Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Concerto

 

The Ithaca College Wind Ensemble is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over 50 years. Founded in 1969, the ensemble has become one of the most respected wind ensembles in the United States. The ensemble is made up of talented musicians who are students at Ithaca College, a private liberal arts college located in Ithaca, New York. The founding of the Ithaca College Wind Ensemble was the result of a collaboration between two individuals: Walter Beeler and James J. Whalen. Beeler was a renowned conductor and music educator who had previously served as the director of bands at the Eastman School of Music. Whalen was the president of Ithaca College at the time and was a strong advocate for the arts. Together, they envisioned a wind ensemble that would showcase the talents of Ithaca College's music students and provide them with a unique opportunity to perform challenging repertoire. The ensemble's first performance was in the spring of 1970, and it was an immediate success. The ensemble quickly gained a reputation for its high level of musicianship and its innovative programming. Over the years, the ensemble has performed a wide range of repertoire, including works by composers such as Gustav Holst, Igor Stravinsky, and John Adams. The Ithaca College Wind Ensemble is led by a team of talented conductors, including Mark Fonder, Stephen Peterson, and Benjamin Rochford. These conductors are all highly respected in the field of wind ensemble music and bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the ensemble. One of the highlights of the Ithaca College Wind Ensemble's history was its performance at the 1992 College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) conference. The ensemble was one of only six wind ensembles selected to perform at the conference, which is considered one of the most prestigious events in the wind ensemble world. The ensemble's performance was highly praised by critics and cemented its reputation as one of the top wind ensembles in the country. In addition to its performances at the CBDNA conference, the Ithaca College Wind Ensemble has also performed at numerous other prestigious venues and events. These include performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, and the New York State Band Directors Association conference. The ensemble has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2015, the ensemble was awarded the Sudler Silver Scroll, which is considered one of the highest honors in the wind ensemble world. The award is given to ensembles that have demonstrated excellence in performance and have made significant contributions to the advancement of wind ensemble music. The Ithaca College Wind Ensemble has also been recognized for its commitment to new music. The ensemble has commissioned and premiered numerous works by contemporary composers, including David Maslanka, John Mackey, and Michael Markowski. These commissions have helped to expand the repertoire for wind ensembles and have contributed to the ongoing evolution of the genre. In addition to its performances and awards, the Ithaca College Wind Ensemble is also committed to music education. The ensemble regularly hosts workshops and clinics for high school and middle school students, providing them with the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the top wind ensemble musicians in the country.

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