Founded in 1996as a small community concert band, the Kennesaw State University Band Program has
grown rapidly, expanding to five major ensembles supporting over 450 participating
students. The KSU Bands include auditioned concert ensembles, like theWind EnsembleandWind Symphony, non-auditioned concert ensembles, like theUniversity Band, and auditioned athletic bands, like “The Marching Owls” and theKSU Basketball Band.
All ensembles are comprised of the finest music majors in the School of Music as well as students representing every college and degree program on the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses. Through the growth of musical excellence fostered by conductors and countless musicians, the KSU Bands continue to grow into one of the largest collegiate programs in the state of Georgia.
Wind Ensemble
Dr. David Kehler, Conductor
Formed in 1996, the Kennesaw State University Wind Ensemble (MUSI 1147/3347) performs a diverse
repertoire encompassing large works for band, wind ensemble, and chamber music. The
KSU Wind Ensemble continues to lead in supporting and creating consortiums for the
development of new music, which have included the creation of works by Steven Bryant,
Paul Dooley, Geoffrey Gordon, Michael Markowski, Carter Pann, Joel Puckett, James
Stephenson, Christopher Theofanidis, and Pulitzer Prize winner Joseph Schwantner.
In addition, leading composers including Kamran Ince, Chen Yi, and Pulitzer Prize
winners David Lang and Joseph Schwantner have visited and worked directly with the
ensemble and its students.
Through KSU’s continued close relationship with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Georgia Symphony Orchestra, and Atlanta Opera Orchestra, the university’s ensembles have the unique honor of collaborating with principal players from the best of Atlanta’s performing arts. The KSU Wind Ensemble continues to serve as an important musical voice in the Atlanta metropolitan area, and has been frequently featured on 90.1 FM (WABE – Atlanta Public Radio).
In 2012 and 2016 the KSU Wind Ensemble was a featured ensemble at the Southern Division College Band Directors National Association Conference, and in 2013 was the winner of the American Prize for best wind ensemble/concert band performance in the United States. This academic year the KSU Wind Ensemble was selected as a featured ensemble at the 2017 Georgia Music Educators In-Service Conference in Athens, Georgia and will be releasing its first professional recording, featuring the music of Chen Yi, under the Centaur recording label.
Wind Symphony
Kennesaw State University Wind Symphony
The KSU Wind Symphony (MUSI 3345) offers music majors, minors, and non-music majors
the opportunity to study, rehearse, and perform advanced literature for the wind band
medium. Membership in the Wind Symphony is by audition only and occurs at the beginning
of the academic year, and prior to the start of the second semester. The course is
taken for 1 credit hour. Non-majors with questions about registration in these ensembles
for credit should contact the ensemble director for assistance.
The Wind Symphony serves as the 2nd music major ensemble and rehearses from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Tuesday and Thursday each week in Morgan Hall, Bailey Center.
University Band
Kennesaw State University University Band
The University Band (MUSI 3341) offers student musicians from all majors and disciplines
the opportunity to rehearse and perform wind literature in an ensemble setting.
There is no audition for membership in the University Band, but prior instrumental
experience and a commitment to attend all rehearsals and performances are required
of all participating musicians.
Non-majors with questions about registration in these ensembles for credit should
contact the ensemble director for assistance.
The University Band rehearses every Monday from 6:30 PM – 9:15 PM in the KSU Marching Band Center, which is located at 3305 Busbee Drive NW, adjacent to the KSU Center.
Join the University Band!
Happy New Year! Any KSU student who plays a wind band or concert percussion instrument at a high school level is encouraged to join the University Band. The band meets only on Monday evenings from 6:30-9:15p and is available for 0 or 1 credit. The University Band’s first class meeting will be on Monday, January 11, at 6:30p on MS Teams. We typically meet at 3305 Busbee Drive, entering through the west side of the building. There is plenty of parking and a BOB stop on the Busbee Drive/Stadium Route. There are no auditions to join, though a quick part placement hearing may be called
by the director, depending on group size. We are planning to perform both concert music and popular music on and off campus
this semester. PLEASE REGISTER FOR MUSI 1141/3341 AND COMPLETE THE D2L SURVEY ON THE COURSE HOMEPAGE, which helps me prepare and recruit adequate instrumentation for the group. To inquire about borrowing a university-owned instrument, please contact Bobbi Harman at bharman@kennesaw.edu or visit Wilson 111. School instruments are in limited supply; I am unable to assign/distribute school instruments at rehearsal. You must provide face masks and bell covers to inhibit COVID-19 spread. More details will be discussed at the Monday meeting. We can rehearse and perform SAFELY by following the proper protocols. Feel free to invite friends to join; I’d love for you to have a nice full ensemble! Direct any questions to me via e-mail. Dr. Scheivert Interim Assistant Director of Bands jscheiv1@kennesaw.edu
