Prairie Winds Festival
The 18th annual Prairie Winds Festival takes place at the University of Kansas on the first weekend in February. Each year, students from across the United States converge on the historic KU campus to take part in this unique musical opportunity. The Prairie Winds Festival encourages the musical growth of high school wind and percussion performers of all levels and provides advanced instruction in a supportive and fun environment. All high school musicians are invited to participate with students who are selected for All State in 2020 receive a $50 scholarship to the festival.
Faculty
The University of Kansas faculty work directly with students throughout the weekend, including master classes, clinics, chamber music coaching, and ensemble rehearsals.
Festival Format
During the festival, students participate in master classes, perform in chamber ensembles, and work with School of Music faculty. The festival concludes with performances at KU's celebrated Lied Center.
Festival Fee
The Festival cost is $175 plus a $50 non-refundable registration fee; making the total payment of the festival $225. The fee includes the cost of housing and dinners, with lunches being the student’s responsibility. Students who are accepted to their state's All-State Ensemble (band, orchestra, or jazz), will receive a $50 scholarship to the festival. Students may, instead of staying at the hotel, elect to participate as a commuter each day. The festival fee for commuters is $75 plus a non-refundable $50 registration fee. Total cost of the festival for commuters is $125. Commuter students participate in all festival events except those taking place at the hotel and must be present from 9 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Housing/Meals
Resident participants stay at the Lawrence DoubleTree with a staff of KU Graduate Teaching Assistants as chaperones for the weekend. Dinner is provided for both Friday and Saturday along with a light snack before the concert on Sunday. Students should bring money for lunch at the DeBruce Center on Friday and downtown at local restaurants during their free time on Massachusetts Street on Saturday.
Transportation
Festival participants are responsible for providing their own transportation to The University of Kansas before and after the Prairie Winds Festival. During the festival, a bus will take students to all festival events. Lawrence is roughly one hour from the Kansas City International Airport (MCI). Transportation to and from the airport is available. For assistance with transportation, please contact festival coordinator Tom Davoren.
Auditions
If you are a senior in high school who intends to audition for the KU School of Music, please make sure to check Yes on your registration form! You may contact our School of Music recruiter for questions regarding auditioning for entrance into the School of Music
