Western Carolina University Friends of the Arts

04/08/2026

✨ A reimagining of Neverland you’ve never seen before

Join the School of Stage & Screen for Peter & I, a powerful new musical exploring love, loss, and the power of imagination. Blending reality and fantasy, this poignant story invites you to discover where you truly belong.

🗓 April 17 at 7:30 PM
🗓 April 18 at 2 PM & 7:30 PM
🗓 April 19 at 3 PM
📍 University Auditorium

Get your tickets at arts.wcu.edu/tickets.

04/06/2026

Step into turn-of-the-century Paris—no passport required 🇫🇷✨

Join us and the School of Music for the Piano Duo Recital featuring Dr. Leonidas Lagrimas and Dr. Michael Langer, who bring the elegance, romance, and innovation of French music to life. From intimate solo works to dynamic piano duets and two-piano masterpieces, this evening promises rich textures, vibrant colors, and pure artistry.

🗓 April 7
⏰ 7:30 PM
📍 Coulter Recital Hall
🎟 Free & open to all

Let yourself be transported to a golden age of Parisian culture—where music, passion, and imagination collide. 🎹

04/01/2026

Step into history with A Life Reimagined: The George Masa Story 🎬

Join us at Western Carolina University for a free screening of this powerful documentary, followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Paul Bonesteel. Discover the story of George Masa—whose work helped shape the conservation of Western North Carolina’s landscapes.

🗓 Wednesday, April 22
⏰ 7 PM
📍 UC Theater (136 Hinds University Center)

This event is free and open to the public—don’t miss this opportunity to experience a story rooted in our region.

03/31/2026

Rise & Shine with us ☀️🎨

Join the Friends of the Arts for a special morning celebrating the launch of our 2026 Membership Drive—and the students whose creativity you help make possible.

Enjoy a breakfast buffet, live student performances, a silent auction, and an exclusive museum experience—all in support of the arts at WCU.

🗓 April 11
⏰ 10:30 AM
📍 Brown Dining Hall, Sunset Room

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just getting involved, there’s a seat for you at the table.

🎟 Get your tickets: arts.wcu.edu/tickets

03/27/2026

We are excited to welcome Andrew Kenneth Gay as the new dean of the David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts, starting in July!

With a strong background in arts leadership, teaching, and community engagement, Gay brings a vision that aligns beautifully with the college’s mission—and the spirit of the arts in our region.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Jane Hughes for her leadership and care as interim dean this past year.

💛 We look forward to the creativity, collaboration, and energy coming to WCU and the arts across Western North Carolina.

WCU School of Stage & Screen Western Carolina University School of Music WCU School of Art and Design "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band and WCU Bardo Arts Center

After a nationwide search, Western Carolina University has appointed Andrew Kenneth Gay as the new dean of the David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts, effective July 1.

03/27/2026

Happy World Theatre Day! 🎭
Celebrating the storytellers, stagehands, and stars who make the magic happen.

FOA is proud to support the arts at WCU—because every great performance starts with a community behind it. ✨

Learn how you can be a part of the Friends of the Arts community by visiting foa.wcu.edu or click the link in the bio to learn more.

03/25/2026

🎉 One Day for Western is here! Help me make an impact for students in Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts. Every gift counts, and together, we can make one day possible. Go Cats! oneday.wcu.edu

03/23/2026

On Thursday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Coulter Recital Hall, Western Carolina University will celebrate the career and legacy of Professor of Trumpet Dr. Brad Ulrich as he retires after 37 years of service to the School of Music.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ulrich has taught more than 10,500 trumpet lessons, shaping generations of musicians through his artistry and dedication to teaching. He will be joined for the performance by Paul Merkelo (Principal Trumpet of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal), Dr. Arthur Zanin (University of Tennessee), and pianists Dr. Kevin Seal and Dr. Leonidas Lagrimas.

03/20/2026

Happy first day of Spring, Catamounts! 🌸

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03/20/2026

Note from WCU ...

After 37 years of dedicated service to the Western Carolina University School of Music, Brad Ulrich will retire from his position as Professor of Trumpet. Throughout his remarkable career, Ulrich has taught more than 10,500 trumpet lessons, shaping generations of musicians through his guidance, artistry and unwavering passion for teaching.

In addition to his extraordinary work in the studio, Ulrich has performed countless concerts and recitals – internationally, nationally, regionally and locally – bringing his musicianship to audiences around the world and representing Western Carolina University with distinction.

Although he is retiring from university teaching, Ulrich will continue his active trumpet performing career, maintaining a vibrant presence in the musical community.

At 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, in the Coulter Recital Hall on the WCU Campus, Ulrich will be joined by Paul Merkelo (principal trumpet of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal) and Arthur Zanin (assistant professor of trumpet at the University of Tennessee) for a special celebration honoring his legacy, his musicianship, and his profound impact on the Western Carolina University community.

The pianists for this event will be Kevin Seal of Trinity Episcopal Church in Asheville and Leonidas Lagrimas (WCU professor of piano).The concert is free and open to the public.