The Middle Tennessee State University Wind Ensemble is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over four decades. The ensemble was founded in 1979 by Dr. Reed Thomas, who served as the director of bands at MTSU from 1978 to 2008. The Wind Ensemble is composed of talented students from the MTSU School of Music, who are selected through a rigorous audition process. The Wind Ensemble has had several directors over the years, including Dr. Thomas, Dr. Craig Cornish, and Dr. Michael Parkinson. Under their leadership, the ensemble has become one of the most respected wind ensembles in the country. The ensemble has performed at numerous prestigious events, including the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) National Conference, the Tennessee Music Educators Association (TMEA) Conference, and the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. The Wind Ensemble has also been recognized for its outstanding performances and has received several awards and accolades. In 2015, the ensemble was selected to perform at the CBDNA National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. This was a significant achievement for the ensemble, as only a handful of ensembles are selected to perform at this prestigious event each year. In addition to its national performances, the Wind Ensemble has also performed internationally. In 2012, the ensemble traveled to China to perform at the Beijing International Music Festival and in 2016, the ensemble traveled to Spain to perform at the Valencia International Music Festival. These performances were a testament to the ensemble's dedication to excellence and its commitment to sharing its music with audiences around the world. The Wind Ensemble has also collaborated with several renowned composers and conductors over the years. In 2014, the ensemble worked with composer John Mackey to premiere his piece "Wine-Dark Sea" at the CBDNA National Conference. The ensemble has also worked with conductors such as Jerry Junkin, Eugene Corporon, and H. Robert Reynolds, among others. The Wind Ensemble's repertoire is diverse and includes works from a variety of composers and genres. The ensemble has performed works by composers such as Gustav Holst, Percy Grainger, John Williams, and Frank Ticheli, among others. The ensemble's performances are known for their energy, precision, and musicality, and audiences are consistently impressed by the ensemble's technical proficiency and artistry. The Wind Ensemble's main members are its student musicians, who are selected through a competitive audition process. The ensemble is composed of approximately 50 members, including woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The ensemble's members are dedicated to their craft and spend countless hours rehearsing and perfecting their performances. The Wind Ensemble's performances are a highlight of the MTSU School of Music's concert season. The ensemble performs several concerts each year, including a fall concert, a winter concert, and a spring concert. The ensemble also performs at various events throughout the year, including the MTSU Homecoming Parade and the annual Christmas concert. In addition to its performances, the Wind Ensemble is also committed to music education and outreach. The ensemble regularly performs at local schools and community events, and its members serve as mentors and role models for young musicians in the community.

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