Wind Ensemble

About the Wind Ensemble & Chamber Winds

Founded in 2009, the Wind Ensemble serves the UIW community as the university’s wind band and is open to all UIW students. The ensemble is a class you must register for and meets in the spring semester for one (1) Core Fine Arts credit. The group performs two concerts annually. Sectionals during each concert cycle may be required, but usually occur during scheduled class meetings. Performers develop skills in ensemble performance and are exposed to some of the finest repertoire written for winds and percussion.

The UIW Chamber Winds’ membership consists of the select auditioned members from the UIW Wind Ensemble. The group will perform 2-3 concerts in addition to a high school tour during some school years.

When Does the Class Meet?

The UIW Wind Ensemble rehearses Monday/Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Fridays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. The UIW Chamber Winds rehearses on Monday/Wednesday from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. The ensembles rehearse in the Band and Orchestra Hall (Rm. 120) in the Music Building located next to the Administration Building. Attendance at every rehearsal is required because of the group dynamic contributing to the collective success of the ensemble. Any course conflicts must be discussed with the Director of Bands prior to auditioning. A rehearsal/performance schedule is provided prior to the start of the Spring semester.

How Do I Join

Step #1: Information Form

Thank you for your interest in joining our UIW Concert Ensembles. To begin, please start by telling us about yourself by filling out this information form by clicking here.


Step #2: Register for the Course

If you are a UIW student, please register for course MUEN 1185: Wind Ensemble (CRN: 82666)


Step #3: Submit Your Virtual Audition or Sign Up for In-Person Audition (Percussionists and Other Instruments)

Auditions will primarily be held virtually via online submission. For instructions on how to complete this, click here.

Auditions

All UIW, SAC students and community members who have experience playing woodwind, brass, percussion, piano, or string bass instruments are eligible for membership and can register for MUEN 1185: Wind Ensemble (CRN 82666) but need to audition for chairs and part placement prior to the beginning of the semester. Select students from auditioned members of the wind ensemble will receive an invitation for membership in the UIW Chamber Winds. Sign up for auditions at the Google Sheets link sent via email.

Audition Dates

Auditions will primarily be held virtually via online submission. For instructions on how to complete this, click here.

Virtual Auditions Submissions Due: by 11:59 p.m., Jan. 14, 2024, Online (click here)

In-Person Auditions (for Percussion/Other Instruments) 4 - 7 p.m., Jan 16, 2024, Seddon (click here)

Access Audition Packets Here: 2024 UIW Wind Ensemble Audition Packets

Sign Up for Times Here: 2024 UIW Wind Ensemble Auditions Spreadsheet


Audition Requirements

All woodwinds, brass, percussion, piano or string bass performers who audition for the Wind Ensemble are usually accepted for membership. However, all must audition for chairs and part assignments. See below for the required audition materials:

  • 2 major scales (Concert F and Concert Db)
  • 1 chromatic scale full range. (Starting on the lowest note, you can play staccato up to the highest note slurred down )
  • 1 excerpt (see attached)

Concert Schedule

Wind Ensemble Concert Schedule – Spring 2024

  • Concert #1 – Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, at 3 p.m. | Diane Bennack Concert Hall
    • Dress Rehearsal – Saturday, Feb. 24 | 7 – 8:45 p.m.
  • Concert #2 – Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 3 p.m. | Diane Bennack Concert Hall
    • Dress Rehearsal – Saturday, April 20 | 7 – 8:45 p.m.

Chamber Winds Concert Schedule – Spring 2024

  • High School Tour – TBD (excused from class each of those days)
  • Concert #1 – March 8, 2024, at 7 p.m. | Diane Bennack Concert Hall
  • International Arts Festival – March 22, 2024 | Diane Bennack Concert Hall
  • Concert #2 – April 21, 2024, at 3 p.m. | Diane Bennack Concert Hall
    • Dress Rehearsal – Saturday, April 20 | 7 – 8:45 p.m.

The repertoire selected for the modern wind ensemble should be emotionally enriching, intellectually stimulating and technically demanding. To this end, the mission of the UIW Wind Ensemble is: 

  • To perform the core repertoire for bands and winds, including chamber music. 
  • To perform new compositions and, in the future, premieres of works commissioned by the UIW band program. 
  • To perform with outstanding guest artists and UIW's stellar faculty. 
  • To perform marches with respect for the history and legacy of the form and its inherent style. 
  • To perform some of the finest transcriptions written for bands. 

Students registered for ensembles may be eligible for ensemble scholarships. These are based on audition and departmental needs. Contact the ensemble director, Prof. Nieves Villaseñor, for more information.