News

Tue, 12/16/2025

University of Kansas Wind Ensemble releases new album ‘Midnight Sun’

The University of Kansas School of Music has announced the release of the KU Wind Ensemble’s newest album, “Midnight Sun,” recorded in spring 2024 at the Lied Center of Kansas and available across all major streaming platforms.

Thu, 12/11/2025

New ‘History of Music in Czech Lands’ takes innovative approach

A University of Kansas professor of music co-wrote and co-edited a new book that takes a contemporary approach to the multilayered and tangled ethnolinguistic history of the Czech Republic.

Tue, 12/09/2025

Modern mixmasters have nothing on Poverty Row movie music mavens

For the first time, a University of Kansas musicologist has traced the sources and remixing of 16,000 musical fragments used to score all 66 serials produced by Republic Pictures.

Mon, 12/01/2025

Bales Choral Society will host public concert

The Bales Choral Society at the University of Kansas will present its fall semester concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at St. Lawrence Catholic Center. John Rutter’s “Gloria” highlights the program, which also features Rutter’s “Shepherd’s Pipe Carol” and Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto 3rd movement.

Wed, 10/22/2025

KU School of Music to expand Vespers performances

The University of Kansas School of Music has announced details for the 101st annual Vespers concert, a cherished holiday tradition. This year’s celebration expands to new audiences with two special performances: a Thursday performance at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Lied Center of Kansas in Lawrence and a Friday performance Dec. 5 at Yardley Hall in Overland Park.

Thu, 10/16/2025

School of Music to present ‘The Dark Side of Oz: Re-Imagined’

The University of Kansas Department of Jazz and Commercial Music will stage a mind-bending musical journey with “The Dark Side of Oz: Re-Imagined.” The immersive live performance blending iconic rock, classic cinema and cutting-edge student artistry will take place at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at Liberty Hall in downtown Lawrence.

Wed, 10/01/2025

Everything old is new again on latest Draper Family Band recording

A University of Kansas School of Music professor’s multigenerational band is back at it with a second album of original songs. Brandon Draper dusted off old material and wrote new works, as well, for for the Draper Family Band’s new album in a blues-rock vein.

Wed, 09/03/2025

KU School of Music announces the Bob and Becky Foster Trumpet Artist in Residence Program

The University of Kansas School of Music has announced the establishment of the Bob and Becky Foster Trumpet Artist in Residence, an endowed program made possible through a gift from longtime KU Director of Bands Robert Foster and his late wife, Becky.

Wed, 08/27/2025

KU professor to perform at Notre-Dame Cathedral

Dr. James Higdon, Professor of Organ at the University of Kansas School of Music, will present a recital at the famed Cathédrale Notre-Dame in Paris on October 21, 2025. The program celebrates the musical ties between France and America, featuring works by both American and French composers.

Thu, 08/14/2025

KU School of Music’s popular Collage concert returns September 12 to support music students

The University of Kansas School of Music is thrilled to announce our most popular event of the year, the annual Collage Concert on September 12th, 7:30 p.m. at the Lied Center.

Thu, 08/14/2025

Research pins down skills that make a good music therapist

Two University of Kansas researchers are co-authors of the new work “Defining Music Therapy Musicianship: An Analysis of Music Therapists’ Clinical Work.” In it, they write that musical flexibility and responsiveness to clients are more important than instrumental skill.

Wed, 07/23/2025

KU researcher advocates scientific framework to unlock music therapy’s full potential

Music therapy isn’t a “soft science,” according to KU Life Span Institute researcher Deanna Hanson-Abromeit, who advocates for wider adoption of her framework to evaluate and strengthen music therapy as a health intervention.

Thu, 07/10/2025

Music without borders: KU Wind Ensemble makes mark on global stage at World Expo 2025

The University of Kansas Wind Ensemble has returned from a successful international tour to Osaka, Japan, where it represented the United States at the 2025 World Exposition — one of the world’s largest global events, welcoming millions of visitors from around the globe.

Tue, 06/17/2025

KU Wind Ensemble to represent Kansas, US at World Exposition 2025 in Osaka, Japan

At the initiation of the U.S. Department of State, the University of Kansas Wind Ensemble will represent the United States at the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, Japan, as part of a landmark international tour from June 25-July 5.

Wed, 05/28/2025

KU composer creates choral music to match ‘mystical’ texts

Kansas City's Te Deum choir will feature works by Forrest Pierce, professor of composition at the University of Kansas School of Music, in concerts May 31 and June 1 in the Greater Kansas City area.

Mon, 05/19/2025

KU School of Music Opera Department named in several categories for The American Prize

The University of Kansas School of Music’s Opera Department has been named a finalist in four categories for The American Prize.

Tue, 05/06/2025

Carillonneurs Congress will ring in week of summer events on the Hill

The University of Kansas' historic Campanile will serve as the setting for a gathering of the the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America this summer, offering the community an opportunity to enjoy a series of free public carillon concerts.

Fri, 04/25/2025

KUIA awards 34 grants for research and collaboration abroad

Thirty-four scholars from KU will embark on global adventure through travel grants from KU International Affairs. Their projects will take them to 23 countries and range from forging global ties to unraveling mysteries of culture, health and history.

Wed, 04/02/2025

Keegan Kaiser Selected as 2025 Presser Scholar at the University of Kansas

The KU School of Music is proud to announce that Keegan Kaiser is the recipient of The Presser Foundation’s 2024-25 Undergraduate Scholar Award.

Tue, 03/25/2025

KC musician Eddie Moore makes ‘a happier album’

On “What Makes Us,” pianist Eddie Moore reaches out to the new generation of jazz musicians. The University of Kansas School of Music lecturer launches his latest album March 25.

Tue, 03/04/2025

KU Wind Ensemble to tour central and western Kansas

The University of Kansas School of Music has planned an outreach tour featuring the KU Wind Ensemble under the direction of Matt Smith. The band will embark on a two-day tour across central and western Kansas, performing five concerts for students and the public.

Mon, 02/03/2025

KU graduate is first Jayhawk named finalist for Fellowship for New Americans

Alumna Isabel Keleti is the first-ever KU graduate to be named a finalist for a highly competitive national fellowship that provides merit-based funding for new Americans, immigrants and children of immigrants who are poised to make significant contributions to U.S. culture.

Mon, 01/27/2025