Symphonic Wind Ensemble

Catalog description

Rehearsal and performance of wind repertoire and concert band literature. MUSIC 78 Symphonic Wind Ensemble (1 per semester/maximum of 8) (GA)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. The goals of this course are to develop the instrumental performance skills, music reading abilities, and interpretive capabilities of the class members within a wind ensemble (one player per part) concert band setting. The repertoire includes original concert band literature, transcriptions, and concert marches. The available literature covers a range of historical time periods from pre-Baroque to the present. Students are assessed by the use of performance evaluations, assessment of participation and contribution to established goals of the ensemble, and attendance at rehearsals and concerts. The course is designed for those students who have advanced performance skills on standard wind and percussion instruments. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble has performed at the Eastern Division Conference of the College Band Directors National Association, the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association In-Service Conference and the National Association for Music Educators Eastern Division Conference. It was also invited to open the 2005 Flicorno D¿Oro international band festival in Riva del Garda, Italy, the first American band to be so honored. The ensemble has concertized in some of the country's most prestigious performing venues, including Heinz Hall (Pittsburgh), the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Washington D.C.), the Kimmel Center (Philadelphia), The Music Center at Strathmore (North Bethesda, MD) and Lincoln Center (New York). An audition is required.