Bands

The CMU Symphonic Wind Ensemble has firmly established itself as one of America’s leading wind bands. Adhering to the original wind ensemble concept utilizing single players per part, the ensemble is composed of the most accomplished musicians in the CMU School of Music.

Conducted by new Director of Bands, Chris Chapman, the ensemble has performed at the Midwestern Conference, MENC conferences both regional and national, division and national CBDNA conferences including Ann Arbor in 2007, and in historic Carnegie Hall. Noted wind composers with whom the ensemble has collaborated include Michael Colgrass, Joseph Schwantner, H. Owen Reed, Augusta Read Thomas, David Gillingham and David Maslanka. The ensemble has won praise from leading conductors and composers for its highly sensitive and deep musical renditions of sophisticated wind literature.

This small ensemble is quite unique in that its membership is comprised of faculty and students. Artistic chamber repertoire is performed with the faculty involved playing principal parts along with selected students from their respective studios. Rehearsal time is minimal as the students experience a highly professional experience.

This ensemble has performed at the Midwestern Conference, Michigan Music Conference, CBDNA Conference and presented a special performance of the Mozart "Gran Partita" at The Midwest Clinic.

Conducted by Dr. James Batcheller, the Wind Symphony is comprised entirely of CMU music majors. This large ensemble presents concerts on campus each semester of wind band literature that represents an overview of masterworks. The Wind Symphony has performed at the CBDNA division conference with distinction.

The Symphony Band is comprised almost totally of CMU music majors. Conducted by Dr. Chris Chapman, the band presents concerts on campus each semester performing large concert band repertoire that spans the entire history of the genre.

The University Band is open to all CMU students regardless of their major and is a great way to stay involved in music while at CMU. The band presents on-campus concerts each semester performing concert band literature of considerable interest. While non-music majors comprise the majority of the membership, music majors also perform on instruments other than their major ones.

For complete info on our Marching Band, visit The Chippewa Marching Band website.

Chippewa Marching Band