Drake Bands

The Drake University Wind Symphony includes the finest wind and percussion students at Drake, and is dedicated to performing the highest quality literature for band, from chamber wind works to contemporary repertoire. The Wind Symphony has developed a national reputation for excellence, giving numerous invited performances and touring extensively throughout the Midwest. Recordings by the Wind Symphony are available on numerous digital media outlets and have received air time on public radio stations throughout the United States. Acceptance into the Wind Symphony is by audition only.

The Drake University Symphonic Band is open to all Drake students who wish to continue to develop their musical skills while at the University. It performs repertoire ranging from chamber ensembles to large-scale symphonic works for winds and percussion at three annual concerts. The Symphonic Band accommodates students of wide ranging abilities through its flexible use of literature. Acceptance into the Symphonic Band is by audition only.

The Drake University Marching Band performs at all home football games. This ensemble proudly carries the legacy of Drake Bands, spanning more than 135 years of musical excellence. The 140-piece marching band performs music ranging from classic rock, Latin, jazz and top-40 hits. 

Bulldog Brass helps create the high energy atmosphere at Drake’s men's and women's home basketball games. The band also travels to post-season Missouri Valley Conference and NCAA tournaments.

Drake Bands Faculty:

• Robert Meunier, Professor of Percussion and Director of Bands (Wind Symphony)
• Dr. Vincent Kenney, Associate Professor of Low Brass and Assistant Director of Bands (Symphonic Band, Marching Band, & Bulldog Brass)

Drake Winds & Percussion Faculty:

• Andrew Classen, Professor of Trumpet and Patty and Fred Turner Professor of Jazz Studies
• Timothy Gale, Teaching Artist of Bassoon
• Joshua Johnson, Teaching Artist of Horn
• Dr. Vincent Kenney, Associate Professor of Low Brass and Assistant Director of Bands
• Dr. Leslie Marrs, Associate Professor of Flute
• Robert Meunier, Professor of Percussion and Director of Bands
• Clarence Padilla, Professor of Clarinet
• Dr. Robert Parker, Teaching Artist of Low Brass
• Jackson Churchill, Teaching Artist of Jazz Trombone
• Dr. James Romain, Professor of Saxophone and Department Chair
• Dr. Dana Sloter, Teaching Artist of Clarinet
• Dr. Jennifer Wohlenhaus Bloomberg, Teaching Associate of Music Theory and Double Reeds
• Colin Young, Teaching Artist of Saxophone

 DU Bands Q&A