Wind Ensemble
The MSUM Wind Ensemble is an auditioned concert band comprised of 45-50 students pursing a diverse array of majors (70% of the ensemble are not music majors). The ensemble presents 4-5 performances annually with repertoire ranging from traditional standards and contemporary works for band to film scores. Our varied repertoire along theatrical lighting and digital projections make MSUM Wind Ensemble performances unique experiences for our students and audience.
The Wind Ensemble also serves a laboratory experience for Music Education majors to hone conducting and rehearsal techniques. All Instrumental Music Education Majors conduct the ensemble in a formal performance the semester before student teaching.
The ensemble has performed across the Midwest has appeared at Minnesota Music Education Association Conference on numerous occasions. International tours have included performances in Canada, Spain, and China.
The MSUM Wind Ensemble rehearses MWF from 3-4:20 pm and participation can be used for LASC credit in Area 6 (The Humanities and Fine Arts). Interested students should register for MUS 320G or 330G. Auditions take place during the first week of the semester and consist of 1) selected excerpts from band repertoire, 2) chromatic scale in 2 octaves, and 3) sight reading. Materials are posted on this page in August.
Students enrolled in the Wind Ensemble have the option of joining the MSUM Chamber Winds. This select group rehearses separately and specializes in works for small groups ranging from 2 to 12 players. The Chamber Winds regularly tours around Minnesota.
If you have questions, feel free to contact Dr. Benjamin Druffel, Director of Bands.
Honors Ensembles & Music Festivals