Washburn University Music & Theatre Department Offers Free Musical Performances throughout April; The Public is Invited

Topeka, Kan. - The Washburn University Music & Theatre Department will host performances throughout April featuring Washburn music students and faculty. Most of these concerts are on the Washburn University campus, they are free and they are open to the public.

Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival
Date and Time: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday, April 3
Location: Garvey Fine Arts Center and White Concert Hall

The Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival is a celebration of jazz music dedicated to the legacy of legendary tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins, often regarded as one of the founding figures of modern jazz. Preregistered students from 15 area schools will participate in educational workshops, the event concludes with a concert. Students will participate in clinics in Hurd Recital Hall, and the festival concludes with a concert at 7 p.m. in White Concert Hall.

Cello Solo Music Festival
Date and Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday, April 4
Location: White Concert Hall

Pre-registered middle and high school cellists who are looking to gain soloist experience will be at Washburn University 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. April 4. Soloists are given a time to check-in, warm up and report to Hurd Recital Hall to perform their selection before a panel of judges. After the performance they will receive oral and written critiques of their performance and receive a certificate and medals. The judges are Washburn University cello majors. This gives the music majors valuable experience in how to be an adjudicator.

BOOM! Trio
Date and Time: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 7
Location: Hurd Recital Hall

This concert offers an electrifying jazz experience that blends bold improvisation, tight rhythms and dynamic interplay. With a sound that fuses classic jazz roots and modern energy, the group creates an engaging, high-impact performance that lives up to its name-unexpected, vibrant and full of musical surprises.

Britain/Moore Percussion Duo
Date and Time: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15
Location: Hurd Recital Hall

The Britain/Moore Percussion Duo will present a concert experience centered on precision, artistry and rhythm. These guest artists will explore the full spectrum of sound and texture. Their program blends contemporary works, inventive arrangements and expressive musical storytelling to create a performance that is both engaging and memorable.

Washburn University Wind Ensemble Concert
Date and Time: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 17
Location: White Concert Hall

Please join the Washburn Wind Ensemble and flute soloist Dr. Terry Andrews for an evening that blends music and visual art into a moving dialogue for our audience. The program draws inspiration from Pulitzer Prize winner and Topeka Capital-Journal photographer Brian Lanker, French painters Claude Monet and Georges Pierre Seurat, and countless R&B icons such as D'Angelo and Erykah Badu. The concert also features the Midwest premiere of "Shea Butter Suite" by Katahj Copley, promising a vibrant and compelling musical experience for all.

Kansas Chapter Percussive Arts Society - 2026 Kansas Day of Percussion
Date and Time: 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Saturday, April 18
Location: Garvey Fine Arts Center

Washburn University will host the 2026 Kansas Day of Percussion. This year the Kansas Chapter Percussive Arts Society will feature the Britain/Moore Percussion Duo, David Yoon with the Kansas City Symphony, Steve Hatfield from Wichita State University and Eric Sheffler from Sky Riders Drum and Bugle Corps. Collegiate showcase performances by Washburn University and Butler Community College. High School showcase performance by Washburn Rural High School.

Washburn University Percussion Picnic
Date and Time: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19
Location: Memorial Union Lawn, area outside of the Mulvane Art Museum

Washburn University's annual outdoor concert, the "Percussion Picnic," presented by the Washburn University Percussion Group, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Washburn lawn outside the Mulvane Art Museum returns April 19. The concert promises an enchanting musical experience inspired by the Kansas outdoor environment. Attendees are encouraged to bring their chairs and embrace the picnic atmosphere while immersing themselves in the rhythmic melodies that mirror the beauty of the Kansas outdoors. The unique combination of talented percussionists and the serene outdoor setting ensures a delightful experience for all.

Faculty Woodwind Quintet and Faculty Brass Quintet
Date and Time: 3 p.m., Sunday, April 19
Location: Grace Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Ave.

Enjoy an afternoon of chamber music and conversation with the Washburn University Faculty Woodwind Quintet and the Washburn University Faculty Brass Quintet. They will present a chamber concert as part of the Great Spaces Music Series at Grace Episcopal Cathedral. The concert will include selections from "Quintet in B-flat Major" by Franz Danzi, "Aires Tropicales" for Woodwind Quintet by Paquito D'Rivera, "Colchester Fantasy" by Eric Ewazen, "Suite Americana" by Enrique Crespo and "Vuelta del Fuego" by Kevin McKee.

Washburn University Honors Chamber Concert
Date and Time: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19
Location: Hurd Recital Hall

The Washburn University Honors Chamber Concert features some of the Washburn University Music & Theatre Department's most distinguished student musicians. The program includes a mix of classical and modern pieces, giving performers a chance to show their skill and work closely with others. It's a relaxed but high-quality concert that's easy to enjoy.

Washburn University Band & New Horizons Concert
Date and Time: 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 20
Location: White Concert Hall

Join us for an inspiring evening of music featuring the Washburn University Band and the Topeka New Horizons Band. Celebrating the spirit of intergenerational learning, this collaboration brings together community and collegiate musicians and members of the New Horizons Band, an organization for adults who are returning to music after many years away. The concert also showcases our talented undergraduate student conductors throughout the evening, highlighting the power of mentorship, community and lifelong music-making.

Washburn University Piano & Organ Society Gala Concert
Date and Time: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21
Location: Hurd Recital Hall

The concert features collegiate students from the piano studio of Dr. Lucy Tan, as well as the highest-performing students who participated in the annual Washburn Piano Day. The guest students include performers from elementary school through high school. The purpose of this concert is to showcase the repertoire achievements by current students, as well as provide formal performance opportunities for local students. Please come support the Division of Keyboard Studies as we foster a love of music.

Washburn University String Orchestra Concert
Date and Time: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 24
Location: White Concert Hall

Experience an evening of string music performed by the talented Washburn University students. The orchestra will showcase a diverse repertoire, highlighting both classical masterpieces and contemporary works, bringing the expressive power of strings to life.

Patrick Yeh Faculty Tuba Recital
Date and Time: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28
Location: Hurd Recital Hall

Join us for an inspiring performance by Patrick Yeh, lecturer, Washburn University Music & Theatre Department, showcasing his mastery of the tuba through a dynamic program of solo and ensemble works. Experience the depth, versatility and expressive power of this remarkable instrument in an engaging recital by a distinguished faculty artist.

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For further information, contact:
Joy Bailes
Director of Internal Communications and Brand Management
Telephone: (785) 670-2153
Cell: (785) 230-1648
Email: [email protected]