist, Marci Ziegler. Pianist Carol Cooper is accompanying both women throughout the competition which is taking place at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY through Saturday evening, November 8, 2025. Congratulations and best wishes to Kaitlyn and Alayna!! The Baker Orange Baker University Baker University Choirs Baker University Office of Student Life

06/26/2025

Enjoy some pictures of our Orff Recorder students from the last couple of weeks!

05/04/2025

Thrilled to see Lyric Opera of KC’s production of Turandot today with just a few of our extraordinary Music and Theatre students and colleagues (unfortunately, not everyone could attend today)! And, it is all the more special because our very own teaching artist, Marci Ziegler, is performing with the chorus. Shout out to Dr. Robin Liston for providing transportation for the students. Baker University Baker University Theatre

05/02/2025

The excitement for the upcoming Choral Reunion: Better Together on May 17 continues to build! It was "fire" to see and visit in person with Nikki DeSimone Pauls ('03) who was on campus today to assist Cheryl McCrary ('87 and '13) in scanning some choir photos from the past. Baker University Baker University Choirs Baker Voices: Better Together Choir Reunion and Concert Baker University Theatre

04/20/2025

Marci Rader Ziegler, adjunct teaching artist, is in rehearsal with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City’s upcoming production of Puccini’s Turandot. Hear her comments at the 3:20 mark in video below.

Step into the world of Puccini's Turandot and discover the power behind one of opera’s most formidable forces — the grand chorus. In this video, we sit down ...