The Western Kentucky University Wind Ensemble is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over four decades. The ensemble was founded in 1976 by Dr. Gary Schallert, who served as its conductor until 2008. Since then, the ensemble has been led by Dr. Brian St. John, who has continued to build on the ensemble's legacy of excellence. The Western Kentucky University Wind Ensemble is made up of talented musicians who are students at the university. The ensemble is open to all students, regardless of their major, and auditions are held each semester to determine membership. The ensemble typically consists of around 50 members, including woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Over the years, the Western Kentucky University Wind Ensemble has performed at numerous prestigious venues and events. One of the ensemble's most notable performances was at the 1992 Midwest Clinic in Chicago, which is one of the largest and most prestigious music conferences in the world. The ensemble has also performed at the Kentucky Music Educators Association Conference, the College Band Directors National Association Conference, and the National Band Association Conference. In addition to its performances at conferences and festivals, the Western Kentucky University Wind Ensemble has also performed at a number of other notable events. The ensemble has performed at the Kentucky Governor's Mansion, the Kentucky State Capitol, and the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. The ensemble has also performed with a number of renowned guest artists, including saxophonist Eugene Rousseau, trumpeter Allen Vizzutti, and composer David Maslanka. The Western Kentucky University Wind Ensemble has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1992, the ensemble was named the winner of the John Philip Sousa Foundation's Sudler Flag of Honor, which is awarded to outstanding collegiate marching bands and concert bands. The ensemble has also been named a finalist for the American Prize in Wind Ensemble Performance multiple times. One of the hallmarks of the Western Kentucky University Wind Ensemble is its commitment to commissioning and performing new works. The ensemble has commissioned and premiered works by a number of renowned composers, including David Maslanka, John Mackey, and Michael Colgrass. The ensemble has also premiered works by up-and-coming composers, providing a platform for new voices in the world of classical music. The Western Kentucky University Wind Ensemble has also been active in recording and releasing albums. The ensemble has released several albums, including "The Music of David Maslanka," "The Music of John Mackey," and "The Music of Michael Colgrass." These albums have received critical acclaim and have helped to further establish the ensemble's reputation as one of the premier wind ensembles in the country. In addition to its performances and recordings, the Western Kentucky University Wind Ensemble is also active in community outreach. The ensemble regularly performs at local schools and community events, providing an opportunity for young people to experience classical music firsthand. The ensemble also hosts an annual high school honor band, which brings together talented high school musicians from across the region for a weekend of rehearsals and performances.

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