Baker University Music & Theatre Department
Instrumental Ensembles
Music ensembles are an integral part of the performing arts at Baker University. Performance opportunities abound, with student musicians showcasing their talent in a variety of ways. Students need not be music majors to join an ensemble, they just need a passion for making music.
Caelan Rogers
Music Department Assistant and Events Coordinator
Music & Theatre
Practice your art
Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band is the centerpiece of the instrumental music program. Open to both music and nonmusic majors, the Symphonic Band performs contemporary as well as traditional literature for the wind ensemble. The band performs for campus concerts and ceremonial functions. The band tours each spring and often features guest artists and conductors. It provides a challenging and invigorating musical experience for Baker students through professional-caliber, yet non-intimidating rehearsals and concerts. During past Interterms, the band has performed in England, Taiwan, Korea and Japan.
Orchestra
The Orchestra consists of a core string ensemble that plays much of the chamber orchestra literature from the baroque and classical periods and a full orchestra that concentrates more on the music of the romantic and contemporary eras. The Orchestra presents multiple performances each academic year and regularly collaborates with the Johnson County Community College Orchestra.
Wildcat Pride Pep Band
The Wildcat Pride Pep Band includes all fall semester Symphonic Band members. The band performs at all Baker home football games and provides the music for homecoming and other athletic events throughout the fall semester. Members also march in Baldwin City’s annual Maple Leaf Festival parade.
Wildcat Drum Line
Our Wildcat Drum Line is an exciting new ensemble that provides percussion students the opportunity to perform at athletic events, various school functions, and community events.
Jazz Ensemble
Selected by audition, the Jazz Ensemble is in demand to perform at a variety of events throughout the greater Kansas City area. The ensemble also presents concerts on campus with visiting guest artists, attends a major jazz festival or tours each spring, and hosts the Baker Invitational Jazz Festival each fall. In addition, the Jazz Ensemble presents a special concert each year to raise funds for the Chris Grubb Memorial Scholarship.
Instrumental Chamber Ensembles
Players enjoy jazz combo, Dixieland, brass, woodwind, percussion and string ensembles of all sizes. Performances are as varied as the groups and feature these groups both on and off campus.
Dr. Frank Perez
Director of Bands | fperez@bakerU.edu
Expertise: wind ensembles, athletic bands, low brass, music technology, music education, electro-acoustic music
Office: Owens 215 | 785.594.4579
www.frankperezmusic.com
Dr. Mark Pretzel
Director of Orchestral Activities | mark.pretzel@bakerU.edu
Expertise: orchestra, piano, conducting
Office: Owens 100 | 785.594.8383