The 30-member Wind Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble of the most experienced wind and percussion players on campus. With twice-weekly rehersals, Wind Ensemble performs the most challenging wind literature with performances on campus and on tours throughout the Northwest and Western states. Wind Ensemble players must be concurrently enrolled in University Band.
Players rehearse together once each week, with an additional sectional rehearsal per week required.
University Band performs on campus several times each semester in conjunction with Wind Ensemble. The Willamette University Jazz Ensemble is a full-sized big band, open to all university students on an audition basis. The group plays challenging literature selected from the full range of twentieth century writers. Since 1981 this group has hosted the annual Willamette University Jazz Festival. The Salem Chamber Orchestra is a semi-professional orchestra of 30 to 40 members which unites Willamette student instrumentalists with the music faculty and musicians from the community, both professional and volunteer.