MoWest Wind Ensemble presents ‘Momentum’ concert Thursday with jazz, honor choir on tap next week
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- From choir to jazz and a full ensemble of woodwinds, an array of concerts and performances are coming up fast at MoWest.
First on the upcoming schedule is MoWest's Wind Ensemble, which is slated for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, in Potter Hall Theatre. Admission will be free for the public.
The theme of the concert is “Momentum: The Energy That Drives Music Forward" which focuses on the close relationship between music and community. The program is designed to capture movement in a way that reflects the spirit of Missouri Western.
For any questions, reach out to Dr. Lee Harrelson at rharrelson1@missouriwestern.edu or call 816-305-4894.
MoWest fall jazz concert and all-district jazz
The jazz program of MoWest's School of Fine Arts will present its annual free fall concert at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 18 at Potter Theater.
The Jazz Ensemble will showcase classic works by arranger and writer Sammy Nestico, featuring the theme 'A Little of This and a Little of That.' Nestico was longtime collaborator with the Count Basie Orchestra.
Along with classics, the ensemble will perform newer works by some of today’s contemporary composers, including Ellen Rowe, Professor of Jazz at the University of Michigan, and Kris Berg, international best-selling composer and arranger.
The Jazz Ensemble is also set to perform on Saturday, Nov. 22, as part of the North West District MMEA All-District Jazz concert.
The concert will also be on the Missouri Western campus in Potter Theater, sharing the stage with the junior high and high school All-District jazz groups. This concert will start at 5:00 p.m.
For more information on either event, please contact Bob Long, director of jazz studies at 816-244-5840 or via email at long@missouriwestern.edu.
MoWest to host honor choir concert
Kicking off next Thursday at 6 pm., MoWest's School of Fine Arts will host the Fall 2025 Honor Choir Concert in the Fulkerson Center. The event is free and open to the public.
The concert will see more than 300 middle and high school singers from across northwest Missouri and the greater Kansas City region joining voices with two ensembles: the Middle School Honor Choir, conducted by Jazz Rucker, director of choirs at Staley High School, and the High School Honor Choir, led by Dr. Paul Dease, director of choral activities at Missouri Western State University.
Regarded as one of Missouri’s most engaging choral clinicians, Rucker is widely respected for his inspiring leadership, innovative rehearsal techniques and ability to bring out the best in young singers.
Dr. Dease, director of MoWest’s choral program, expressed his enthusiasm for the event.
“This concert represents the very best of what choral music can do—bringing together hundreds of young people from across the region to make something beautiful and meaningful together,” said Dr. Dease in a press release. “We’re thrilled to welcome Jazz Rucker to campus and to give these students a day of artistry, inspiration and community through song.”
