Two female band students smiling

Baker University Music & Theatre Department

Instrumental Ensembles

Music ensembles are an integral part of the performing arts at Baker University. Performance opportunities abound, with student musicians showcasing their talent in a variety of ways. Students need not be music majors to join an ensemble, they just need a passion for making music.

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Caelan Rogers

Music Department Assistant and Events Coordinator

Music & Theatre

Practice your art

Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band is the centerpiece of the instrumental music program. Open to both music and nonmusic majors, the Symphonic Band performs contemporary as well as traditional literature for the wind ensemble. The band performs for campus concerts and ceremonial functions. The band tours each spring and often features guest artists and conductors. It provides a challenging and invigorating musical experience for Baker students through professional-caliber, yet non-intimidating rehearsals and concerts. During past Interterms, the band has performed in England, Taiwan, Korea and Japan.

Orchestra

The Orchestra consists of a core string ensemble that plays much of the chamber orchestra literature from the baroque and classical periods and a full orchestra that concentrates more on the music of the romantic and contemporary eras. The Orchestra presents multiple performances each academic year and regularly collaborates with the Johnson County Community College Orchestra.

Wildcat Pride Pep Band

The Wildcat Pride Pep Band includes all fall semester Symphonic Band members. The band performs at all Baker home football games and provides the music for homecoming and other athletic events throughout the fall semester. Members also march in Baldwin City’s annual Maple Leaf Festival parade.

Wildcat Drum Line

Our Wildcat Drum Line is an exciting new ensemble that provides percussion students the opportunity to perform at athletic events, various school functions, and community events.

Jazz Ensemble

Selected by audition, the Jazz Ensemble is in demand to perform at a variety of events throughout the greater Kansas City area. The ensemble also presents concerts on campus with visiting guest artists, attends a major jazz festival or tours each spring, and hosts the Baker Invitational Jazz Festival each fall. In addition, the Jazz Ensemble presents a special concert each year to raise funds for the Chris Grubb Memorial Scholarship.

Instrumental Chamber Ensembles

Players enjoy jazz combo, Dixieland, brass, woodwind, percussion and string ensembles of all sizes. Performances are as varied as the groups and feature these groups both on and off campus.

Dr. Frank Perez

Director of Bands fperez@bakerU.edu

Expertise: wind ensembles, athletic bands, low brass, music technology, music education, electro-acoustic music
Office: Owens 215 | 785.594.4579
www.frankperezmusic.com

Dr. Mark Pretzel

Director of Orchestral Activities | mark.pretzel@bakerU.edu

Expertise: orchestra, piano, conducting
Office: Owens 100 | 785.594.8383