Wind Studies Ensembles

College of Music
University of North Texas
Wind Studies
P.O. Box 310818
Denton, TX 76203-0818

Contact:
(940) 565-3737

Ensembles

Wind Studies offers performance opportunities to music majors and non-majors. With four concert ensembles and two athletic bands, any interested UNT student can find an ensemble to develop their musicianship, experience the excellence of the College of Music, and participate in the greater UNT community.

Wind Symphony

Internationally acknowledged as one of the premier ensembles of its kind, the North Texas Wind Symphony is selected from the most outstanding musicians attending the College of Music. The Wind Symphony has been highly acclaimed for “wonderful and artistically rendered performances which are elegant and polished,” and complimented for “terrific ensemble skills which embody a high degree of integrity and sensitivity.” They have been praised for “stunning and inspirational recordings,” and for being an ensemble whose “enriching performances demonstrate their sheer joy of musicing.” Known for “admirable and adventurous programming, which personifies diversity and originality,” the group pursues a relentless commitment to American music. They have been called “an ensemble which is simply sensational, full of bristling energy, made up of players with a headlong, in-your-face virtuosity who play with an irresistible intensity and dynamism that makes you want to leap out of your chair applauding at the Coda.” The North Texas Wind Symphony pursues the highest professional standards and is determined to bring its audiences the finest artistic repertoire from all musical periods, cultures, and styles.

Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band has developed an exemplary national reputation for both their performances and recordings. Membership is drawn from the finest musicians attending the College of Music. The highest quality traditional, mixed with contemporary literature make up the foundation of musical repertoire performed by the group. The band has performed for such visiting dignitaries as: Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth; His Royal Highness, Charles, Prince of Wales; and Egyptian President Hosny Mubarak. The Symphonic Band has released five compact disc recordings on the Mark and Eurosound labels. The 2001 CD release by Mark Custom Recordings, Diversions, received Grammy nominations in three categories. Critical comments have included “played with great gusto by the ensemble”; “played with brilliance”; and “the elegant sonority of this marvelous band is apparent in the slow sections. Attention to detail, precise intonation, and beautiful phrasing make this a compelling performance”. Other comments include “Bravo . . . for a resplendent performance”. The ensemble is dedicated to playing outstanding and challenging works of diverse musical styles while furthering wind music of artistic and historical significance.

Concert Band

The Concert Band fosters the highest performance standards while offering its members an opportunity to expand their technical, intellectual, and musical horizons. The concert band is open to any university student, although the majority of the players are selected from the most talented musicians in the College of Music. Through various demonstrations of flexible instrumentation, the ensemble allows the musicians to experience the highest levels of participation in the music making process. In addition, the group seeks to broaden performance and teaching skills through the programming of exemplary literature while fostering an interest in the band as an integral part of the American musical scene.

Brass Band

The Brass Band provides students with the unique opportunity to perform in one of the most widely known wind mediums throughout the world. Similar to the British Brass Band, the American Brass Band provides its members the opportunity to develop the highest standards of technical and musical playing. Emphasis is given to the development of tone quality, intonation, rhythm, and virtuosic technique through performance of a wide variety of literature, including masterwork transcriptions, traditional marches, and original works.

Green Brigade Marching Band

The Green Brigade Marching Band enjoys a reputation of excellence for high quality musical and visual performances. One of the most visible organizations on campus, the ensemble performs for over 150,000 audience members at a variety of athletic events throughout the year and is often the featured exhibition group at numerous marching festivals. An integral component of any music education major's curriculum, the band provides ongoing opportunities for the development of leadership skills. The 285 member Green Brigade is a powerful contributor to the growth of the future band conductor and embodies the spirit and pride of the University of North Texas.

Basketball Band

The North Texas Basketball Band performs for thousands of spectators every spring semester. This group of students serves as ambassadors of spirit and tradition at all home and conference tournament games. In addition to their support of the UNT men’s and women’s basketball teams, the Basketball Band makes numerous appearances at various university functions. The group of 30 members is open to all students by competitive audition held each fall.