The University of Texas at El Paso Symphonic Winds is a classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over 30 years. The ensemble was founded in 1989 by Dr. Ron Hufstader, who served as the director of bands at UTEP from 1985 to 2015. The ensemble is made up of talented musicians from the university and the surrounding community, and it has become one of the most respected wind ensembles in the region. The UTEP Symphonic Winds has a rich history of performances and awards. The ensemble has performed at numerous festivals and conferences, including the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, the College Band Directors National Association Conference, and the Midwest Clinic. The ensemble has also been invited to perform at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. One of the highlights of the UTEP Symphonic Winds' history was their performance at the 2009 Midwest Clinic in Chicago. The Midwest Clinic is one of the largest and most prestigious music conferences in the world, and the UTEP Symphonic Winds was one of only a handful of ensembles selected to perform. The ensemble received a standing ovation for their performance, and they were praised for their technical proficiency and musicality. Another notable performance by the UTEP Symphonic Winds was their 2015 concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The ensemble performed a program of contemporary wind band music, including works by John Mackey, Frank Ticheli, and David Maslanka. The concert was well-received by the audience and critics alike, and it further cemented the UTEP Symphonic Winds' reputation as one of the top wind ensembles in the country. The UTEP Symphonic Winds has also been recognized for their excellence in performance and musicianship. The ensemble has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Sudler Flag of Honor in 2003. The Sudler Flag of Honor is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a collegiate band program, and it is awarded by the John Philip Sousa Foundation. The UTEP Symphonic Winds was the first band from Texas to receive this prestigious award. The UTEP Symphonic Winds has also been recognized for their commitment to new music and commissioning. The ensemble has commissioned and premiered numerous works by contemporary composers, including John Mackey, David Maslanka, and Michael Daugherty. The ensemble's commitment to new music has helped to expand the repertoire for wind band and has contributed to the development of new works for the genre. The UTEP Symphonic Winds is led by Dr. Bradley Genevro, who has served as the director of bands at UTEP since 2015. Dr. Genevro is a respected conductor and educator, and he has led the ensemble to new heights of excellence. Under his leadership, the UTEP Symphonic Winds has continued to perform at the highest level and has maintained its reputation as one of the top wind ensembles in the country. In conclusion, the University of Texas at El Paso Symphonic Winds is a classical music ensemble with a rich history of performances and awards. The ensemble was founded in 1989 by Dr. Ron Hufstader and has become one of the most respected wind ensembles in the region. The UTEP Symphonic Winds has performed at numerous festivals and conferences, including the Texas Music Educators Association Convention and the Midwest Clinic.

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