Experiences in the Music Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Program

In the BYU-Idaho music programs, you'll have many opportunities and access to helpful services to improve your music study. The Department of Music seeks to provide meaningful, portfolio-building experiences for students.

Experiences

Performances and Recitals:

Each year, BYUI holds many performances. This includes musical productions, recitals, and operas each semester, but it also includes:

A BYU-Idaho Christmas: A live and televised Christmas Concert that involves student choral and instrumental ensembles. It also often hosts guest performers who work with student musicians.
Jazz Fest: An annual festival with guest artists, performances, and clinics. Previous guest artists include musicians like The Jeff Hamilton Trio, Ingrid Jensen, and Delfeayo Marsalis.
Ensembles: BYUI offers 30 different ensembles to students, each with their own performances, recitals, and tours.

Guest Performers:

Many talented guest musicians perform at BYUI and workshop with the Department of Music. BYUI ensembles have performed with people like:

Adassa
GENTRI
Sonos Handbell Ensemble
Jeremy Jordan
Kristin Chenoweth
Marshall Gilkes
Terell Stafford

Tours:

Many of the ensembles tour across the United States and abroad. Some past tours include:

Montana and Canada Tour, April 2026
Washington and British Colombia, Canada Tour, April 2025
Florida Tour, April 2024
Texas and Louisiana Tour, April 2024
Salt Lake City Tour, March 2024
American South Tour, April 2023
Georgia and Florida Tour, July 2022
Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi Tour, April 2022

Study Abroad

The Department of Music also offers a European Travel Study trip on occasion. In 2025, students on the trip:

Traveled to Berlin, Leipzig, Dresden, Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, and Paris.
Visited museums and sites with connection to music history.
Attended concerts at prestigious venues across Europe.

Services Offered

The Eliza R. Snow Building, also known as the Music and Performing Arts building, is home to valuable resources for Music major students. These facilities are utilized regularly by students to practice, store materials, and host performances. Facilities include:

The Barrus Concert Hall
The BYUI-Center
Recital Halls
Ensemble Halls
Piano Labs
Practice Rooms
Reed Room
Lockers
Group Practice Rooms

These resources are free to Music or Performing Arts students; they just need to be reserved ahead of time.

Conclusion

Majoring in Music: Woodwind, Brass, or Percussion opens doors of opportunities and provides unforgettable experiences that students will remember for years to come.