The Wind Ensemble is designed to prepare instrumentalists for the professional world of large ensemble performance, and future teachers with teaching concepts related to the study of band repertoire and performance. An audition is required to become a member of the Wind Ensemble. During the 75 minute rehearsal three times per week, the director demonstrates standard rehearsal techniques used to learn and teach band performance. Wind Ensemble students are challenged musically and introduced to standard repertoire and new music being written for symphonic bands. The focus of the Wind Ensemble is the exploration of university level repertoire possessing serious artist merit.
Students also perform and survey music composed for performance by high schools and middle schools.
Regular performances conclude each semester of rehearsals. Two concerts per semester provide the students with a sizable body of repertoire and maintain the highest level of artistry. Two or three off campus performances reinforce the educational goals of the ensemble, while serving as a valuable outreach device. Admission to the Wind Ensemble is by audition, held at the beginning of each fall semester.