CSU - Department of Music - Ensembles - Bands

Ensembles

Wind Ensemble

The Colorado State University Wind Ensemble, a select group of about 60 members, was founded in 1971 and has performed many concerts on campus and throughout the state. Using the minimum number of players to a part challenges the performers, assists them in developing an individual orchestral concept, and aids in performances of music with the clarity and authenticity that the composer envisioned. Since the ensemble primarily confines the repertoire to original music for winds and percussion, much of the literature is contemporary; however, the basic philosophy is to explore the widest variety of music for the medium that is of the highest quality - regardless of style - from Mozart to Sousa. At Colorado State, the Wind Ensemble is an integral, but complementary, part of the ensembles program and works closely with orchestras, bands, and choirs for the musical development of the students involved.

Symphonic Band

The largest of the concert ensembles is the Symphonic Band. This group numbers 75-90 players with numerous college majors being represented. Symphonic Band performs various concerts on campus each year with a wide variety of literature including marches; show tunes, contemporary works, transcriptions and manuscript literature. The band utilizes outstanding performers within the music faculty, performers within the ensemble, and guest conductors as a part of the programming.

Marching Band

The Marching Band consists of students from across the campus who come from nearly every college to be a part of this exciting and spirited organization. Performances over the years have been highlighted by trips to Tucson, Arizona; San Diego, California; Albuquerque, New Mexico; El Paso, Texas; the Freedom Bowl in Anaheim, California; the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, and special appearances at the Denver Bronco football games. Membership in the Marching Band entitles an audition for the Pep Band. It is a limited instrumentation group that performs at all of the men and women's home basketball games.

Concert Band

The 51-member CSU Concert Band is coordinated by the Instrumental Graduate Teaching Associates, and is supervised by the Director of Bands, Dr. J. Steven Moore. The Concert Band is open to all CSU students who wish to continue their participation in music after high school, and also serves as a working laboratory for students pursuing a Music Education degree. The Concert Band allows Music Education majors the opportunity to perform on a secondary instrument (last year 32 of the 51 members were playing an instrument other than thier primary instrument),develop effective rehearsal techniques, and gain a knowledge of the standard repertoire appropriate for middle or high school band. In addition, the Concert Band allows students enrolled in the Instrumental Conducting undergraduate class the opportunity to conduct a full ensemble and develop appropriate conducting techniques prior to their student teaching experience.