New ensemble to be in place by Fall 2024; scholarships to be available
For the first time in the history of William Woods University (WWU), it is officially time to “strike up the band!”
Today, The Woods announced the establishment of its first-ever marching/pep and concert band, set to begin operation with the Fall 2024 semester. The band will serve as the Owls’ marching band beginning with the inaugural WWU football season of 2024, and then transition into concert and pep bands for the remainder of the year. Jazz band and chamber ensemble are also being considered.
“A year of unprecedented history-making continues at William Woods with the creation of our first-ever marching/pep and concert band, and we could not be more excited,” said Dr. Jeremy Moreland, President of William Woods. “Adding an official William Woods band will significantly add to our campus culture, build school spirit and provide new arts opportunities for our prospective students. And it fits right into our ongoing commitment of improving the total campus experience of all our students, both inside and outside the classroom.”
The University plans to recruit at least 18 members for the band’s first year of 2024-2025, building to eventually having around 70-80 members. Students will have an opportunity to audition for band scholarships of up to $5,000. Dr. Alex Kirby, Assistant Professor in the WWU School of Humanities, has been actively recruiting new band ensemble members through serving as a clinician at area high school band rehearsals, and attending marching band competitions to connect with area directors and students.
“It truly is an exciting time for the arts at William Woods,” Dr. Kirby said. “So many institutions across the nation are cutting the arts and to see William Woods actively investing in them is exciting to see. With the addition of band coming for Fall 2024 and the revamped choral program for this year, The Woods can provide more students a place to call home and to be a part of something larger than themselves.”
The addition of a marching/pep and concert band at William Woods is merely the latest history-making news being made at The Woods during 2023. In May, the University announced the addition of the first-ever Ph.D. program in WWU history, a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership, followed by the announcement of the establishment of the first-ever intercollegiate football program at William Woods, which will begin play in 2024. In August, the University also welcomed the largest incoming class ever at The Woods, 456 students, with 298 residential students and 158 online.
