Pitt State presents month of diverse performances

A diverse line-up of performances open to the campus and community continue this month at Pittsburg State University, with one of the largest musical events in the region planned for Friday. The month also is celebrated nationally as Music in Our Schools Month. 

March 4 
Symphonic Band Concert 
7 p.m. • Bicknell Family Center for the Arts 

The university’s Symphonic Band will present its spring concert on March 4 at 7 p.m. at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, with a featured performance by the Pittsburg Hispanic Banda. 

This concert of engaging wind band repertoire will be performed by talented student musicians under the direction of Assistant Professor Jobey Wilson, including “The Oracle” (2020) by Vince Gassi, “Industrial Loops” (2017) by Brian Balmages, “Illumination” (2013) by David Maslanka, and “Emblem of Unity” (1941) by J.J. Richards, who has Pittsburg connections. 

The Pittsburg Hispanic Banda is comprised of students and alumni and is directed by Isaac Hernandez, adjunct lecturer. The banda will perform “Amigo,” “Funky Town,” and “Rango.” 

March 6 
52nd Annual PSU Jazz Festival Evening Concert 
7 p.m. • Memorial Auditorium 

Music - Guitarist

When The Lao Tizer Band takes the stage for the 52nd Annual Pitt State Jazz Festival Concert, expect an electrifying mix of jazz, funk, soul, and world influences, led by keyboardist and bandleader Lao Tizer, a former “Best New Jazz Artist” nominee. 

The band also includes: 

  • •  Elliott Yamin, platinum-selling American Idol star (vocals) 
  • •  Gene Coye, Grammy-winning drum phenom (Hiromi, Terrence Blanchard) 
  • •  Chieli Minucci, a 3-time Emmy-winning guitarist (Special EFX) 
  • •  Anthony Crawford, Rolling Stone 2022 “Bassist of the Year” nominee (Jeff Lorber, Erykah Badu) 
  •  

Also planned: 
At 6:45 p.m., the student funk-fusion-jazz band The Little Green Men will make a pre-concert guest appearance. 

At 7:30 p.m., the Pitt State Jazz Band will officially open the concert. 

A limited number of tickets for floor seating remain through the university ticket office — not at Memorial Auditorium. Balcony seating is reserved for members of more than 70 area high school jazz bands who will be in Pittsburg all day performing for judges. 

Buy online: pittstate.edu/tickets 

Pick up in person: Room 137 Weede Building, 8:30 to 4 p.m. M-F 

  • Free - Pitt State students with ID 
  • $11 - Pitt State employees, seniors, youth, and military/veterans with ID 
  • $16 - general public reserved seating
  •  

March 8 
University Choirs Spring Concert 
3 p.m. • First United Methodist Church 

Music - Choir

This concert will feature performances by the University Choir and the PSU Chorale under the direction of Professor Susan Marchant.  The program will present diverse works drawn from various national styles and choral traditions. It is free and open to the public. 

March 9 
Horn Studio Recital 
7 p.m. • McCray Hall 

Students in the Music Department’s Horn Studio will present solo and chamber music works as they prepare for competitions and performances at the Mid-South Horn Workshop in Nacogdoches, Texas. It is free and open to the public. 

March 24 
Pitt State Percussion Ensemble Concert 
7 p.m. • Bicknell Family Center for the Arts  

The Music Department’s Percussion Ensemble will present an evening of contemporary chamber music featuring a wide variety of works by traditional and contemporary composers including Tetsuro Naito, Dave Hall, Rudiger Pawassar and Eric Texter, as well as traditional Mexican Marimba arrangements. The ensemble is directed by Professor Jim Clanton. It is free and open to the public. 

March 27 
Solo & Chamber Music Series presents: KhEmia 
7:30 • McCray Hall 

Music - Khemia

The Solo & Chamber Music Series continues with KhEmia, an award-winning ensemble whose name is derived from the Ancient Greek word χημεία (chemistry). 

Hailed by the Columbia Daily Tribune for adding a “fresh dimension” to the concert experience, KhEmia embraces contemporary classical chamber music with dynamic instrumentation that includes soprano, flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and two percussionists. Their performances blend acoustic chamber works with multimedia elements and multi-genre influences. 

The ensemble is comprised of eight passionate artist-educators who hold positions at academic and arts institutions across the United States and share their commitment to chamber music with audiences around the world. 

Tickets: 

Individual concerts: 
Free: students with Pitt State ID 
$15 general admission 
$10 over 65 / under 18 

Tickets are available at the ticket office, Room 137 Weede Building, 1701 S. Homer, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, online at pittstate.edu/tickets, or by calling 620-235-4466. Tickets also will be sold at the door based on availability. 

March 29 
Southeast Kansas Symphony: Tribute to Dance 
4:30 p.m. • Bicknell Family Center for the Arts 

Music - symphony

The Southeast Kansas Symphony’s next concert will be “A Tribute to Dance: a Night of Beauty and Movement,” directed by Assistant Professor Ramiro Miranda. The program will be comprised of beautiful music written for dance — from waltzes to ballet, and more! 

Tickets at the door: 

$12 for general admission 
$8 for ages 17 and under and 65+ 
Free for Pitt State students and current and retired university employees  

In advance:
 
$10 for general admission 
$6 for ages 13-17 and 65+. 
Free for children ages 12 and under, Pitt State students, and current and retired university employees 

Tickets may be purchased or picked up at the university ticket office, Room 137 Weede Gymnasium, online at pittstate.edu/tickets, or by calling 620-235-4796.   

March 31 
Sigma Alpha Iota presents: Women's History Month Recital  
7:30 p.m. McCray Hall 

Sigma Alpha Iota music sorority will present a recital showcasing the work of female composers. It is free and open to the community.