Remembering Dr. Nicholas Smith, longtime School of Music professor

A photograph of Dr. Nicholas Smith, professor of horn, retired, at Wichita State University

The Wichita State University School of Music mourns the passing of Dr. Nicholas Smith, former professor of horn and associate dean of fine arts, who died Aug. 2 at age 77.

Smith joined Wichita State in 1975 and dedicated more than four decades to educating and mentoring generations of musicians. An accomplished horn player, he also performed with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra for more than 40 years and appeared at music festivals across the country.

Through his artistry, teaching and service, Smith made a lasting contribution to the School of Music, the College of Fine Arts and Wichita’s broader musical community. The School of Music extends its deepest sympathies to his wife, Cheryl, and to his family, friends, former students and colleagues.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Genesee Wind Symphony.

New sound is taking the stage in the College of Fine Arts

A new sound is taking the stage at Wichita State. The School of Music’s new Commercial Music Ensembles give students the opportunity to perform rock, pop, funk, R&B, soul and other contemporary music in a collaborative, high-energy environment.

Open to students from all majors, these new ensembles bring together instrumentalists and vocalists from across campus to create, rehearse and perform the music they already know and love. Whether students are pursuing a music degree or looking for a way to keep making music while studying another field, there’s a place for them on stage.

Students interested in learning more can fill out the interest form or contact William Flynn, associate professor and jazz studies area coordinator, at william.flynn@wichita.edu

Promotional graphic with a light gray background and a thin gold border. At the top center, bold text reads “Wichita State University.” Below it, in script and bold text, “Rie Bloomfield Organ Series.” Beneath that, in all caps, “Marcussen Organ” and “Wiedemann Hall.” On the right side, large bold text reads “Annual POPS Concert.” Below that, smaller text reads “May 6 | 5:15 PM” and “Free Admission.” On the left side of the image is an illustrated, stylized pipe organ in shades of gold, brown and black, with multiple vertical pipes and a central console, representing a large concert organ.

Annual Organ POPS Concert set for May 6 in Wiedemann Hall

The Rie Bloomfield Organ Series will present the Annual Organ POPS Concert at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 6 in Wiedemann Hall. Admission is free.

The concert features the Marcussen organ in both solo and ensemble settings, with performances by current organ students and guest musicians. Joining the program is the jazz band from Skiatook High School in Oklahoma, directed by alumni Bobby Kitchen and Keysto Stotz. The ensemble will perform arrangements of well-known selections, and audience members will be invited to participate in a brief sing-along.

The program also includes a work for trumpet and organ performed by Keysto Stotz and Lynne Davis. The concert closes with Lynne Davis in a solo performance of the famous Boëllmann Toccata. Lasting just under an hour, the concert offers an opportunity to hear a wide range of music.

Promotional poster for a Wichita State University concert. The background features an abstract, painterly design split vertically: the left side is dark gray and textured, while the right side is brighter with swirling blue, white and orange tones, suggesting contrast between struggle and hope. Centered at the top reads: “WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY CHOIRS & ORCHESTRA.” Large, bold text across the middle reads: “STILL WE SING.” Below in smaller capital letters: “REFLECTIONS ON RESILIENCE AND HUMANITY.” Near the bottom, centered text reads: “SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2026” and beneath that “3:00PM MILLER CONCERT HALL.” At the very bottom: “DUERKSEN FINE ARTS CENTER, WSU CAMPUS.”

‘Still We Sing’ unites WSU ensembles in a powerful reflection on hope and humanity

Wichita State’s choirs and orchestra present “Still We Sing: Reflections on Resilience and Humanity” at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 3 in Miller Concert Hall at Duerksen Fine Arts Center.

This inspiring program explores themes of hope, compassion and shared humanity through three powerful works. Linda Tutas Haugen’s “Anne Frank: A Living Voice” brings Anne Frank’s words to life with intimate and expressive choral writing. Johannes Brahms’ “Alto Rhapsody,” featuring WSU lecturer of voice Samantha Balboa, offers a profound reflection on isolation and renewal. The concert concludes with selections from Craig Hella Johnson’s “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a moving tribute that calls audiences to empathy and understanding.

Performing ensembles include Concert Chorale, Wu Choir, Shocker Choir and the Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Katelyn H. Peterson and Ryan Beeken.

WSU students may receive a ticket at no additional charge with their Shocker IDs. Tickets are available at wichita.edu/boxoffice, by phone at 316-978-3233 or in person at the Fine Arts Box Office in the Miller Concert Hall lobby of the Duerksen Fine Arts Center.

Spotlight on student performers at WSU’s Concerto – Aria Concert

The Wichita State Symphony Orchestra will present its annual Concerto – Aria Honors Concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 in Miller Concert Hall at Duerksen Fine Arts Center. This much‑anticipated event highlights exceptional student performers selected through a competitive audition process, offering audiences a chance to hear some of the School of Music’s rising artists.

This year’s program features a wide range of repertoire, including Saint‑Saëns’ “Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso” performed by violinist Isaac Wu, an aria from Britten’s “Billy Budd” sung by baritone Mitchell Krueger and Glazunov’s Alto Saxophone Concerto featuring Ethan Grohe. Following intermission, soprano Katie Comley will perform Gounod’s sparkling “Ah! Je veux vivre,” and percussionist Adam Tillberg will bring energy and flair to Séjourné’s marimba concerto.

The Concerto – Aria Concert continues to be a hallmark of the season, celebrating the skill, preparation and artistry of Wichita State’s student musicians.

A promotional graphic for the Wichita State University Rie Bloomfield Organ Series. The left side of the image shows part of a person dressed formally, wearing a pearl necklace. The right side contains the event details on a white and gold background. Text reads: “Wichita State University Rie Bloomfield Organ Series Marcussen Organ Wiedemann Hall Guest Artist Lynne Davis March 24 | 7:30 PM.” At the bottom center is an illustrated organ in gold, black, and gray tones.

Rie Bloomfield Organ Series season finale set for March 24

Wichita State will conclude the 2025-26 Rie Bloomfield Organ Series with a performance by Lynne Davis at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 24 in Wiedemann Hall. The evening’s music is dedicated to the memory of Pat Hysko, who, with her husband Don, was a devoted supporter of the School of Music. For many years, the Hyskos hosted chamber and piano concerts in the garden of their home and welcomed renowned French organists and organ builders from Notre Dame in Paris, offering receptions and dinners when they visited for the series.

Davis, the Robert L. Town Distinguished Professor of Organ and a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, will perform works by J.S. Bach, Pierre Du Mage, Nikolaus Bruhns, Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck and Jehan Alain. A post‑intermission “Conversation with the Artist” will follow.

Tickets are available at wichita.edu/boxoffice.

A collage of students performing in School of Music ensembles with the text, "Keep doing what you love!" and "We have a place for you! Keep the joy of music in your life — you’re always welcome here."

Find your ensemble and community in the School of Music

You don’t have to be a music major to make music at Wichita State. Students from across campus and every academic discipline are invited to sing, play and perform in School of Music ensembles. Whether music has been part of your life for years or something you are ready to return to, there is a place for you.

Non-music majors can participate in concert bands, athletic bands, choirs, jazz bands, opera theater and the Symphony Orchestra. All ensembles offer zero credit options, allowing students to participate without increasing their tuition or academic load.

Making music can help manage stress, build community and keep creativity central to your college experience. No matter your major, you belong in music at Wichita State.

A collage of students performing in School of Music ensembles with the text, "Keep doing what you love!" and "We have a place for you! Keep the joy of music in your life — you’re always welcome here."

All students are encouraged to pursue music beyond their major

Many Wichita State students arrive with strong musical backgrounds but step away as academic demands increase. Faculty and staff can play an important role in reminding students that they do not have to leave music behind.

The School of Music offers ensemble opportunities open to students from all majors who want to continue singing or playing while pursuing their degrees. All ensembles include zero credit options, allowing students to participate without increasing their tuition or academic load.

Available ensembles include athletic bands, concert bands, choirs, jazz bands, opera theater and the Symphony Orchestra. Participation supports student well-being, fosters belonging and provides a creative outlet alongside coursework.

A simple reminder — “You can still do music here” — can help students reconnect with an important part of themselves.

More information is available at wichita.edu/ensembles.

The image shows a winter evening scene with deep blue tones. Snow covers the ground, and bare tree branches hang overhead. On the right side of the image, a black metal lantern sits in the snow, glowing warmly with a lit candle inside. The warm orange light contrasts with the cool blue background, creating a peaceful, inviting atmosphere. White text appears on the left half of the image and reads: “62nd Annual Candlelight Concert 7:30 p.m. December 5 & 6 4 p.m. December 7 Wiedemann Recital Hall” In the lower right corner is the Wichita State University School of Music logo, which reads: “School of Music, Wichita State University.”

Sharing light through song at the 62nd Candlelight Concert

The 62nd annual Candlelight Concert returns to Wiedemann Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6 and 4 p.m. Dec. 7, offering audiences a cherished moment of reflection during a busy season. Tickets range from $6 to $12, and seating is assigned.

This year’s program honors centuries of musical tradition while celebrating the shared hope and connection that define this event. Selections highlight voices from many eras and cultures, including the groundbreaking work of Renaissance composer Maddalena Casulana, the warmth of English and Scandinavian carols, and contemporary reflections from Alex Gartner, Elizabeth Alexander and Brian Tate. Together, the combined choirs of Wichita State University create a tapestry of sound that invites listeners to pause, breathe and experience community.

Everyone is invited to join this beloved tradition. Be sure to get your tickets today through the College of Fine Arts Box Office at wichita.edu/boxoffice or 316-978-3233.

A promotional graphic for Wichita State University’s Rie Bloomfield Organ Series. At the top, the text reads: “Wichita State University” followed by “Rie Bloomfield” in a cursive script and “Organ Series” in large, bold, gold lettering. Below this, smaller text reads “Marcussen Organ” and “Wiedemann Hall.” On the right side, the text reads “Annual Holiday Concert” and “Dec. 3 | 7:30 p.m.” Centered near the bottom, there is an illustrated depiction of the Marcussen organ in shades of gold and dark brown, showing its tall pipes and geometric structure. The background is a soft gradient of white to light gray with a thin rectangular gold border framing the design.

Celebrate the season at the Wednesdays in Wiedemann holiday concert

Wichita State’s Rie Bloomfield Organ Series invites the community to celebrate the season at the annual Wednesdays in Wiedemann Holiday Concert at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3 in Wiedemann Hall. The event features the majestic Marcussen organ and welcomes guest sopranos Hilary Taylor and Stephanie Shelden, who will perform the beautiful “Flower Duet” by Léo Delibes.

The program, led by Lynne Davis, includes festive organ works and a chance for the audience to join in singing beloved holiday carols. The concert concludes on the organ with Mulet’s brilliant “Carillon Sortie” following the traditional singing of “Jingle Bells”,  complete with the sparkling revolving star and sleigh bells in the organ case.

All are welcome to gather, sing and enjoy a moment of joy and connection. Admission is free.