The University of South Carolina Wind Ensemble is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over 30 years. Founded in 1989, the ensemble has become a staple of the South Carolina music scene, performing at various venues across the state and beyond. The ensemble was founded by Dr. James K. Copenhaver, who served as its conductor for over 20 years. Dr. Copenhaver was a highly respected music educator and conductor, having previously served as the Director of Bands at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the University of Michigan. He brought his wealth of experience and expertise to the University of South Carolina, where he established the Wind Ensemble as one of the premier ensembles in the region. The Wind Ensemble is made up of approximately 50 talented musicians, all of whom are students at the University of South Carolina. The ensemble is open to all students, regardless of their major, and auditions are held each year to determine membership. The ensemble is comprised of woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments, and performs a wide variety of classical music, including works by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. Over the years, the Wind Ensemble has performed at numerous prestigious venues, including the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and Carnegie Hall in New York City. The ensemble has also been invited to perform at several national and international music conferences, including the College Band Directors National Association Conference and the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference. One of the highlights of the Wind Ensemble's performance history was their 2009 performance at the Midwest Clinic, an annual music conference held in Chicago. The ensemble was one of only a handful of college ensembles selected to perform at the conference, which is considered one of the most prestigious events in the music world. The Wind Ensemble's performance was met with critical acclaim, and they were praised for their technical proficiency and musicality. In addition to their performances, the Wind Ensemble has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2010, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Sudler Trophy, which is considered the highest honor a college or university band can receive. The award is given to ensembles that have demonstrated excellence in performance, repertoire, and overall contribution to the field of music. The Wind Ensemble has also been recognized for their commitment to new music, having commissioned and premiered several new works over the years. In 2015, the ensemble premiered a new work by composer John Mackey, which was commissioned in honor of Dr. Copenhaver's retirement. The piece, titled "Wine-Dark Sea," was met with critical acclaim and has since been performed by several other ensembles around the world. Today, the University of South Carolina Wind Ensemble continues to be a leading force in the world of classical music. Under the direction of Dr. Scott Weiss, who took over as conductor in 2010, the ensemble has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in classical music performance. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for music, the Wind Ensemble is sure to continue entertaining audiences for many years to come.

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