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Ensemble

 

The Illinois State University Wind Symphony is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over 50 years. Founded in 1969, the ensemble has become a staple of the Illinois State University music program and has gained a reputation for excellence in performance. The Wind Symphony was founded by Dr. Dan Dietrich, who served as the ensemble's conductor for over 30 years. Under his leadership, the Wind Symphony grew in size and reputation, becoming one of the premier wind ensembles in the country. Today, the ensemble is led by Dr. Martin H. Seggelke, who has continued the tradition of excellence established by Dr. Dietrich. The Wind Symphony is made up of approximately 50 student musicians, all of whom are selected through a rigorous audition process. The ensemble is comprised of woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments, and performs a wide range of classical music repertoire, including works by composers such as Gustav Holst, John Williams, and Leonard Bernstein. Over the years, the Wind Symphony has performed at numerous prestigious venues and events, including the Midwest Clinic, the National Band Association Convention, and the College Band Directors National Association Conference. The ensemble has also been invited to perform at the Illinois Music Educators Association Conference on multiple occasions. One of the Wind Symphony's most notable performances was at the 2015 Midwest Clinic, where they performed a program titled "The American Spirit." The program featured works by American composers such as Aaron Copland, John Philip Sousa, and Samuel Barber, and was met with critical acclaim. In addition to their performances, the Wind Symphony has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2019, the ensemble was awarded the Sudler Flag of Honor, which is considered to be the highest honor a college or university wind ensemble can receive. The Wind Symphony was the first ensemble from Illinois to receive this prestigious award. The Wind Symphony has also been recognized for their commitment to new music and commissioning new works. In 2017, the ensemble commissioned a new work by composer David Maslanka titled "Symphony No. 10." The piece was premiered by the Wind Symphony and was met with critical acclaim. Overall, the Illinois State University Wind Symphony is a world-class ensemble that has established itself as one of the premier wind ensembles in the country. With a rich history of excellence in performance and a commitment to new music, the Wind Symphony is sure to continue entertaining audiences for years to come.

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