Center for the Performing Arts

Student recital

Student performance

Student performance

Student performances

Illinois State University Symphonic Band Anthony C. Marinello, conductor Lauren Bobarksy, guest conductor Livingston Band Kimberly Archer, arr. Gentry (b. 1973) – Devil’s Workshop (2009/2020) Michael Daugherty (b. 1954) – Made for You and Me: Inspired by Woody Guthrie (2020) Lauren Bobarsky, guest conductor John Mackey, arr. Dunnigan (b. 1973) – This Cruel Moon (2017/2020) Ryan George (b. 1978) – Café 512 (2010/2020 Foeller Band Giovanni Santos (b. 1980) – Lost in Tijuana (2020) Julie Giroux (b. 1961) – Our…

Student Recital

Illinois State University Symphonic Winds F. Mack Wood, conductor Steven Bryant (b. 1972), arr. Lourens – Ecstatic Fanfare (2012/2015) – 3’ John Mackey (1973), arr. Wallace – Hymn to a Blue Hour (2010/2021) – 8’ Kevin Day (b. 1996), arr. Trentadue – Dancing Fire (2016/2020) – 4’ --Intermission-- James M. David (b. 1978) – Menlo Park, 1879 (2020) – 7’ Nicole Piunno (b. 1985) – Letters from the Traveling Doll (2021) – 12’ i. Love and Loss ii. The Mountains…

Illinois State University Wind Symphony Anthony C. Marinello, conductor Illinois State University Wind Symphony Anthony C. Marinello, conductor Lauren Bobarsky, guest conductor Andrew Blair (b. 1987) – anti-FANFARE for wind ensemble, minus brass (2019) Emily Bingham, arr. Cawkwell (b. 1952) – Bright Spirit for woodwind ensemble (2001/2013) Tara Islas (b. 1966) – Ascent to the Summit for brass and percussion (2016) Fisher Tull (1934-1994) – The Binding for brass and percussion (1981) Ludwig van Beethoven, tr. Schmitt (1770-1827) – Symphony…

For additional information contact Dr. Karyl Carlson (309)438-2012

Student Recital

For additional information contact School of Music (309) 438-7631

Student performances Live Stream link:  https://finearts.illinoisstate.edu/live/ For additional information contact School of Music (309) 438-7631

Choral Music is alive and well at ISU! The Choral Showcase features Treble Choir, Men’s Glee, Belle Voix, Madrigal Singers and Concert Choir in their first concert of the 2021-22 school year. There will be a variety of music, including Madrigal’s performing a world premiere of ISU graduate student Mackenzie Ahlman’s “Hope is the Thing with Feathers.” It was composed last spring for Incite Hope, one of the Choral Impact Projects.   For additional information contact Dr. Karyl Carlson (309)…

Glenn Block Music Director and Conductor “LES PRELUDES” Join the ISU Symphony, after an 18-month Pandemic pause, in their first concert of the season with music by Liszt, Mahler and Haydn, featuring ISU artist voice faculty member Elizabeth Thompson. Program: Haydn – Symphony No. 100 “Military” Mahler – Ruckert Lieder (Lily Thompson, faculty soloist) Liszt – Les Preludes For additional information contact Dr. Glenn Block (309) 438-2540

For additional information contact Dr. Anne McNamara (309) 438-2388

  Join Dr. Marko and Illinois State University Jazz Ensembles I and II for a wide variety of big band jazz and numerous student soloists. Jazz Ensemble II will open the concert with a short set, followed by Jazz Ensemble I. For additional information contact Dr. Tom Marko (309) 438-2541

For additional information contact Christine Hansen (309) 438-7050

The fall Collage Concert is a celebration of the students in the School of Music. The concert will feature performances by Illinois State University’s Concert Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Jazz I Combo with a special performance by ISU piano faculty. The concert will also include remarks by School of Music Interim Director Adriana Ransom and Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Dean Jean Miller announcing that the Illinois State University School of Music has received the All-Steinway School designation.…

For additional information contact Dr. Michael Dicker (309) 438-8240

Symphonic Band Prof. T.J. Mack, conductor Lauren Bobarsky, guest conductor Program: Kalos Eidos, Carol Brittin Chambers Different Voices, Rick Kirby Shenandoah, Frank Ticheli Fantasy on a Theme by Sousa, Andrew Boysen Jr. -Break Symphonic Winds Dr. F. Mack Wood, conductor John Gonzalez, guest conductor Marissa Miko, guest conductor Program: Festive Overture, Dmitri Shostakovich/trans. Donald Hunsberger One Life Beautiful, Julie Giroux Danza Final from "Estancia," Alberto Ginestera, arr. David John INTERMISSION Roma, Valerie Coleman Of Our New Day Begun, Omar Thomas…

The recital will feature songs from Scarlatti to Sondheim. For additional information contact Professor Deb Austin  (309) 438-8118

Illinois State University Wind Symphony Anthony C. Marinello, conductor Lauren Bobarsky, guest conductor Brian Balmages (b.1975) – Fanfare Canzonique (2003) Richard Strauss (1864-1949) – Serenade in E-flat major, op. 7 (1881/1986) Julie Giroux (b. 1961) – Riften Wed (2013) Lauren Bobarsky, guest conductor --Intermission-- David Maslanka (1943-2017) – Symphony No. 4 (1993) Please join the Illinois State University Wind Symphony on Sunday, October 3, 2021 for the first concert of the 2021/2022 concert season. The concert will welcome a limited…

For additional information contact School of Music (309) 438-3839

Student recital

For additional information contact Dr. Rummel (309)438-5817

For additional information contact Dr. Anne McNamara (309) 438-2388

Daniel Pendley joined the Buffalo Philharmonic as Principal Bass in September 2007. He has appeared as a soloist with the BPO at Artpark and Canisius College. Mr. Pendley serves on the music faculty at the University of Buffalo and has presented masterclasses at UB, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and the University of Louisville. Prior to moving to New York, Mr. Pendley served as the Assistant Principal Bass of the Louisville Orchestra for one year. Mr. Pendley earned…

Maestro Maurizio Colasanti (Italy), guest conductor “PASTORALE” Hear the ISU Symphony with Italian guest conductor Maestro Maurizio Colasanti conducting music by Rossini and the Beethoven Symphony No. 6 “Pastorale”, in the ISU Symphony pre-Chicago tour concert! For additional information contact Dr. Glenn Block (309) 438-2540

For additional information contact School of Music (309) 438-7631

Student recital

Student Recital

For additional information contact Dr. Tuyen Tonnu (309) 438-8423

Music for All concert welcomes an audience with special needs to experience a live ISU Symphony in a safe environment.  The concert will have narration and be signed. For additional information contact Dr. Glenn Block (309) 438-2540

You are invited to join three university choirs as they present songs of journeying and aspiration. Choral selections from the Baroque era to the 21st century will relate empowering messages about sharing a journey together and striving towards a bright future. Instrumental guests will help craft a variety of nuanced musical textures within the choral artform, along with some festive nods to the Halloween holiday. You won't want to miss it!   For additional information contact Professor Mark Grizzard (309)…

Students perform

The Vala Voice Studio will present an array of vocal literature pieces including a collection of songs by American composer, Ben Moore. Vocalists include: Rachel Burris, Austin Ebert, James Engelhorn, Sophie Evans, JD Scherb, Michael St. Aubin, and Olivia Wexler. For additional information contact Dr. Matthew Vala (309)438-8855

For additional information contact Dr. Kate Lewis (309) 438-2951

Mike Block is a pioneering cello player, singer, composer and educator. Passionate about cross-cultural collaboration through music, Mike is committed to inspiring individuals and connecting communities. Acclaimed by the New York Times for his "vital rich-hued solo playing”, and by Salt Lake City Desert News as “a true artist... a sight to behold”, Mike Block “is one of the bravest, most intriguing musicians on the American fusion scene.” (Gramophone). Mike's performances offer a rich mixture of classical repertoire, folk music,…

Current students, teachers, alumni, faculty and guest artists perform an electric variety of string solo, chamber music and orchestra repertoire in this family friendly celebration of 20 years of String Project at ISU. This concert will feature the premiere of Mike Block's Fey-O by 3rd-8th graders currently enrolled in our program. For additional information contact Dr. Katherine Lewis (309) 438-2951

For additional information contact Dr. Karyl Carlson (309) 438-2012

The Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts and the School of Music present: The Illinois State University Civic Chorale John M. Koch, Conductor Dr. Dennis Gotkowski, Pianist Featuring Guest Artists Dr. Adriana Ransom, Cello and Dr. Kim Risinger, Flute SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS! PROGRAM Alleluia Randall Thompson (1899-1984) In Time of Silver Rain René Clausen (b. 1953) Adriana Ransom, Cello Light Beyond Shadow Music by Dan Forrest (b. 1978) Text by Paul Wigmore (1925-2014) Light of a Clear Blue…

Illinois State University Wind Symphony Anthony C. Marinello, conductor Presents Amen! Viet Cuong (b. 1990) – Bull’s Eye (2019) Cassie Wieland (b. 1994) – power lines (2021) World Premiere Performance Donald Grantham (b. 1947) – Circa 1600 (2018) --intermission-- Peter Meechan (b. 1980) – Loss Verses (2021) Dr. Anne McNamara, flugelhorn Consortium Premiere Performance Carlos Simon (b. 1986) – Amen! (2017) Please join the Illinois State University Wind Symphony on Monday, November 15, 2021 for the second concert of the…

For additional information contact the School of Music (309) 438-7631

University Band Program: La Banda Nascente - Berardo Sbraccia/ed. Fennell Lauren Bobarsky, conductor Reckoning - Michael Markowski John Gonzalez, conductor Seal Lullaby - Eric Whitacre F. Mack Wood, conductor Melodious Thunk - David Biedenbender Lauren Bobarsky, conductor Remembering the Remarkables - Grace Baugher F. Mack Wood, conductor Mother of a Revolution - Omar Thomas John Gonzalez, conductor Symphonic Band Program TJ Mack Conductor John Gonzalez, guest conductor Jinzhe Zhang, guest conductor Festival Prelude - Alfred Reed John Gonzalez, guest conductor…

  Join Dr. Marko and Illinois State University Jazz Ensembles I and II for a wide variety of big band jazz and numerous student soloists. Jazz Ensemble II will open the concert with a short set, followed by Jazz Ensemble I.   For additional information contact Dr. Tom Marko (309) 438-2541

For additional information contact Professor Matthew Vala (309) 438-8855

The popular annual Music For the Holidays is celebrating its 30th anniversary year! Students in the School of Music bring you a musical welcome to the holiday season with performances by the ISU Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers, and Symphony Orchestra.  The Saturday afternoon performance will also feature the ISU String Project’s Sinfonia Class and the Treble Choir. For additional information contact Dr. Karyl Carlson (309) 438-2012 or Dr. Glenn Block (309) 438-2540 Ticket prices are $15 general admission, $12 faculty/staff,…

The popular annual Music For the Holidays is celebrating its 30th anniversary year! Students in the School of Music bring you a musical welcome to the holiday season with performances by the ISU Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers, and Symphony Orchestra.  The Saturday evening performance will also feature the ISU African Drumming and Dance Ensemble and the advanced treble choir Belle Voix. For additional information contact Dr. Karyl Carlson (309) 438-2012 or Dr. Glenn Block (309) 438-2540 Ticket prices are $15…

The popular annual Music For the Holidays is celebrating its 30th anniversary year! Students in the School of Music bring you a musical welcome to the holiday season with performances by the ISU Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers, and Symphony Orchestra.  The Sunday afternoon performance will also feature ISU’s Jazz Combo I and Men's Glee. For additional information contact Dr. Karyl Carlson (309) 438-2012 or Dr. Glenn Block at (309) 438-2540 Ticket prices are $15 general admission, $12 faculty/staff, and $10…

For additional information contact Dr. Kate Lewis (309)438-2951

For additional information contact Christine Hansen (309)438-7050

For additional information contact Christine Hansen (309)438-7050

For additional information contact Christine Hansen (309)438-7050

For additional information contact Dr. Tony Marinello (309) 438-1702

For additional information contact Dr. David Collier (309) 438-5386

For additional information contact Dr. Kate Lewis (309) 438-2951

For additional information contact Christine Hansen (309)438-7050

For additional information contact Christine Hansen (309)438-7050

Music for chorus and wind ensemble by guest composers Missy Mazzoli and Bright Sheng, as well as winning works in the year's RED NOTE New Music Festival Composition Competition For additional information contact Dr. Carl Schimmel (309)438-3477

  Washington Grays (1861) Claudio Grafulla (1812-1880) ed. Reeves/Fry O Magnum Mysterium (1994/2003) Morten Lauridsen (b. 1943) trans. H. Robert Reynolds Lauren Bobarsky, guest conductor Folk Song Suite (1924/2008) Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) I. March, Seventeen Come Sunday II. Intermezzo, My Bonny Boy III. March, Folk Songs from Somerset For additional information contact Dr. Mack Wood (309) 438-8834

All of ISU's choral ensembles will be performing! Treble Choir, and Belle Voix, conducted by Mark Grizzard; Men's Glee conducted by Tim Fredstrom, and Concert Choir, conducted by Director of Choral Activities Karyl Carlson. Concert Choir will perform a selection called A PORTER'S SONG, recently performed at the ISU RED NOTE New Music Festival. Composed by the renowned Bright Sheng, the expressive and haunting song will be performed in Chinese. For additional information contact Dr. Karyl Carlson (309) 438-2012

Directed by Tom Marko, ISU Jazz Ensembles I and II present their first concert of the semester. They will perform a wide variety of works by composers and arrangers such as Chick Corea, Thad Jones, Sammy Nestico, Wayne Shorter, Charles Mingus and many others. For additional information contact Dr. Tom Marko (309) 438-2541

Overture for Winds, Charles Carter Halcyon Hearts, Katahj Copley Pastorale, Roger Zare Postcard from Singapore, Philip Sparke I. Gelang sipaku gelang II. Di-tanjung katong III. Lenggang Kangkung & Munnaeru Vaalibaa Amparito Roca, Jaime Texidore, arr. Winter   For additional information contact TJ Mack (309) 438-5109

For additional information contact Dr. Glenn Block (309) 438-2540

ISU Symphony Orchestra, Glenn Block, Music Director will present its first concert of the new year on Sunday, February 27 at 3:00 PMN in the ISU Center for the Performing Arts with guest conductor Maestro Maurizio Colasanti , from Italy, in a concert including the Dvorak NEW WORLD SYMPHONY No. 9 and the DANZON NO. 2 by Colombian composer Arturo Marquez. For additional information contact Dr. Glenn Block (309) 438-2540

For additional information contact Dr. Andy Rummel (309) 438-5817

For additional information contact Dr. Michael Dicker (309) 438-8240

Professor of Trombone, Mark Babbitt will be joined by pianist Nancy Pounds performing works by Florian Meier, Kevin Day, Inez McComas, and the world premiere of Peter Strohm's Sonata No.5 (2021). For additional information contact Dr. Babbitt (309) 438-5260

For additional information contact Professor Mark Grizzard (309) 438-0883

Student performances For additional information contact School of Music (309)438-7631

Student Recital

ISU Symphony Orchestra with Music Director Glenn Block, conducting will play a program featuring ISU artist faculty violist Katherine Lewis performing Forsyth viola concerto. The program will also include music by ISU faculty composer Martha Horst in her "Quiet Places" and a suite from the ballet "Romeo and Juliet" by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. The program will open with an orchestra from the ISU String Project. For additional information contact Dr. Glenn Block (309) 438-2540 To purchase tickets

Program: Mother Earth - David Maslanka Autumn - Cait Nishimura *Seth Marshall, guest conductor We Choose to Go to the Moon - Roger Zare *Roger Zare, composer in residence Stillwater - Kelijah Dunton *John Gonzalez, guest conductor Wild Nights - Ticheli For additional information contact Dr. Mack Wood (309)438-8834   To purchase tickets

Guest trombonist and composer Mike Davis will present a concert with ISU Jazz Ensembles directed by Tom Marko. Davis’ compositions and virtuosic trombone playing will be featured extensively throughout. Davis has enjoyed a diverse and acclaimed career over the past 35 years. Widely known as the trombonist for five world tours with the Rolling Stones, he toured and recorded extensively with Frank Sinatra, has released 11 CDs as a solo artist, composed over 150 works, authored a dozen books for…

INFINITE HORIZONS, is a choral concert presented by Illinois State University Concert Choir and Madrigal Singers, conducted by Dr. Karyl Carlson, Director of Choral Activities. The concert includes the premier of the RedNote New Music Festival Choral Composition Competition, "Infinite Horizon" by Nicolas Kelly. Mr. Kelly was honored to lend the title to name our concert. The choirs have been immersing themselves in the cultures and music of the United States, Brazil, China, England, Germany, Canada. For additional information contact…

Please join the Illinois State University Wind Symphony on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 for the fourth concert of the 2021/2022 concert season. The concert will welcome a full live audience and is the first engagement of our 2022 Performance Tour that includes an invited performance at the 2022 College Band Directors National Association North Central Region Conference at The University of Wisconsin-Madison. You can learn more about our performance tour via the following website:  https://finearts.illinoisstate.edu/bands/wind-symphony-tour/ The concert opens with New York-based…

Student performance

On Sunday evening April 10 at 7:00 pm, the ISU Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. David Collier and Dr. Ben Stiers, will present their spring concert in the Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Illinois State University. After almost two years, the Percussion Ensemble is excited to be back performing for a live audience. The unique interaction of rhythm and sound color will be explored fully in this concert. The spring program will present the…

For additional information contact Dr. David Collier (309) 438-5386

Student performance

Student performance

Student recital

Matthew Vala and the Vala Voice Studio are excited to present Perspectives: a Song Recital. The voice students will present a student immersion project featuring the music of Jason Robert Brown. JASON ROBERT BROWN is the ultimate multi-hyphenate – an equally skilled composer, lyricist, conductor, arranger, orchestrator, director and performer – best known for his dazzling scores to several of the most renowned musicals of our time, including the generation-defining The Last Five Years, his debut song cycle Songs for a…

For additional contact Band Office (309) 438-2166   To purchase tickets

For additional information contact Dr. Kate Lewis (309) 438-2951

Illinois State University Symphonic Winds: Dr. F. Mack Wood, conductor John Gonzalez, guest conductor Washington Grays (1861) - Claudio Grafulla (1812-1880) arr. Reeves and Fry Stillwater (2019) - Kelijah Dunton (b. 1999) John Gonzalez, guest conductor Suite from Star Wars "The Force Awakens" (2015) - John Willams (b. 1932) arr. Paul Lavender 4. Jedi Steps and Finale Illinois State University Wind Symphony: Dr. Anthony C. Marinello, conductor Lauren Bobarsky, guest conductor John Gonzalez, guest conductor William Schuman (1910-1992) – Chester…

For additional information contact Dr. Karyl Carlson (309) 438-2012   For tickets

The ISU Symphony Orchestra will performs its final concert of the spring, 2022 semester, featuring the two winners of the ISU Concerto-Aria Competition held back in January. This competition across the entire ISU School of Music identifies the two top performers among the entire student body. The ISU Symphony Orchestra is under the direction of Dr. Glenn Block, Music Director since 1990. The ISU Symphony will perform, in addition to the winning concertos, music by American composers John Adams with…