Band Program

The Band Program at Northern Kentucky University is dedicated to excellence in musical performance as well as the social enrichment of its members. Comprised of both music majors and students majoring in many other areas of study, the Band Program includes: Symphonic Winds, Concert Band and the Norse Pep Band.

Music is selected from a wide variety of the finest in wind band literature. While excellence in musical performance is a significant goal of the band program, care is taken to ensure a positive experience; the satisfaction of hard work during rehearsals, enjoyable quality performances of outstanding band repertoire, the fellowships, friendships, and camaraderie that generally occur through band participation.

Symphonic Winds
Symphonic Winds is the select concert organization of the NKU Band Program, and is comprised of the finest winds and percussion musicians on the Music Department. Even though the ensemble membership is mostly music majors, accomplished performers of any major are encouraged to audition. The musical repertoire includes challenging and highly regarded original band works, orchestral and keyboard transcriptions and significant works from the chamber wind repertoire. In addition to its regular series of campus concerts each year, the Symphonic Winds tours and performs at state and regional music conventions. Membership is by Audition Only.

Concert Band
Concert Band is composed of musicians from all schools and departments within the University. Concert Band performs repertoire of the finest in original band music plus orchestral and keyboard transcriptions. Concert Band exists to afford qualified NKU students the opportunity to participate and to perform in a band at the collegiate level. Like all bands at Northern Kentucky University, you do not need to be a music major to participate. Membership is open to all enrolled NKU students. No audition is required for participation in Concert Band, however, participation in your high school band is a desired prerequisite.

Norse Pep Band
Along with the high national profile of the NKU Basketball, the Norse Pep Band has become among the most popular students organizations on campus. Performing a large mix of high-energy pop, rock, R&B, and jazz arrangements, the Norse Pep Band plays at most home basketball games and travels with teams to post-season tournaments. Membership is open to all enrolled NKU students. Simply fill out a sign-up sheet, available at Dr. Karrick's office FA 362, and return it to him.

According to prescribed instrumentation and participation, a $350 service stipend is available to all Norse Pep Band members at the conclusion of the spring semester.

School Instruments
If you need a school instrument (French Horn, low reeds, low brass, percussion are provided) you can check one out with our instrument technician at 859.572.5901 (FA 252A).