WKU BANDS | 1925-2025
A Year of Celebration beginning January 1, 2025
- Location: The Auditorium at Van Meter Hall
- Time: 7:30pm
- Location: The Auditorium at Van Meter Hall
- Time: 7:30pm
CURRENT DIRECTORS
Dr. Gary Schallert
Director of Bands
2008 - present
Dr. Matthew McCurry
Associate Director of Bands &
Director of Athletic Bands
2020 - present
Dr. Scott Harris
Assistant Director of Bands
2022 - present
FORMER DIRECTORS
Joyce Felts
Student Director
1925-1926
Franz Strahm
Director of Bands
1926-1927
Elliot Orr
Director of Bands
1927-1932
Dr. R.D. Perry
Director of Bands
1932-1939
John Vincent
Director of Bands
1939-40; 1943-1945
Dr. Rudolf Willman
Director of Bands
1945 - 1946
R.D. Chenoweth
Director of Bands
1949-1950
Allen R. Sigel
Director of Bands
1950-1951
Dr. Hugh Gunderson
Director of Bands
1940-43; 1946-49; 1952-56
Don McHahel
Director of Bands
1954-56
Edward A. Knob
Director of Bands
1956-1965
Dr. David Livingston
Director of Bands
1965-1969
Roger McConnell
Director of Bands
1969-1971
Dr. Kent Campbell
Director of Bands
1972-1992
Steve Grugin
Associate Director of Bands
1984-1987
Joe Stites
Associate Director of Bands
1987-1994
Dr. Robert Hansbrough
Associate Director of Bands
1995-1999
Ken Haddix
Associate Director of Bands
1999-2001
Jeff Steiner
Associate Director of Bands
2001-2004
Dr. John Carmichael
Director of Bands
1993-2007
Dr. Eric Smedley
Associate Director of Bands
2004 - 2007
Dr. Jeff Bright
Associate Director of Bands
2007-2018
Joe Stites
Interim Director of Bands
2007-2008
Allen Kennedy
Director of Athletic Bands
2018 - 2020
WKU Bands | 100 Years | 1925-2025
Celebrating 100 Years!
The first band at the Western Kentucky Teachers College (WKTC) was formed in 1925, as a student organization and was led by student director, Joyce Felts. There were 20 members. By the next year, a faculty director, Franz J. Strahm, was employed, and the band had grown to 30 members. One Hundred years later, the internationally renowned WKU Band program serves over 400 students in multiple ensembles, majors and non-majors. Join us as we celebrate 100 years!
Read more about the History of the WKU Bands Here
01 January 2025
The Big Red Marching Band and the WKU Symphonic Band celebrated the beginning of the 100th year with spectacular performances in London, England! The WKU Symphonic Band brought the house down with a performance in London's Cadogan Hall, home of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Featuring performances of Alfred Reed's Hounds of Spring, Omar Thomas' Come Sunday, and Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, featuring pianist, Dr. Zachary Lopes.
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The Big Red Marching Band "stepped-off" the year 2025 by leading the London New Year's Day Parade. The two-mile route was flanked on each side by over 250,000 spectators and was viewed by over 300,000,000 people on live television. The BRMB gave the 2025 Keynote performance with a rousing rendition of the Rolling Stone's Paint it Black at the final performance area. The crowd went wild!
21 February 2025
The WKU Wind Ensemble presents their first concert of 2025 under the direction of Dr. Gary Schallert on the stage at Van Meter Hall. $5 General Admission.
07 March 2025
The WKU Symphonic Band presents their first concert of 2025 under the direction of Dr. Matthew McCurry on the stage at Van Meter Hall. $5 General Admission.
25 April 2025
You're Invited! We will kick-off our Centennial Celebration Concert Series with concerts by the WKU Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. Special guests will include former directors of the WKU Bands and featured alumni. Check back often for updates!
Join us following the concert for a Gala Reception in the University Commons.
26 April 2025
The celebration continues with a performance by the WKU Campus & Community Concert Band. More featured guests and former directors will be on stage. Check back often for program updates!
TBA
In the Fall of 2025, all BRMB Alumni are invited back for a BRMB Alumni Band. Join us on the field for a mass band performance and reception! You won't want to miss this! More information will be posted when a date is selected.
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