They frequently perform world and American premieres and are active in a variety of recording projects and consortia that include such distinguished figures as Robin Holloway, Ellen Taafe Zwillich, Gunther Schuller, Sir Michael Tippett, John Harbison, Fridges Hidas, and Adam Klemens. The Symphonic Band often represents the School of Music at major professional conferences. Membership is open to all university students by audition and is offered fall and spring semesters. Concert Band is offered only during the spring semester. As with the Chamber Winds, the instrumentation is determined by the repertoire.
Performers rotate with principal assignments.
Many American and world premieres have been presented by this ensemble. Instrumentation ranges from the traditional Viennese octet to larger ensembles of as many as 16 players. The instrumentation is always determined by the repertoire selected for performance. There are two chamber wind ensembles. The Graduate Chamber Winds consists of graduate assistants from the applied studios.