Prairie Winds Festival

The 2026 Prairie Winds Festival is Feb 6-7, 2026

The University of Kansas Bands invites high school students to participate in the 24th annual Prairie Winds Festival! Sessions include clinics with KU faculty, a performance in the Lied Center, performances by the KU Wind Ensemble, KU Jazz Ensemble I, Crossroads Wind Symphony and a clinic with percussionist Jason Treuting.

School of Music Auditions

High school seniors who participate in the Prairie Winds Festival can audition for the KU School of Music. Auditions will be scheduled during the Saturday morning rehearsal time. For more information on the School of Music programs, audition requirements, and scholarships, please visit https://music.ku.edu/admission.

Commuter Only 

The Prairie Winds Festival is commuter only. Students must be dropped off on the morning of the 6th at Murphy Hall on KU's campus and the morning of the 7th at the Lied Center.

Festival Fee - $50

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

Prairie Winds Band Director Symposium

Current and future band directors are invited to participate in professional development sessions with KU faculty and guests. Click here for more information. 

Faculty

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

Paul W. Popiel, Dean

Matthew O. Smith, Director of Bands

Sharon Toulouse, Associate Director of Bands

Melissa Sawyer, Assistant Director of Bands

Daniel Velasco, flute

Margaret Marco, oboe

Midori Samson, bassoon

Stephanie Zelnick, clarinet

Geoffrey Landman, saxophone

Steve Leisring, trumpet

Aaron Romm, trumpet

Kelly Misko, horn

Michael Davidson, trombone

David Earll, tuba and euphonium

Garrett Arney, percussion

Erin Wood, harp