UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State School of Music in the College of Arts and Architecture will welcome students and their families to campus for a weekend of performances showcasing the breadth, energy and artistry of Penn State’s musical ensembles during Family Weekend, Oct. 16-17. From orchestral and wind ensemble repertoire to jazz, vocal music and choral masterworks, the weekend offers families multiple opportunities to experience the School of Music’s talented students and faculty in performance.
Family Weekend events begin Friday, Oct. 16, with a concert featuring the Penn State Chamber Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble. The Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Rebekah Kathleen O’Brien, will present a program spanning French impressionism, American lyricism and the vibrant energy of the American West, including Claude Debussy’s atmospheric "Prélude à l’Après-midi d’un faune," Samuel Barber’s nostalgic "Knoxville: Summer of 1915," featuring soprano Kate Tiemens, winner of the 2026 Penn State Concerto Competition, and Aaron Copland’s spirited "Hoe-down" from "Rodeo."
The Symphonic Wind Ensemble, conducted by Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin, will continue the evening with works by Helen May Butler, Frank Ticheli and Ron Nelson. The program will feature the world premiere of "Imprint Double Percussion Concerto" by composition faculty member Baljinder Sekhon, performed with Penn State percussion professor Lee Hinkle and School of Music alumna Bella Scotti as soloists. Scotti is currently pursuing her DMA at The University of Texas at Austin. This is a ticketed event.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, the School of Music will present "Dimensions in Jazz" at 1:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall. Centre Dimensions, Penn State’s premier jazz ensemble, will perform big band favorites including Charles Mingus’ ever-danceable "Jelly Roll" and Bob Mintzer’s "Elvin’s Mambo," a recent Mosaic opening favorite. Vocal Dimensions, the School of Music’s 16-person vocal jazz ensemble, will perform classic American Songbook selections including "Misty" and "I Could Write a Book." Penn State jazz students represent a wide range of academic programs across the University Park campus, bringing their individual perspectives, styles and energy to the program. "Dimensions in Jazz" is a ticketed event.
The weekend will conclude with "Choral Collage" at 7:30 p.m. at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center. The choral extravaganza will feature more than 200 students performing with six School of Music choirs, offering audiences a diverse program of musical styles and traditions. The evening will culminate with a special opportunity for audience members to join the singers in performing the Penn State Alma Mater. "Choral Collage" is free and open to the public.