Music Department
The Music Department is a vital part of WSU’s campus life and our community. Not only does our program give students the opportunity to enrich their lives through music, but it also exposes other students, staff, and community members to the performing arts.
We believe that all learners should have the chance to participate in music, whether they are:
- preparing for a career in the field
- enhancing another degree with music education
- playing or singing in a performance for enjoyment
- simply attending concerts and recitals
In our department, you will learn from experienced educators and professional musicians. They are active in the music world through performing, presenting workshops, composing, researching, and writing to not only enrich themselves, but also their students.
Our faculty will give each student our best effort to help them get what they want from our program, whether it’s the skills for a career or the simple enjoyment of music.
Music Events & Performances
Students can participate in a wide variety of music events on campus and in the community.
Every year the music department brings in a variety of guest artists and clinicians, such as jazz, classical and world music vocal and instrumental performances. The WSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble hosts the annual High School Honor Band Festival each November.
Located in the center of the Winona campus, the DuFresne Performing Arts Center houses the Music Department and all its performance and rehearsal spaces.
The Vivian Fusillo Theatre seats 490 people and is used for large ensemble concerts, theater, and dance performances.
Students, faculty, and guest artists throughout the year also perform in our recital hall which comfortably seats 190.
Two large rehearsal rooms are set up for instrumental and choral groups complete with audio systems.
We also offer large teaching studios, a small ensemble rehearsal space and a piano lab equipped with Yamaha clavinovas and a teaching station.
Friends of Jazz
WSU Friends of Jazz provides financial assistance for scholarships, tours, recordings, and guest appearances on campus. As a designated program within the WSU Foundation, Friends of Jazz works cooperatively with the WSU Retiree Center and Alumni Relations.
Become a member of Friends of Jazz to help WSU establish itself as a regional center for jazz in college curriculum.
Your annual contribution entitles you to free admission to all on-campus jazz performances and a listing in programs as a Friend of Jazz at the following levels:
- Friend: $25-49
- Sponsor: $50-99
- Patron: $100-499
- Benefactor: $500 and up
To make a financial contribution, please send your name, address, phone number and email to:
Friends of Jazz
c/o WSU Retiree Center
P.O. Box 5838
Winona, MN 5598
Accreditation
WSU is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).