Students practice for an upcoming jazz band performance

Music Performance Opportunities

Instrumental Music Groups

Whether you are a music major or want to take part in music as an extracurricular activity, there is a place for you at WSC. From large groups like the Marching Band to smaller chamber ensembles, students have many opportunities to meet fellow musicians and perform with their peers. 

Marching Band

The Wildcat Marching Band is one of the largest and most visible organizations on the WSC campus. Composed of students from nearly every major, the Wildcat band is the perfect avenue for making friends and building connections while having a blast making music. Members of the marching band represent WSC at a variety of events in the region, including home football games, high school marching contests, and parades. Every member of the band receives a stipend for participation and is dedicated to performances with maximum energy and excitement. The band takes pride in its long tradition of excellence.

For more information about the WSC Marching Band, contact Dr. Josh Calkin at [email protected] or 402-375-7599.

Wind Ensemble

The Wayne State College Wind Ensemble is the College’s premiere concert band. Made up of the most select wind players from the campus, the Wind Ensemble is dedicated to performing quality literature from the standard repertoire as well as exploring contemporary literature for band.

The Wind Ensemble performs at least four campus concerts each year and for special events in the region. Annual touring has taken this ensemble to destinations such as Scotland, England, Chicago, Ireland, Austria, and Italy. The WSC Wind Ensemble has established itself as one of the premiere instrumental groups in Northeast Nebraska and is a vital part of the community.

For more information about Wind Ensemble, contact Dr. Josh Calkin at [email protected] or 402-375-7599.

Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band is a wind band that meets once a week and performs two concerts each semester. This ensemble performs a variety of literature that includes contemporary and traditional band music and is open to any interested instrumentalists. The Symphonic Band meets both semesters and also serves as a lab for instrumental conducting students in the fall.

For more information about Symphonic Band, contact Michael Genslinger at [email protected] or 402-375-7363.

Jazz Ensemble

The Jazz Ensemble is composed of a select group of players interested in performing music in the jazz idiom and developing improvisation skills. Music is selected from all styles, representing the contemporary jazz orchestra as well as classics from the big bands of the past. The group gives two concerts a year and performs occasionally for area events.

For more information about Jazz Ensemble, contact Michael Genslinger at [email protected] or 402-375-7363.

Chamber Music

Wayne State College offers a number of performance opportunities for students interested in performing chamber music:

Brass Ensemble
The Brass Ensembles include a large brass choir and Brass Quintets (two trumpets, horn, trombone or euphonium, tuba, or bass trombone). These can be formed independently or with faculty supervision and can be registered courses or informal. The quintets' education covers preparation of recital repertoire from all musical eras and the pursuit of playing opportunities outside of the school. Trumpet, French horn, trombone, and tuba/euphonium may be formed as well.

Percussion Ensemble
The Percussion Ensemble contains all of the traditional drums and mallet percussion instruments, as well as many auxiliary and world percussion instruments. They rehearse and perform original and transcribed music for percussion in a wide variety of styles.

String Ensemble
The String Ensemble rehearses and performs interesting, exciting, and challenging music for bowed string instruments. It is open to all students and area residents who play the violin, viola, cello, or bass.

Woodwind Ensemble
Woodwind Chamber ensembles include the flute choir, clarinet choir, and saxophone quartet. These ensembles perform each semester on and off the Wayne State College campus.

For more information about Chamber Music, contact Dr. Josh Calkin at [email protected] or 402-375-7599.

A professor in the WSC Music Department

Department of Music

We foster the development of musical talent and prepare you for careers in the music industry or music education.

Music at Wayne State

Performing Arts Facilities