Bands

The CU Boulder Wind Symphony comprises the College of Music’s most outstanding wind, brass and percussion students. Founded in 1978, the group is committed to performing the finest wind repertoire, regardless of era or ensemble size—ranging from recently performed works by Ida Gotkovsky and the college’s own Carter Pann to additional diverse works by Carlos Simon, Omar Thomas, Joan Tower and Xi Wang. The Wind Symphony also values the importance of collaboration by working with various faculty and guest artists. Performances on campus and across Colorado, as well as at conferences and abroad, have earned the ensemble international acclaim.

CU Boulder Symphonic Band musicians are selected by audition from the finest performers on campus. Although most members are music majors, students studying in other fields often qualify for this ensemble. Since its formation over 50 years ago, the Symphonic Band has performed at major national conventions, including the Music Educators National Conference and the College Band Directors National Association. Concerts presented both in Colorado and out of state have won the acclaim of band directors and composers for the interpretive performance of outstanding works for the symphonic band medium.

The CU Boulder Concert Band and CU Boulder Campus Band comprise both music majors and non-music majors. Exploring traditional and contemporary works for band, the ensembles are known for their consistently high level of performance. Participating musicians are offered the opportunity to share in the excitement of the creative process as they broaden their musical experiences. These bands maintain an active schedule.

During the fall semester, the CU Boulder Concert Band is open to all students who have experience playing one of the standard wind band instruments (flute/piccolo, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, string bass, percussion). This group meets weekly on Monday evenings.

In the spring, the CU Boulder Campus Band is open to all students who have experience playing one of the standard wind band instruments. CU Boulder Campus Band meets weekly on Monday evenings. For participation in Concert Band, please complete this form. To ensure a balanced musical ensemble experience, certain instrument sections may be capped as determined by the director based on an assessment of a brief playing demonstration. 

Wind instruments: For placement into CU Boulder Concert Band, please submit an unlisted YouTube link of yourself playing both of the following:

1. As many octaves as you can—concert b-flat major, e-flat major, a-flat major, chromatic scales in eigth notes at 120 bpm, or as close to it as you are able. Instrument-specific music
2. 45-60 seconds of any excerpt of your choosing that demonstrates your playing ability (i.e., instrument-specific etudes, prior honor band audition materials, excerpts from prior band/orchestra music). 

Percussion: Please contact Interim Assistant Director of Bands Logan Sorey at richard.sorey@colorado.edu. CU Boulder Concert Band meets on Monday/Wednesday 4:40-6:40 p.m. during the spring semester.

Students will be notified on or by the final day of the fall semester of their placement in spring semester “CU Boulder Concert Band” EMUS 1317/3317. If a student is notplaced in CU Boulder Concert Band, they will be notified on or by the final day of the semester; students not placed in CU Boulder Concert Band are welcome and encouraged to register for “CU Boulder Campus Band” EMUS 1017/3017. Any changes to spring ensemble enrollment should be made immediately following the audition result notification.