Pitt State Music Department

10/11/2026

Get ready for Homecoming, Gorillas — we're bringing something back....

An annual tradition for generations is returning to Brandenburg Field at Carnie Smith Stadium on Oct. 17 after being absent since ~2013!

🌟 300 members of high school bands from Pittsburg, Northeast (Arma), Field Kinley (Coffeyville), Quapaw (OK), Bluestem (Leon), Chanute, and Diamond (MO)

🌟 150 members of Pitt State Pride of the Plains

🌟 1 colorful and memorable pregame performance of America the Beautiful, The 1812 Overture, and the Star Spangled Banner.

Be in your seats by 1:35 — pregame will start promptly at 1:40!

10/09/2026

Pitt State Music alumni, faculty, and several Music majors are part of the upcoming hit musical “In the Heights,” written by Hamilton creator Lin Manuel-Miranda, planned for Oct. 15, 16, and 18 at Memorial Auditorium.

Directed by Breana Clark ('10, '22) with music direction by assistant professor Ramiro Miranda ('11), it is being staged here in Pittsburg for the very first time!

It's the grand finalé of the university's 3rd Annual Hispanic Music Festival, directed by adjunct instructor Isaac Hernandez (‘23) and academic advisor Frida Herrera (‘26).

A live pit band of some of the area’s best musicians will perform on stage a dynamic score that will have you dancing in your seats as a cast of talented performers from across the area bring this story to life.

The story is set in a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood — a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music.

It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind.

🗓 Oct. 15, 16, and 18
📍 Memorial Auditorium
☑ Appropriate for all audiences and all ages
🌟 Produced by Triple Threat Threeatrics

🎟 Tickets are on sale now — get yours now while they are still available at the Memorial Auditorium Box Office!

10/09/2026

Thank you to each performer who shared their talents at the Community Recital last night, and to the enthusiastic audience members who showed up to enjoy it! This recital, part of this fall's 3rd Annual Hispanic Music Festival , showcased several students, alumni, and community members.

Next week: the final performance of the festival and the biggest yet! The hit Broadway musical "In the Heights," produced by Triple Threat Threeatrics and written by Lin Manuel-Miranda ("Hamilton")!

Numerous alumni, students, faculty, and community members will bring this to life on stage, in the pit band, and behind the scenes. Tickets are on sale now at the Memorial Auditorium Box Office — don't wait to get yours!

10/08/2026

Gorilla sighting 👀

Listen to Adjunct Music Instructor Isaac Hernandez and Triple Threat Threeatrics Director Breana Clark — both graduates of our department — talk about what's set to hit the stage next week in collaboration with other alumni, students, and community members!

PITTSBURG (KOAM) -- In collaboration with Pittsburg State's Third Annual Hispanic Music Festival, In the Heights is directed by Breana Clark (Triple Threat and PHS Theatre) and music direction by

10/07/2026

Is it even October without Octubafest?! Heck no!

Join us in McCray Hall for this recital by the Pitt State Low Brass Studio, directed by Assistant Professor Jobey Wilson, and watch for future features about a few of low brass students!

🗓 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28
📍 McCray Hall
🎟️ Free admission and open to the public

10/06/2026

Join us for a special evening Thursday in McCray Hall as the Hispanic Music Festival continues!

Performed by community members, students, faculty, staff, and alumni, the Community Recital will highlight local talent and music that celebrates the contributions of Hispanic composers.

Scheduled to perform:
🎵 Priscila Zabaleta, piano
🎵 Gabriela Mongelos, piano
🎵 Citlali Salas, violin
🎵 Katie Alonso-Valdivia, flute
🎵 Trumpet ensemble
🎵 PHS string ensemble

📅 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8
📍 McCray Hall

🎟️ Free admission and open to the public

10/06/2026

The spirit. The friendships. The memories. Calling all alumni of the Pride of the Plains Marching Band: Homecoming is your chance to be part of the tradition again!

☑ March down Broadway
☑ Step back onto the field
☑ Get loud in Gorilla Village
☑ Make some music in the stands

Register today to join us on Oct. 17!
https://forms.gle/TkQWMNVFBNEGDbKr6

We also are still taking registrations for band alumni to share the stage with the PSU Wind Ensemble for the Nov. 15 concert: https://forms.gle/bNLnhLQYiKQVFHtv9

10/05/2026

The halls have been alive with the sounds of trumpets! Students from across the region have had an unparalleled chance to learn from expert clinicians and guest artists at our 16th Annual Midwest Trumpet Festival, directed by Professor Todd Hastings.

10/04/2026

Music has a special way of marking life's most important moments.

This evening, Pitt State music students and alumni joined a few Pittsburg High School students for Jammin' for Josiah, a tribute to the late Josiah Fletcher held each year on his birthday. For three of our seniors, the evening carried special meaning: they once played alongside him in jazz, marching, and pit bands.

Josiah's love for music inspired the creation of the Josiah Fletcher Foundation, which each summer sponsors the jazz camp taught at Pitt State by our faculty and alumni. This year, the foundation also began purchasing instruments for area high schools, ensuring future musicians have access to making music!

10/04/2026

On Oct. 11, enjoy an afternoon of brilliance as three Music faculty step into the spotlight alongside the SEK Symphony at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts.

Sharing their artistry through captivating performances will be:

Dr. Joanne Britz (Clarinet)
Dr. Marie Smith (Horn)
Dr. Reena Natenberg (Piano)

This marks the season opening concert for the symphony, directed by Dr. Ramiro Miranda and comprised of students, faculty, alumni, and community members.

Experience the passion, dedication, and musicianship of seasoned professionals and masters of their craft!

Tickets at the door:
• $12 general admission
• $8 for ages 17 and under and 65+
• Pitt State students, faculty/staff, and retired faculty and staff: free

Tickets in advance:

• $10 general admission
• $6 for ages 17-13 and 65+, or retired faculty/staff
• Children ages 12 and under, Pitt State students, faculty/staff, and retired faculty and staff: free
• $5 group tickets (10 or more, purchased in advance only)