Kent State University's School of Music is set to host an array of remarkable events that celebrate music, community, and talent. From the collaborative harmonies of the Communiversity Band Concert to the soulful sounds of the Gospel Choir, the university will become a hub of diverse musical experiences. As we dive into meticulously crafted performances from the finest musicians in the Wind Ensemble and the grandeur of combined orchestral and choral events, this vibrant showcase promises to captivate audiences. Join us as we explore these unforgettable performances and celebrate the passion and artistry that define Kent State's musical landscape.

A Musical Journey at Kent State University: Celebrating Community, Diversity, and Talent

Kent State University's School of Music is setting the stage for an extraordinary lineup of events in 2025. From auditions inviting the next generation of musical talent to performances showcasing the prowess of seasoned artists, this year promises an array of captivating experiences for music enthusiasts. Mark your calendars for a journey through diverse genres and performances, featuring the Glauser School of Music's auditions, the renowned Kent Keyboard Series, and a spectacle of orchestral concerts. Engage with the vibrant tapestry of sound as students and professionals come together in a symphony of talent.

A Musical Odyssey: Highlights from Kent State University's School of Music Events 2025

Kent State University's Glauser School of Music invites you to explore an array of compelling musical events this season. From the intense thrill of auditions to the serene notes of orchestra concerts, and the vibrant dynamics of wind ensembles, each event offers a unique contribution to the musical landscape. Whether you're a seasoned music enthusiast or new to the world of composition, there's something to captivate your senses. Join us in celebrating both emerging talent and seasoned performers through a series of concerts, showcases, and auditions.

A Musical Journey at Kent State: Highlights from the Glauser School of Music Events

Kent State University School of Music is orchestrating a thrilling lineup of events for Spring 2025, captivating audiences with an array of concerts, auditions, and showcases. From the renowned Kent Keyboard Series to spirited performances by student ensembles, each event promises to celebrate musical excellence. Dive into the artistry of the KSU Orchestra, revel in the dynamic performances by the Wind Ensemble, and witness the rising talents at the Glauser School of Music auditions. This season's events are set to be a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, making it a must-attend series for music lovers.

A Melodious Journey: Kent State University's Spring 2025 Musical Extravaganza

Spring is in the air, and with it, a symphony of sounds orchestrated by Kent State University School of Music. From April to May, music enthusiasts will be treated to an array of concerts ranging from Jazz ensembles to the harmonious blends of the university orchestra and choir. Whether you're a fan of classical wind ensembles or intrigued by world music, there's something for everyone in this eclectic mix. Join us as we delve into the details of these captivating events and celebrate the talented artists bringing them to life.

A Musical Odyssey: Celebrating Spring with Kent State University's Spectacular Concert Line-Up

No Exit welcomes LIGAMENT (vocalist Anika Kildegaard and bassist Will Yager) who will present a program of new works which explore the vast sonic worlds made possible by this duo’s unique instrumentation. Highlights include Zac Fick-Cambria’s machina in which Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun dissents in a capital punishment case; Ruby Fulton’s and if not, why not which reveals the isolating effects of interstate migration on new mothers in early 20th century America; and James Dillon’s A Roaring Flame: a glossolalic summoning, a primordial and macabre incantation. The program will also include works by Amy Beth Kirsten and Katherine Balch. The surprising combination of double bass and voice brings a new and exciting world of sound to the pressing and political pieces on this program.

No Exit Presents: LIGAMENT

Kent Center for the Performing Arts

Join us at Kent State University on January 25 for a special day as we take a deep dive into Piano studies for talented piano students between the ages of 12 and 17! Participate in this intensive day of masterclass, mini group lessons, seminar on practice and audition strategies; in addition, there will be ensemble playing and an opportunity to perform in a Kent State Piano Division concert, "Midwinter Dreams: A Tchaikovsky and Crumb Celebration" at 5 p.m.. This is an opportunity to take a deeper look into a studied piece that is possibly being prepared for an audition, competition, or performance. Polar Piano Plunge takes place on Sunday, January 25, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., the conclusion of the concert.

School of Music Piano Day: Polar Piano Plunge

Join us and audition to be part of the Glauser School of Music.

School of Music Audition Day

Enjoy the sounds from this ensemble for high school woodwind, brass and percussion players held at the Glauser School of Music.


EPSG:4326

Kent State Youth Winds Concert

Kent State University

Enjoy an evening of music with our Steelpan and African Ensembles.

Steelpan/African Ensemble Concert - Spring

A joint KSU Orchestra and Chorus concert.

Combined KSU Orchestra & Choir Concert

Asian World Music Concert - Spring

The Wind Ensemble is an ensemble of the university's finest wind and percussion musicians, the group performs traditional and contemporary wind repertoire of the highest quality.

The University Band, also known as the "Communiversity Band," is open to all university students and community members

University Band / Symphony Band Concert

The Wind Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble of the university's finest wind and percussion musicians.


Wind Ensemble/HS Concert

Incoming Members, High School Students and Community Members: Join us in the Band Education Facility
(650 Loop Rd) for a free skills clinic hosted by The Marching Golden Flashes Color Guard.

Kent State Color Guard Clinic

Nova Jazz Concert

Enjoy an evening of Jazz at the Jazz Combo Concert.



Jazz Studies Combo Concert - Spring

Enjoy an evening of Jazz with the Jazz Studies Large Ensemble.

Jazz Studies Large Ensemble Concert -Spring

Experience music from one of the most diverse organizations and/or ensembles on the KSU campus, the Gospel Choir!

Gospel Choir Concert

Come see what opportunities the School of Music has to offer with our in-person information sessions! If you are interested in pursuing a major or minor in music or you just want to keep making music, we have plenty of ways that you can make great music!

Discover Music Day

The fourth annual Athletic Band Showcase combines elements of the Marching Golden Flashes and Flasher Brass into a one-night display of Golden Flash spirit. The concert is free and open to the public.

Athletic Band Showcase

A staple of the classical music scene in Northeast Ohio, the five-concert Kent Keyboard Series brings many of the country’s pre-eminent performers and pedagogues to KSU.

Kent Keyboard Series #4

Hear the Coro Cantare choir explore musical styles with emphasis on tenor/bass choir. The Cantique choir performs in the treble repertoire. Enjoy the musical sounds of our flagship choral ensemble, the Chorale, along with The Nova Jazz ensemble.

Coro Cantare/Cantique/ Chorale/Nova Jazz Concert

The Kent State University Orchestra Society and the Hugh A. Glauser School of Music at Kent State University will present the annual Evening with the Orchestra on Sat., April 12 in the Ballroom of the Kent State University Student Center.

Evening with the Orchestra

The Percussion Ensemble is built on a long legacy of musical excellence. Students in the ensemble perform new and classic works.

Percussion Ensemble Concert

Kent State Opera Theatre Presents the Spring 2025 Concert



Spring Opera

Enjoy the sounds from this ensemble for high school woodwind, brass and percussion players held at the Glauser School of Music.

Join us and audition to be part of the Glauser School of Music.


The Wind Ensemble is an ensemble of the university's finest wind and percussion musicians, the group performs traditional and contemporary wind repertoire of the highest quality.

The Symphony Band is an ensemble of student musicians from across campus, the group performs a broad range of works.

Wind Ensemble / Symphony Band Concert

KSU Orchestra Concert with Student Concerto Winners

A staple of the classical music scene in Northeast Ohio, the five-concert Kent Keyboard Series brings many of the country’s pre-eminent performers and pedagogues to KSU.



Kent Keyboard Series #3

An annual high school honor band opportunity hosted by the Kent State Band program.

All-Star Band Festival Concert

The Wind Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble of the university's finest wind and percussion musicians.

Wind Ensemble Concert

The University Band, also known as the "Communiversity Band," is open to all university students and community members

Communiversity Band Concert

Jazz Studies Combo Concert

Jazz Studies Large Ensemble Concert

Join the Glauser School of Music for Saxophone Day!

Saxophonists of all ages and abilities are invited to attend this day-long event of clinics, workshops and performances.

Glauser School of Music Saxophone Day

Choral Holiday Collage

The Kent State New Music Ensemble is dedicated to performing the most exciting and relevant music of our time. Comprised of Kent State students, the New Music Ensemble performs unique programs that feature music by diverse composers from around the world.


New Music Ensemble Concert

Enjoy an evening of music with our Caribbean Steelband Ensemble.


Caribbean Steelband with Asé Xpressions

A dying Figaro and his loving wife. A flirtatious playboy and the woman he has wronged. Two young lovers. And a pirate? Yes, these are but a few of the characters in PDQ Bach’s hilarious The Abduction of Figaro which will be presented by Kent State Opera Theatre from November 15th to the 17th, in the Wright-Curtis Theater. Using familiar musical samplings from the 18th through the 20th centuries, PDQ Bach spoofs opera and its many clichés. Come see our young artists display their vocal and comedic skills! 

Fall Opera

Music has taken Paul to thirty countries across three continents, including all the Canadian provinces and 47 states in the USA. He also co-leads the “BiCoastal Collective”, with Grammy-winning saxophonist Aaron Lington. The ensemble is dedicated to performing new jazz compositions. Paul has released 14 recordings as a leader/co-leader on the Origin, OA2, Armored, and NohJoh Music labels.

Music Entrepreneurship with Paul Tynan

Music has taken Paul to thirty countries across three continents, including all the Canadian provinces and 47 states in the USA. He also co-leads the “BiCoastal Collective”, with Grammy-winning saxophonist Aaron Lington. The ensemble is dedicated to performing new jazz compositions. Paul has released 14 recordings as a leader/co-leader on the Origin, OA2, Armored, and NohJoh Music labels. As a jazz recording artist Paul has appeared on over seventy-five recordings, as a trumpet player, composer, arranger, and/or producer alongside such musicians as Lynn Seaton, Marcus Wolfe, Stockton Helbing, David Braid, Aaron Lington, Joel Fountain, Bobby Selvaggio, Kenny Werner, Kenny Wheeler, Dan Haerle, Ben Street, and Jamey Haddad and the One O’clock Lab Band. Paul has received grant support from Canada Council for the Arts, Arts Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Department of Culture and Heritage and the St. Francis Xavier University Council on Research for his creative output. Paul is a Full Professor of Music at St. Francis Xavier University where he teaches jazz brass, jazz history, and arranging. He has also served on the faculties of San Jose State University, Chabot College, Nova Scotia Honor Jazz Program, and University of North Texas Summer Trumpet Workshop and is a past co-director of the Acadia Summer Jazz Workshop. He is currently the artistic director of the Antigonish Jazz Festival.

Jazz Master Class: Paul Tynan

Kent State Opera Theatre Presents the Fall 2024 Concert


Join the School of Music for a KSU Jazz Performance with Paul Tynan at BluJazz in Akron.

KSU Jazz Performance with Paul Tynan

Enjoy and evening of Jazz with the Nova Jazz Singers!


Nova Jazz Singers Concert

The Wind Ensemble is an ensemble of the university's finest wind and percussion musicians, the group performs traditional and contemporary wind repertoire of the highest quality.

Orchestra/choir Concert

Wind Ensemble/hs Concert

Cathedral of St Paul

Steelpan/african Ensemble Concert - Spring

School Of Music Information Session

Jazz Studies Large Ensemble Concert -spring

The Kent State New Music Ensemble is dedicated to performing the most exciting and relevant music of our time. Comprised of Kent State students, the New Music Ensemble performs unique programs that feature music by diverse composers from around the world.

New Music Ensemble Concert #4

Gospel Choir Spring Concert

Kent Keyboard Series #5 With Andrew Le, Faculty Artist

The Kent State University Orchestra Society and the Hugh A. Glauser School of Music at Kent State University will present the annual Evening with the Orchestra on Sat., April 13 in the Ballroom of the Kent State University Student Center.

Evening With The Orchestra

Hear the Coro Cantare choir explore musical styles with emphasis on tenor/bass choir. The Cantique choir performs in the treble repertoire.

Coro Cantare/cantique Spring Concert

Join us at the Glausser School of Music, Kent State University, on April 11 at 3:30 p.m. in Ludwig Recital Hall for a special event featuring Matthew Polenzani!

Matthew Polenzani, one of the world’s most sought-after operatic lyric tenors, will be visiting to share his insights and experiences with music students.

School Of Music Guest Artist, Matthew Polenzani, Lyric Tenor

The KSU Chorale is the flagship choral ensemble, made up of singers from all majors.

Chorale Spring Concert

Join us for a night with Habitat for Humanity of Portage County! Learn how Habitat for Humanity's 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is dedicated to bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Speakers include Rachel Kerns, Executive Director, Bradley Knife, Restore Manager, and Kaleena Gharky, Community Director.

Nonprofit Spotlight Speaker Series

Kent Keyboard Series #4 With Donna Lee, Faculty Artist

New Music Ensemble Concert #3

No Exit’s 2023-2024 season will encompass a wide variety of artistic mediums to present an immersive multidisciplinary exploration of Surrealism as expressed in music, art, film, poetry, literature and performance art.

No Exit Concert

School Of Music Audition Day

Kent State Opera Theatre Presents the Spring 2024 Concert

Aether Eos is a collaborative project with Montreal-based pianist/composer Christopher Goddard.

Aether Eos - Guest Artist

Discover Music Visit Day

Guest artist Stephanie Shih-yu Cheng will be performing on February 22, 2026. Cheng is a Taiwanese-American pianist whose expressive performances have taken her to renowned stages worldwide, including Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall, Tokyo’s Opera City Hall, the National Concert Hall in Taipei and the Dame Myra Hess Series in Chicago. Her performances have been featured on NPR, WFMT, Nippon TV and MSNBC. Cheng recently released solo album "Ravel: Masterworks for the Piano,"(Centaur Records) which was hailed as “a massive achievement” and “required listening for Francophiles.” She also appears on "License to Thrill" (Summit Records) and has collaborated with artists such as Leon Fleisher and Sara Davis Buechner. A passionate educator, she has taught at institutions in the U.S., Middle East and Asia, and regularly gives masterclasses and serves on competition juries worldwide. Cheng is professor of Piano and Chair of the Keyboard Department at the University of Denver.

Kent Keyboard Series: Stephanie Shih-yu Cheng

The Kent State Orchestral Conducting Workshop is an intensive three-day training
experience designed for young conductors, aspiring graduate-level conductors, high school
orchestra directors and music educators seeking to refine their baton technique and
develop meaningful podium experience. Hosted on the Kent Campus, the workshop
provides each participant up to 60 minutes of podium time with the Kent State University
Orchestra, as well as small ensembles, piano and daily technique sessions.

School of Music Orchestral Conducting Workshop

Student Concerto Competition Winners

Join us virtually and audition to be part of the Glauser School of Music.

School of Music Virtual Audition Day

Kent State faculty composer/pianist Adam Roberts will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Morton Feldman (1926-1987) with a performance of the hour-long For Bunita Marcus (1985), Feldman's second-to-last piano composition. Like many of his late works, For Bunita Marcus is a crystalline labyrinth of pattern and resonance, inviting listeners to enter into a contemplative dream.

Morton Feldman's "For Bunita Marcus" performed by Dr. Adam Roberts

Explore Your Musical Future at our Orchestra & String Day! High school string students, join us for a day of music and discovery at Kent State University! This exciting event features master classes, sectionals with our renowned faculty and graduate assistants, and a unique side-by-side orchestra experience with the Kent State University Orchestra. Open to all regional students, including youth orchestra members, this immersive day showcases Kent State’s vibrant musical community and state-of-the-art facilities. Discover what it’s like to learn and grow as a musician at Kent State and take the next step in your musical journey!

Orchestra & Strings Day

American Voices I: Coro Cantare and Cantique

The KSU Chorale is the flagship choral ensemble, made up of singers from all majors. Kent Chorus consists of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members, making it one of the largest choirs on campus.

American Voices II: Chorale and Kent Chorus

Watch a performance by the University Band.

University Band Concert

See the athletic bands perform at their annual showcase.

The Kent State University Orchestra Society and the Hugh A. Glauser School of Music at Kent State University will present the annual Evening with the Orchestra on Sat., April 11th in the Ballroom of the Kent State University Student Center.

An Honors Convocation at the School of Music

School of Music Honors Convocation

Join us for the second Kent Keyboard Series concert.

Kent Keyboard Series #4 with Guest Artist

Enjoy an evening of Jazz at the Jazz Combo Concert.

A Spring concert that showcases our Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band and Kent State Youth Winds.

Kent State University School of Music

Jan 24 - Feb 16, 2026

School of Music Audition Day

Feb 16 - Apr 13, 2026

Discover Music Visit Day

Feb 22, 2026

Kent Keyboard Series: Stephanie Shih-yu Cheng

Feb 25, 2026

School of Music Orchestral Conducting Workshop

Mar 1, 2026

Student Concerto Competition Winners

Feb 6, 2026

No Exit Presents: LIGAMENT

Jan 25, 2026

School of Music Piano Day: Polar Piano Plunge

Articles & News

Kent State University School of Music