Prairie Winds Festival


Prairie Winds Festival is February 2 and 3, 2024

The 2025 Prairie Winds Festival is Feb 7-8, 2025 - Check back next fall to register!

The University of Kansas Bands invites high school students to participate in the 23rd annual Prairie Winds Festival! Sessions include clinics with KU faculty, a performance in the Lied Center, performances by the KU Wind EnsembleCrossroads Wind Symphony.

Commuter Only 

The Prairie Winds Festival is commuter only. Students must be dropped off on the morning of the 2nd at Murphy Hall on KU's campus and the morning of the 3rd at the Lied Center.

Festival Fee

Tuition includes a t-shirt, 3 meals, clinics with faculty and guest artists and two concerts.

Faculty

The University of Kansas faculty work directly with students, including master classes, clinics, chamber music coaching, and ensemble rehearsals.

Paul W. Popiel, Interim Dean

Matthew O. Smith, Acting Director of Bands

Sharon Toulouse, Assistant Director of Bands

Daniel Velasco, flute

Margaret Marco, oboe

Mackie Thomas, bassoon

Stephanie Zelnick, clarinet

Geoffrey Landman, saxophone

Steve Leisring, trumpet

Kelly Misko, horn

Michael Davidson, trombone

Scott Watson, tuba and euphonium

Garrett Arney, percussion

Erin Wood, harp 


 
Friday Schedule
9:00am, Registration, 1st Floor Murphy Hall
9:15am, Seating auditions, studios
10:30-11:45am, Lunch, DeBruce Center, on your own
12:00pm, General Meeting, 130 Murphy
12:15pm, KU Collage Recital, 130 Murphy 
1:00pm, Like-instrument ensemble reh
2:30pm, Like-Instrument concert, 130 Murphy
4:00pm, Dinner, 1st Floor Murphy Hall
5:00pm, Full band reh, 130 Murphy
7:15pm, Student pick-up, Murphy Hall

 

 
Saturday Schedule
8:30am, Student drop-off, Lied Center
9:00am, Full band reh, mainstage & SOM Auditions, assigned rooms
11:15am, Lunch, Seymour Gallery
12:00pm, Concert - Jazz I - Lied Center, free and open to the public
1:00pm, The Westerlies masterclass, mainstage
1:40pm, Woodwinds, main stage/Brass & Perc, assigned rooms
2:40pm, Brass & Perc, main stage/Woodwinds, assigned rooms
3:30pm, Snack break, Seymour Gallery
4:00pm, Full band reh, main stage
5:45pm, Dinner, Seymour Gallery
7:30pm, Concert - Crossroads Wind Symphony, KU Wind Ensemble & Prairie Winds Festival Band - Lied Center, tickets $25
9:00pm, est., Student pick-up, Lied Center