BEREA, KY – November brings a full calendar of live music to Berea College, with nine free concerts showcasing student talent across a wide range of musical styles and traditions.
From classical recitals to gospel, bluegrass to mariachi, the college’s music department is opening its doors—and its stages—to the community throughout the month, with performances at Gray Auditorium in Presser Hall, Union Church, and the Loyal Jones Appalachian Center.
All events are free and open to the public, continuing Berea College’s longstanding tradition of sharing the arts with the broader community.
A Full Month of Music
The November concert series kicked off on November 6 with the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers Fall Concert, but there’s still plenty of music ahead. Here’s what’s coming up:
Saturday, November 15, 8:00 p.m.
Senior Recital: Sergio Budar
Gray Auditorium, Presser Hall
Wednesday, November 19, 7:00 p.m.
Percussion Ensemble Concert
Gray Auditorium, Presser Hall
Friday, November 21, 8:00 p.m.
Folk Roots Ensemble Homecoming Concert
Loyal Jones Appalachian Center
Saturday, November 22, 2:00 p.m.
Black Music Ensemble Homecoming Concert
Union Church
Sunday, November 23, 10:30 a.m.
Concert Choir and Chamber Singers Homecoming Service
Union Church
Sunday, November 23, 3:00 p.m.
Bel Canto Treble Singers Homecoming Concert
Gray Auditorium, Presser Hall
Sunday, November 23, 6:00 p.m.
Mariachi Ensemble Concert
Gray Auditorium, Presser Hall
Monday, November 24, 7:00 p.m.
Atrium Jam: An Electronic Music Showcase
Atriums (1A, 1B, 2), Presser Hall
Playing for the Community
For Berea College music students, performing for the public is more than just practice—it’s a way to connect with the community and share the joy of music.
One student describes the music major as both a second family and a place where they’re encouraged daily by caring and passionate faculty to follow their dreams and never give up.
The music department’s mission emphasizes the importance of service and community engagement, values that align with Berea College’s broader commitment to serving Appalachia and creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds.
Through free concerts and public performances, students gain real-world experience while giving back to the town that supports them.
Homecoming Weekend Highlights
The weekend of November 21-23 is especially packed, with four concerts celebrating Berea College’s Homecoming Reunion. The Folk Roots Ensemble will perform Friday night at the Loyal Jones Appalachian Center, followed by the Black Music Ensemble’s concert at Union Church on Saturday afternoon.
Sunday brings three more performances: the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers will sing at the Homecoming Service at Union Church in the morning, followed by the Bel Canto Treble Singers in the afternoon and the Mariachi Ensemble in the evening—all at different venues across campus.
It’s a weekend that showcases the breadth and diversity of Berea College’s music program, with something for every musical taste.
A Tradition of Excellence
Berea College’s music department has a long history of producing talented musicians who go on to perform in some of the world’s most prestigious venues, from Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., to the Beijing Concert Hall and the Vatican in Rome.
But the department’s commitment to free, public concerts ensures that world-class music is accessible right here in Berea, no ticket required.
Whether you’re a classical music lover, a fan of traditional Appalachian sounds, or just looking for a relaxing evening out, there’s a concert for you this month at Berea College.
Many of the concerts are also streamed live online at vimeo.com/bereacollegemusic for those who can’t attend in person.