Northwestern Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Band to Present Joint Concert March 10

February 24, 2026

A large concert band performs on a darkened stage in Fellers Family Auditorium. Approximately 30 student musicians dressed in all-black attire are seated in a curved arrangement, playing woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Music stands with sheet music are positioned in front of each performer. A bald conductor in a black suit stands with his back to the camera, facing the ensemble on a low riser. Various instruments visible include clarinets, flutes, trombones, a tuba, and a bass drum. Stage lighting illuminates the performers against a dark background.
Members of the Northwestern Symphonic Band perform at last year’s Spring concert in Fellers Family Auditorium in Herod Hall. This year’s performance is set for March 10.

ALVA, Okla. — The Northwestern Oklahoma State University Ranger Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Band will present a joint concert on Tuesday, March 10, at 7 p.m. in Fellers Family Auditorium in Herod Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

The evening will begin with a performance by the Ranger Jazz Ensemble for a 30-minute performance, featuring a dynamic set of jazz repertoire that highlights student improvisation, stylistic versatility and collaborative musicianship. The ensemble includes students from a variety of majors and backgrounds, performing music that spans classic and contemporary jazz traditions.

Following the jazz ensemble, the Northwestern Symphonic Band will perform a 45-minute set. The Symphonic Band is the premier large instrumental performing ensemble at Northwestern and includes members from across the Alva community.

The Symphonic Band program will feature contemporary and traditional music written for wind band, including works that incorporate fixed media elements alongside live performers. The ensemble will also present wind band adaptations of choral works, offering audiences the opportunity to hear familiar vocal textures reimagined through the color and power of the wind ensemble. These selections showcase both traditional and innovative approaches to wind band literature within a professional concert setting.

“The Symphonic Band performs in this format only a few times each academic year,” said Xan Perkins, band director and instructor of instrumental music. “This concert represents the dedication and preparation our students bring to the instrumental music program at Northwestern.”

The March 10 performance provides an opportunity for the community to experience both jazz and wind band traditions in a single evening, highlighting the breadth of musical study and performance at Northwestern.

For more information contact Perkins at agperkins@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8191 or visit the Reichenberger Department of Fine Arts online.

-NW-

Media Contact:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
Email: sjdoherty@nwosu.edu
Phone: (580) 327-8480



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