Washburn University offering free concerts throughout April. Here's when they are.

Stacey Saldanha-Olson, Topeka Capital-Journal
·4 min read

Spring flowers are blooming, and Washburn University instrumentalists are tuning.

This April, Washburn will host an array of free concerts for the public.

“Offering our neighbors the opportunity to enjoy free music programing is part of how Washburn supports the active learning, excellence in instruction and innovative programs for which we are known, and to which we always aspire, ” Washburn president JuliAnn Mazachek said in a written statement. “It allows us to further build our thriving college-town environment and supports the community’s efforts to be a vibrant place to live.”

Spring into these free concerts hosted by Washburn University throughout the month of April.
Spring into these free concerts hosted by Washburn University throughout the month of April.

While the public has access to these shows, it is also an opportunity for students and faculty to showcase their abilities and hard work.

“Part of music education is providing our students and faculty outlets to share what they’re learning and passionate about with an audience,” provost and vice president of academic affairs John Fritch, said in a written statement.

The concerts are are as follows:

  • Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival and concert will be 4:30 p.m. Friday at White Concert Hall. The Washburn University Department of Music and Theatre will host more than a dozen bands from 10 high schools during the day and will conclude with the evening concert at 4:30 p.m. It will feature the guest musicians, the Washburn Faculty Jazz Quintet and the Washburn Jazz Orchestra.

  • Washburn Honors Chamber concert is at 7:30 p.m. Sunday in the Carole Chapel. The Honors Chamber Concert will showcase student musicians in the Fetter String Quartet, Honors Brass Trio and Honors Woodwind Quintet.

  • Washburn Faculty Brass Quintet recital will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Carole Chapel. The group features Bryce Call, trumpet; professor Andrea Stanton, horn; professor Andrew Hakenewerth, trombone; and Taylor Hicks, tuba. They will be joined by Washburn alumnus Dalton Imhoff-Brey on trumpet. Musical selections will include works by J.S. Bach, Benjamin Britten and Kevin McKee.

  • Washburn Piano and Organ Society Gala will be 7:30 p.m. April 12 in White Concert Hall. This concert features current Washburn keyboard students along with the highest-performing students who participated in Washburn’s annual Washburn Piano Day. Guest students include performers from grades 1 through 12.

  • Zsolt Eder and Lucy Tan Duo is at 3 p.m. April 13 in White Concert Hall. Zsolt Eder, Washburn violin professor, and Lucy Tan, Washburn piano professor, will perform together.

  • Debora Silva's junior violin concert is at 7:30 p.m. April 13 in White Concert Hall. Debora Silva, a Washburn University student, will perform her junior year violin recital.

  • Washburn Wind Ensemble will perform its spring concert at 3 p.m. April 14 in White Concert Hall.

  • Caroline Shipley's senior cello recital is at 7:30 p.m. April 14 in White Concert Hall.

  • Washburn Trombone Studio will present its spring semester work at 7:30 p.m. April 15 in the Carole Chapel.

  • Washburn String Orchestra will perform its spring concert at 7:30 p.m. April 16 in White Concert Hall.

  • Washburn Faculty Jazz Quintet recital will be at 7:30 p.m. April 18 in White Concert Hall. The group features Craig Treinen, saxophone; Bryce Call, trumpet; Von Hansen, drums; professor Bill McKemy, bass; and professor Tetsuya Nishiyama, guitar.

  • Mia Stricklin's senior flute recital will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 20 in White Concert Hall.

  • The Percussion Picnic will be at 3 p.m. April 21, between Memorial Union and Mulvane Art Museum. The concert will give an enchanting musical experience inspired by the Kansas outdoor environment, featuring pieces like "Watercolor Sunset," "Lyric Dusk" and "Swarm." Attendees are encouraged to bring their chairs.

  • Zachary Byrd's senior cello recital is at 7:30 p.m. April 21 in White Concert Hall.

  • Cameron Arnold's junior percussion recital is at 7:30 p.m. April 22 in White Concert Hall.

  • Washburn Saxophone Quartet will have its spring concert at 7:30 p.m. April 23 in Carole Chapel.

  • Washburn Vox Aura, a female choral ensemble, will perform at 7:30 p.m. 23 in the Grace Cathedral at 701 S.W. 8th Ave.

  • Washburn Faculty Woodwind Quartet and Trio will perform its spring concert at 7:30 p.m. April 28 in White Concert Hall.

  • Washburn Cello Group and Topeka Cello Collective will perform together at 7:30 p.m. April 29 in White Concert Hall.

  • Washburn Jazz Ensemble will have its spring concert at 7:30 p.m. April 30 in White Concert Hall.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Washburn University offering 20 free concerts throughout April