Period

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Modern

Genre

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Band

 

The Rutgers Wind Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1976 at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The ensemble is made up of approximately 50 musicians, including undergraduate and graduate students, as well as community members and faculty members from the Mason Gross School of the Arts. The founding of the Rutgers Wind Ensemble was the result of a collaboration between the university's music department and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The ensemble's first conductor was William Berz, who has remained the ensemble's conductor and music director to this day. Berz is a renowned composer and conductor who has worked with numerous orchestras and ensembles throughout the United States and Europe. Over the years, the Rutgers Wind Ensemble has become known for its high level of musicianship and its commitment to performing a wide range of classical music repertoire. The ensemble has performed at numerous venues throughout the United States, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. The ensemble has also toured internationally, performing in countries such as Italy, Spain, and China. One of the highlights of the Rutgers Wind Ensemble's history was its performance at the 2009 Midwest Clinic, which is one of the largest and most prestigious music conferences in the world. The ensemble was one of only a handful of ensembles selected to perform at the conference, and its performance was met with critical acclaim. In addition to its performances, the Rutgers Wind Ensemble has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. The ensemble has been recognized by the National Band Association, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, among others. The Rutgers Wind Ensemble's repertoire includes a wide range of classical music, from traditional wind band music to contemporary works by living composers. The ensemble has commissioned and premiered numerous new works, including pieces by composers such as John Mackey, David Maslanka, and Michael Daugherty. The ensemble's members are drawn from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, including music education, performance, and composition. Many of the ensemble's members have gone on to successful careers in music, performing with orchestras and ensembles throughout the world. Overall, the Rutgers Wind Ensemble is a highly respected and accomplished classical music ensemble that has made significant contributions to the world of wind band music. Its commitment to excellence and its dedication to performing a wide range of repertoire have made it a beloved institution within the classical music community.

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