By: Ryan Duey
The University of Kansas School of Music has started an outreach initiative to bring music to Central and Western Kansas.
On Monday, March 31st, the KU Wind Ensemble will visit Clay Center to perform at the high school at 9:45 a.m. Following the performance, the Ensemble will travel to the Junction City High School to perform at 1:15 p.m.
Matt Smith, Conductor, said this initiative was brought upon by Dean Dr. Paul Popiel.
“It’s an outreach effort called ‘School of Music Across Kansas.’ It is meant for us to have a little bit of exposure and presence in some of the various communities where we have not performed at before or had a presence in a long time.”
“Our Marching Band and Athletic Band get a lot of visibility, but there is much more to KU Band. So, this initiative gives us a chance to connect with others throughout the state.”
The concert is free and open to the community. Smith said they hope to foster connections between KU musicians and residents across the state. He said the concert will be light and enjoyable, with a wide appeal.
“We want this to be a little bit more like something you might hear at a Summer Band Concert.”
“Our new faculty member, Dr. David Earll, is going to do a little bit of a Tuba Solo playing. We’re playing some John Williams and some standard band repertoire. The music is all very listenable and approachable to the audience.”
For more information on the KU School of Music and the “School of Music Across Kansas” initiative, visit their Facebook page or website at https://music.ku.edu.
