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.
