Internationally acclaimed pianist Emmet Cohen brings a rare combination of virtuosity, spontaneity, and musical storytelling to the Bailey School of Music stage. Widely recognized as one of the leading voices of his generation, Cohen has earned international praise for performances that honor the deep traditions of jazz while infusing them with contemporary energy and boundless improvisational spirit. Known for his celebrated Live From Emmet’s Place sessions and collaborations with legendary jazz artists across the globe, Cohen approaches performance as a living conversation; one rooted in connection, risk-taking and the shared experience between musicians and audience. His artistry moves effortlessly between technical brilliance and expressive intimacy, revealing jazz as both an evolving art form and a profoundly human one. As part of the Bailey School of Music’s professional guest artist series, Cohen’s residency extends beyond the concert hall through direct engagement with students in masterclasses, workshops, and collaborative learning experiences. These interactions place emerging musicians in conversation with world-class artists actively shaping the future of the field, reinforcing the school’s commitment to experiential learning and artistic mentorship at the highest level. Through performances and artist residencies like this one, the Bailey School of Music continues to create meaningful bridges between professional artistry and student scholarship, ensuring that learning happens not only in rehearsal rooms and classrooms, but through firsthand encounters with artists redefining contemporary music today.

Internationally acclaimed pianist Emmet Cohen brings a rare combination of virtuosity, spontaneity, and musical storytelling to the Bailey School of Music stage.

The Kennesaw State University Wind Symphony and University Band present a shared fall concert featuring performances by two of the School of Music’s large wind ensembles. Comprised primarily of students who are non-music majors, these ensembles bring together musicians from across the university who share a commitment to collaboration and ensemble performance.

The Kennesaw State University Wind Symphony and University Band present a shared fall concert featuring performances by two of the School of Music’s large wind ensembles.

The KSU Symphony Orchestra continues celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of United States of America with a performance featuring works by two major composers associated with the Tanglewood Music Center: Copland and Bernstein. BSOM faculty artist Leonardo Lopes is the featured soloist in a double bass concerto by one of the founders of Tanglewood – and Bernstein’s primary conducting teacher – Serge Koussevitzky. Since its founding in 2004, the KSU Symphony Orchestra has grown into a vibrant musical community where emerging artists engage the great orchestral traditions while shaping the future of symphonic performance. Bringing together musicians from across disciplines and backgrounds, the ensemble approaches each performance with technical excellence, expressive depth and a spirit of discovery. This season’s programs journey across landscapes both historical and geographical — from celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary like this one, to a preview of the orchestra’s international tour repertory as they prepare to travel through Prague, Vienna and Budapest this spring. Along the way, you will encounter masterworks of the orchestral canon alongside bold contemporary compositions and performances featuring distinguished Bailey School of Music faculty artists and award-winning student soloists. Whether interpreting timeless repertoire or premiering new creative voices, the KSU Symphony Orchestra creates performances that are expansive, emotionally resonant and deeply connected to the world around them. This season reflects music’s enduring ability to travel across cultures and generations, carrying traditions and shared human experience wherever it is heard.

The KSU Symphony Orchestra continues celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of United States of America with a performance featuring works by two major composers associated with the Tanglewood Music Center: Copland and Bernstein.

KSU’s Jazz Ensemble I opens the fall semester with its first concert of the year, led by Sam Skelton. The program features the energy and drive of big band jazz, highlighting expressive ensemble playing and spirited improvisation. Jazz lives in the space between structure and spontaneity; in the split-second decisions, fearless collaboration and unmistakable energy of artists creating in the moment. At the Bailey School of Music, Jazz Ensemble I brings that spirit to life through performances that honor the rich traditions of jazz while embracing its constant evolution. Drawing from swing, big band, fusion, contemporary jazz and original composition, the ensemble performs music that is rhythmically charged, emotionally expressive and deeply rooted in the art of improvisation. Students develop the versatility and creative fluency demanded of today’s musicians through intensive rehearsal, collaboration and performance alongside internationally recognized guest artists and master teachers. Whether reimagining classic repertoire or exploring new musical terrain, Jazz Ensemble I creates concerts that pulse with precision and personality. Each performance becomes a conversation -- between musicians, between generations of influence and between the audience and the music unfolding in real time.

KSU’s Jazz Ensemble I opens the fall semester with its first concert of the year, led by Sam Skelton. The program features the energy and drive of big band jazz.

The University Philharmonic Orchestra launches its concert season with the first performance of the year, under the direction of Nancy Conley. This opening concert brings the ensemble together for an evening of collaborative orchestral music that reflects the energy and focus of a new academic year.

The University Philharmonic Orchestra launches its concert season with the first performance of the year, under the direction of Nancy Conley.

Praised for her artistry and technical mastery, violinist Helen Kim presents a compelling recital featuring works that span a range of styles and eras.

Praised for her artistry and technical mastery, violinist Helen Kim presents a compelling recital featuring works that span a range of styles and eras.

The KSU University Choirs begin the season with their first performance of the year, featuring the Chamber Singers, Chorale, Men’s Ensemble, and Treble Choir. This concert brings together a range of choral voices and styles, offering an engaging evening that reflects the collaborative and expressive nature of choral singing at Kennesaw State University. The KSU Chamber Singers will present a program featuring Dieterich Buxtehude's Ad manus from his 17th century masterpiece, Membra Jesu Nostri together with Caroline Shaw's To the Hands which was commissioned as a response to Buxtehude's setting. These two pieces will serve as the focal point of a program highlighting our role and responsibility as global artists.

The KSU University Choirs begin the season with their first performance of the year, featuring the Chamber Singers, Chorale, Men’s Ensemble, and Treble Choir.

KSU’s Jazz Ensemble II and Jazz Ensemble III share the stage for an evening of big band jazz featuring energetic ensemble playing and student-driven musicianship. Led by Wes Funderburk and Rob Opitz, respectively, these ensembles explore a range of jazz styles that highlight both group cohesion and individual expression.

KSU’s Jazz Ensemble II and Jazz Ensemble III share the stage for an evening of big band jazz featuring energetic ensemble playing and student-driven musicianship.

KSU's premier jazz faculty ensemble delivers an evening of inventive improvisation, energetic rhythms, and outstanding performances from some of the region's finest jazz artists.

KSU's premier jazz faculty ensemble delivers an evening of inventive improvisation, energetic rhythms, and outstanding performances from some of the region's finest jazz artists.

Renowned pianist Robert Henry performs a program of expressive and virtuosic piano repertoire, demonstrating both technical brilliance and musical sensitivity.

Renowned pianist Robert Henry performs a program of expressive and virtuosic piano repertoire, demonstrating both technical brilliance and musical sensitivity.

The KSU Opera Theater presents: The Old Maid and the Thief by Gian Carlo Menotti.

The KSU Opera Theater presents: The Old Maid and the Thief by Gian Carlo Menotti.

The KSU Opera Theater presents: The Old Maid and the Thief by Gian Carlo Menotti.

The KSU Opera Theater presents: The Old Maid and the Thief by Gian Carlo Menotti.

The Jazz Combos take the stage for a second night this week in a concert that spotlights creativity, collaboration, and the spontaneity of small‑ensemble jazz. With an emphasis on individual voices and group interplay, this performance offers a closer look at jazz in its most conversational form.

The Jazz Combos take the stage for a second night this week in a concert that spotlights creativity, collaboration, and the spontaneity of small‑ensemble jazz.

The Jazz Combos take the stage for a second night this week in a concert that spotlights creativity, collaboration, and the spontaneity of small‑ensemble jazz. With an emphasis on individual voices and group interplay, this performance offers a closer look at jazz in its most conversational form.

The Jazz Combos take the stage for a second night this week in a concert that spotlights creativity, collaboration, and the spontaneity of small‑ensemble jazz.

Featuring the Guitar Ensemble, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Piano, this concert brings multiple facets of KSU’s jazz performance program together on one stage. The evening emphasizes creativity, interaction, and individual voice across instrumental and vocal traditions.

Featuring the Guitar Ensemble, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Piano, this concert brings multiple facets of KSU’s jazz performance program together on one stage.

Celebrate the achievements of the Bailey School of Music's top student performers as concerto competition finalists showcase their artistry in this exciting annual event.

Celebrate the achievements of the Bailey School of Music's top student performers as concerto competition finalists showcase their artistry in this exciting annual event.

The KSU Wind Ensemble presents ROARING THUNDER featuring electric guitar soloist, Sean Thrower For nearly three decades, the KSU Wind Ensemble has redefined what a contemporary wind ensemble can be, combining technical virtuosity with adventurous programming and an unwavering commitment to new music. Recognized nationally for artistic excellence and innovation, the ensemble has become one of the leading musical voices in the region, championing works by many of today’s most influential composers while continually expanding the possibilities of the wind repertoire. This season’s concerts move from shimmering sonic landscapes to electrifying collaborations, featuring guest composers Ryan Lindveit and Steven Bryant alongside dynamic performances with acclaimed electric guitarist Sean Thrower and the North Georgia Youth Wind Symphony. Across each program, audiences will encounter music that is bold, cinematic, rhythmically charged and emotionally expansive. Whether performing newly commissioned works or reimagining contemporary classics, the KSU Wind Ensemble approaches every performance with intensity, artistry and expressive depth. The result is an immersive concert experience where precision and power give way to something larger: music that resonates with energy, imagination and unmistakable momentum.

The KSU Wind Ensemble presents ROARING THUNDER featuring electric guitar soloist, Sean Thrower.

KSU’s Jazz Ensemble I takes the stage for a November concert led by Sam Skelton. Building on the momentum of the fall semester, the ensemble presents an evening of big band jazz featuring confident ensemble playing, rhythmic drive, and expressive solo work.

KSU’s Jazz Ensemble I takes the stage for a November concert led by Sam Skelton.

KSU’s Jazz Ensemble II and Jazz Ensemble III share the stage for an evening of big band jazz featuring energetic ensemble playing and student-driven musicianship. Led by Wes Funderburk and Rob Opitz, respectively, these ensembles explore a range of jazz styles that highlight both group cohesion and individual expression.

KSU’s Jazz Ensemble II and Jazz Ensemble III share the stage for an evening of big band jazz featuring energetic ensemble playing and student-driven musicianship.

“America at 250, Vol. 3” The KSU Symphony Orchestra continues celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of United States of America with a performance of works by American composers. BSOM faculty artist Samantha Frischling is the featured soloist in Inter Alia, a song cycle for soprano and orchestra written by new BSOM composition faculty, David Kirkland Garner. Since its founding in 2004, the KSU Symphony Orchestra has grown into a vibrant musical community where emerging artists engage the great orchestral traditions while shaping the future of symphonic performance. Bringing together musicians from across disciplines and backgrounds, the ensemble approaches each performance with technical excellence, expressive depth and a spirit of discovery. This season’s programs journey across landscapes both historical and geographical — from celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary like this one, to a preview of the orchestra’s international tour repertory as they prepare to travel through Prague, Vienna and Budapest this spring. Along the way, you will encounter masterworks of the orchestral canon alongside bold contemporary compositions and performances featuring distinguished Bailey School of Music faculty artists and award-winning student soloists. Whether interpreting timeless repertoire or premiering new creative voices, the KSU Symphony Orchestra creates performances that are expansive, emotionally resonant and deeply connected to the world around them. This season reflects music’s enduring ability to travel across cultures and generations, carrying traditions and shared human experience wherever it is heard.

The KSU Symphony Orchestra continues celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of United States of America with a performance of works by American composers.

Student chamber ensembles perform a diverse program of works that highlight collaboration, artistry, and the intimate experience of chamber music.

Student chamber ensembles perform a diverse program of works that highlight collaboration, artistry, and the intimate experience of chamber music.

Student chamber ensembles perform a diverse program of works that highlight collaboration, artistry, and the intimate experience of chamber music.

Student chamber ensembles perform a diverse program of works that highlight collaboration, artistry, and the intimate experience of chamber music.

The Kennesaw State University Percussion Ensemble presents its fall performance under the direction of John Lawless. This concert—the ensemble’s only performance of the semester—offers audiences a focused evening of rhythm-driven music featuring collaboration, precision, and a wide range of percussive color.

The Kennesaw State University Percussion Ensemble presents its fall performance under the direction of John Lawless.

The University Philharmonic Orchestra concludes the fall semester with its December concert, led by Nancy Conley. This final performance of the term brings the ensemble together for an evening of orchestral music that reflects the work, growth, and collaboration developed throughout the semester.

The University Philharmonic Orchestra concludes the fall semester with its December concert, led by Nancy Conley.

Each year, the Bailey School of Music comes together for one of KSU’s most beloved holiday traditions — an evening where music fills the hall with reflection and collective joy. Featuring performances by the Chamber Singers, Jazz Ensemble I, Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, the annual Holiday Concert transforms the season’s familiar melodies into something vibrant and expansive. Blending orchestral grandeur, luminous choral works, spirited jazz and festive favorites, the concert showcases the extraordinary breadth of artistry across the Bailey School of Music’s flagship ensembles. What emerges is more than a performance; it is a celebration of community itself — of shared traditions, creative collaboration and the enduring power of live music to bring people together. For audiences across Kennesaw and the greater Atlanta region, the Holiday Concert has become a cherished seasonal gathering and a reflection of the Bailey School of Music’s growing cultural presence. At its heart is a simple but profound invitation: to pause, listen and experience the joy of music shared in community. The program celebrates the richness of this time of year by honoring multiple holidays and cultural traditions, presenting music that reflects themes of community, light, and togetherness. From orchestral and choral works to jazz and wind repertoire, the concert showcases the depth and variety of musical expression across KSU’s large ensembles. A longtime audience favorite, the evening traditionally concludes with “Sleigh Ride,” performed by the Wind Ensemble—a joyful and spirited send‑off that has become a hallmark of the concert and a moment audiences look forward to each year. Join us for this festive and inclusive celebration as KSU’s musicians come together to close the fall semester with music that resonates across traditions and brings the campus and community together.

Each year, the Bailey School of Music comes together for one of KSU’s most beloved holiday traditions — an evening where music fills the hall with reflection and collective joy. Featuring performances by the Chamber Singers, Jazz Ensemble I, Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, the annual Holiday Concert transforms the season’s familiar melodies into something vibrant and expansive. Blending orchestral grandeur, luminous choral works, spirited jazz and festive favorites, the concert showcases the extraordinary breadth of artistry across the Bailey School of Music’s flagship ensembles. What emerges is more than a performance; it is a celebration of community itself — of shared traditions, creative collaboration and the enduring power of live music to bring people together. For audiences across Kennesaw and the greater Atlanta region, the Holiday Concert has become a cherished seasonal gathering and a reflection of the Bailey School of Music’s growing cultural presence. At its heart is a simple but profound invitation: to pause, listen and experience the joy of music shared in community. The program celebrates the richness of this time of year by honoring multiple holidays and cultural traditions, presenting music that reflects themes of community, light, and togetherness. From orchestral and choral works to jazz and wind repertoire, the concert showcases the depth and variety of musical expression across KSU’s large ensembles. A longtime audience favorite, the evening traditionally concludes with “Sleigh Ride,” performed by the Wind Ensemble—a joyful and spirited send‑off that has become a hallmark of the concert and a moment audiences look forward to each year. Join us for this festive and inclusive celebration as KSU’s musicians come together to close the fall semester with music that resonates across traditions and brings the campus and community together.

Each year, the Bailey School of Music comes together for one of KSU’s most beloved holiday traditions — an evening where music fills the hall with reflection and collective joy.

Each year, the Bailey School of Music comes together for one of KSU’s most beloved holiday traditions — an evening where music fills the hall with reflection and collective joy.

Each year, the Bailey School of Music comes together for one of KSU’s most beloved holiday traditions — an evening where music fills the hall with reflection and collective joy. Featuring performances by the Chamber Singers, Jazz Ensemble I, Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, the annual Holiday Concert transforms the season’s familiar melodies into something vibrant and expansive. Blending orchestral grandeur, luminous choral works, spirited jazz and festive favorites, the concert showcases the extraordinary breadth of artistry across the Bailey School of Music’s flagship ensembles. What emerges is more than a performance; it is a celebration of community itself — of shared traditions, creative collaboration and the enduring power of live music to bring people together. For audiences across Kennesaw and the greater Atlanta region, the Holiday Concert has become a cherished seasonal gathering and a reflection of the Bailey School of Music’s growing cultural presence. At its heart is a simple but profound invitation: to pause, listen and experience the joy of music shared in community. The program celebrates the richness of this time of year by honoring multiple holidays and cultural traditions, presenting music that reflects themes of community, light, and togetherness. From orchestral and choral works to jazz and wind repertoire, the concert showcases the depth and variety of musical expression across KSU’s large ensembles. A longtime audience favorite, the evening traditionally concludes with “Sleigh Ride,” performed by the Wind Ensemble—a joyful and spirited send‑off that has become a hallmark of the concert and a moment audiences look forward to each year. Join us for this festive and inclusive celebration as KSU’s musicians come together to close the fall semester with music that resonates across traditions and brings the campus and community together.

Each year, the Bailey School of Music comes together for one of KSU’s most beloved holiday traditions — an evening where music fills the hall with reflection and collective joy.

The Kennesaw State University Wind Symphony and University Band present their December concert, bringing the fall semester to a close with an evening of music for winds and percussion. Featuring performances by both ensembles, the concert reflects the collaboration and musical growth developed throughout the term.

The Kennesaw State University Wind Symphony and University Band present their December concert, bringing the fall semester to a close with an evening of music for winds and percussion.

This season, the world-renowned Atlanta Symphony Orchestra returns to Kennesaw for an evening of festive music, seasonal warmth and symphonic brilliance. Bringing the artistry and excitement of one of the nation’s leading orchestras to the Bailey Performance Center, the annual holiday concert offers audiences the rare opportunity to experience the ASO in an intimate setting — without the costs and hassles of journeying downtown. Filled with beloved holiday favorites, dazzling orchestral color and moments of exuberant celebration, the performance has become a treasured tradition for families and music lovers across the region. Whether hearing these timeless melodies for the first time or returning to familiar seasonal rituals, audiences are invited into an atmosphere alive with wonder and nostalgia. The partnership between the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Bailey School of Music extends far beyond the concert stage. Through masterclasses, side-by-side collaborations, professional mentorship and performance opportunities at Atlanta’s Symphony Hall, ASO musicians play an active role in the artistic development of KSU students. These connections provide emerging artists with invaluable access to professional artistry at the highest level while strengthening the cultural ties between KSU and the broader Atlanta arts community. Together, the ASO and the Bailey School of Music continue to demonstrate how world-class performance and student scholarship can enrich one another, bringing exceptional musical experiences to audiences throughout Metro Atlanta and North Georgia while preparing the next generation of musicians to thrive on stages of their own.

This season, the world-renowned Atlanta Symphony Orchestra returns to Kennesaw for an evening of festive music, seasonal warmth and symphonic brilliance.