At the University of Alabama School of Music, the next generation of music industry leaders take the stage with hundreds of performances each year in all styles of music.
Charles “Skip” Snead, Director of the School of Music and Professor of Horn, hopes people take advantage of the range of free performances open to the public.
“The nature of artistic expression is that it appeals to different people in different ways. Anyone is going to find things that they will like in our School of Music performances. They should check it out and learn that it is a welcoming environment with a lot to offer,” Snead said.
Music and non-music majors alike spend untold hours preparing for concerts. As a music major, Jackson Shue can vouch for this personally. The junior from Maryville, Tennessee, majors in music with an entrepreneurship minor on the CREATE Path to the MBA through the Culverhouse College of Business.
“Not only do we spend hours in the practice rooms each day working on our own music, but we also must take the time to combine our part with others we perform with through various small group rehearsals and sectionals,” Shue said.
Passion, pride, and devotion go into preparing for each and every concert.
“Students work tirelessly to craft the best possible musical product, often meeting early in the morning, late at night, and on weekends and holidays,” Shue said, “For instrumentalists and vocalists alike, years and years of work go into developing the fundamental skills necessary to even begin approaching the music for these performances.”
Whether it’s solos, ensembles or large bands, performances happen throughout the week each semester boasting nearly every genre imaginable.
“Their time and investment is not unlike those given by members of our athletic teams,” said Snead. “It takes countless hours of preparation behind the scenes to prepare for performance at the highest level when that moment comes.”
One of the most popular performances every year is the Spring Spectrum Concert. This year’s performance takes place Friday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m.
This showcase boasts various ensembles performing a wide array of music. The concert concludes with a dynamic show from the Million Dollar Band who play along the aisles and balconies “filling up the Moody Concert Hall with the spirit of the Crimson Tide!” exlaimed Shue. Crimsonettes clad in glittering gameday attire will twirl batons and the talented Color Guard team will dance with dazzling pom-poms.
From jazz, classical, pop or folk music, there is a concert everyone can enjoy.
Spring 2025 Highlight Performances
Spring Spectrum Concert
Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Moody Music Building, Concert Hall
Concert/University Bands Concert
Feb. 11, 7:30
Moody Music Building, Concert Hall
Symphonic Band Concert
Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m.
Moody Music Building, Concert Hall
UA Opera Theatre: Hansel & Gretel
Feb. 26 and 28, 7:30 p.m.
Mar. 2, 3 p.m.
Bryant-Jordan Hall
UA Opera Theatre: Folk Song Magic
April 8, 7:30 p.m.
Bryant-Jordan Hall
Campus Orchestra Concert
April 13, 2 p.m.
Moody Music Building, Concert Hall
No Strings Attached Concert
April 27, 6 p.m.
Moody Music Building, 140 Recital Hall
Druid City Opera: The Barber of Seville
May 22, 7:30 p.m.
Bryant-Jordan Hall
Guest Artist Masterclasses on piano are something music students can look forward to. Renowned pianist and professor Dr. Curtis Pavey will teach on Feb. 25 from noon-2 p.m. On April 9 from noon – 1:30 p.m., distinguished musician and professor Kevin Lee Sun will instruct at Moody Music Building.
For a full list of the many concerts this spring, visit the School of Music Event List. Dedication to preparation goes into each and every performance.
“It is impossible to say that I would be looking forward to one performance or series of performances over many others, because the range of what we offer is so diverse covering such a broad spectrum. All of these performances are spectacular in their own right and they are very different,” said Snead.
Audience Tips:
- Doors open 15-30 minutes before concerts start to let everyone find seating.
- Audience etiquette applies: no filming, no talking, no food and drink.
- If you can’t make a performance in person, livestreams are often available.