Event Information Instrumental Weekend: University Band & Jazz Ensemble

Join the Concordia University instrumental ensembles for a weekend of music! On Friday, April 17, at 7:30 pm, there will be performances by the University Band and Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Louis Menchaca.

Watch these students showcase the skills they have developed throughout their past year of instrumental studies! Be sure to join us for another performance featuring our Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra with special guest Seraph Brass Quintet, and a celebration of Dr. Menchaca on his retirement, on Saturday April 18!

Spring 2026 concludes a celebrated 34-year career for Dr. Louis A Menchaca, professor of music. Since 1992, he has coordinated all aspects of the instrumental music division: recruiting, conducting, instruction and administration. Described by professional colleagues as the “future model for music education,” he actively engages in teaching, conducting, and performance of wind band, orchestral and jazz ensembles.

As leader of a CUW ensemble, “Dr. M” has led concerts, tours and scholarly presentations in 38 states as well as Ireland, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Austria, Greece and Spain. His ensembles have been featured in local, state, regional and international media outlets, including telecasts, radio, print, webcasts and professional music associations. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra, under Dr. Menchaca’s leadership, have recorded seven CD projects; all of which are available on Spotify, YouTube and iTunes.

Dr. Menchaca has presented scholarly research and guest conducted in a variety of forums, e.g., the National Endowment for the Arts; Kansas State University; University of California Los Angeles; Eastman School of Music; University of South Carolina; University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; University of Nebraska (Omaha); University of Louisville; Los Medanos College (CA); Saddleback College (CA), to name a few. He has been a regular contributor to Teaching Music Journal, The Instrumentalist, College Orchestra Directors Association and Wisconsin Concert Band Association. Additionally, Dr. Menchaca served as music director of the Lakeshore Symphonic Band from 1997-2006 in Ozaukee County and the Northshore Symphony Orchestra (Ozaukee County) from 2002-06.

Locally, Dr. Menchaca has been named one of Milwaukee Northshore Lifestyle’s Favorite Musicians as well as Ozaukee County’s People to Watch numerous times. He was named Faculty Laureate for outstanding teaching by his academic colleagues in his 10th year of service at Concordia University Wisconsin.

CUW music alumni are the greatest accomplishments for Dr. M. Having had the privilege to have served as a mentor for both music and non-music majors, his students currently hold music-teaching and administrative positions across the United States; the military; and CUW. Music teacher preparation continues to remain the most important part of his ministry. In addition to the conducting ensembles, he continues to supervise music student teachers; teach instrumental conducting; and brass methods. He served as music department chair for 27 years (1998-2025).

DETAILS & TICKETS

For more information or to purchase tickets, click HERE or on the Purchase Tickets button.

This is a ticketed event, but CUW students, faculty and staff are free!

Price Structure
Adults: $10
CUW students, faculty and staff: Free
12 and under: Free