Role

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Ensemble

Genre

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Band

 

The College of New Jersey Wind Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1989. The ensemble is made up of students, faculty, and community members who share a passion for wind music. The ensemble has become one of the premier wind ensembles in the region, known for its high level of musicianship and innovative programming. The founding of the College of New Jersey Wind Ensemble can be traced back to the early 1980s, when the college's music department began to expand its offerings in wind music. In 1989, the department decided to form a wind ensemble that would provide students with the opportunity to perform challenging repertoire and develop their skills as wind musicians. The ensemble's first director was Dr. William Berz, who had recently joined the music department as a professor of music. Dr. Berz had extensive experience as a wind conductor and had previously directed the wind ensembles at Rutgers University and the University of Massachusetts. Under Dr. Berz's leadership, the College of New Jersey Wind Ensemble quickly established itself as a top-tier ensemble. The ensemble's repertoire included both traditional wind band music and contemporary works, and the ensemble was known for its precision and musicality. Over the years, the College of New Jersey Wind Ensemble has had many talented members, including both students and community members. Some of the ensemble's most notable members have gone on to successful careers in music, including positions in professional orchestras and military bands. The ensemble has also been recognized for its outstanding performances and has received numerous awards and accolades. In 1995, the ensemble was invited to perform at the Eastern Division Conference of the College Band Directors National Association, one of the most prestigious wind band conferences in the country. The ensemble's performance was well-received, and it helped to establish the ensemble's reputation as a top-tier ensemble. In addition to its performances at conferences and festivals, the College of New Jersey Wind Ensemble has also performed at many other venues throughout the region. The ensemble has performed at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the Trenton War Memorial, and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, among others. One of the ensemble's most memorable performances was its 2009 performance of John Mackey's "Redline Tango" at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The performance was part of the ensemble's "Music of the Americas" concert, which featured works by composers from North and South America. The performance of "Redline Tango" was particularly impressive, with the ensemble's precision and energy capturing the excitement and intensity of the piece. The College of New Jersey Wind Ensemble has also been recognized for its commitment to new music. The ensemble has commissioned and premiered many new works by contemporary composers, including David Maslanka, John Mackey, and Michael Daugherty. These commissions have helped to expand the repertoire for wind ensembles and have contributed to the development of new works for wind ensembles. In addition to its performances and commissions, the College of New Jersey Wind Ensemble has also been active in music education. The ensemble has hosted many workshops and clinics for high school and middle school students, providing them with the opportunity to work with and learn from professional wind musicians.

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