School of Music
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Kennesaw State University Wind Ensemble
Formed in 1996, the Kennesaw State University Wind Ensemble performs a diverse repertoire encompassing large works for band, wind ensemble repertoire, and chamber music. The KSU Wind Ensemble continues to lead in supporting and creating consortiums for the development of new music, which have included the creation of new works by Steven Bryant, Paul Dooley, Geoffrey Gordon, Zhou Long, David Maslanka, Michael Markowski, Carter Pann, Joel Puckett, James Stephenson, Christopher Theofanidis, and Pulitzer Prize winner, Joseph Schwantner. In addition, leading composers continue come to KSU in composer residencies and work directly with the Ensemble and its students.
Because of KSU’s continued close relationship with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Georgia Symphony Orchestra and Atlanta Opera Orchestra, collaborations and performances have resulted with many of those principal players. The KSU Wind Ensemble continues to serve as an important musical voice in the Atlanta Metropolitan area and has been featured frequently on 90.1 FM (WABE- Atlanta public radio).
In 2012 and 2016 the KSU Wind Ensemble was a selected and featured ensemble at the Southern Division College Band Directors National Association Conferences, and in 2017, were featured at Georgia Music Educators Association Conference in Athens, Georgia. In addition, the KSU Wind Ensemble was the Winner of the 2013 American Prize for best wind ensemble/concert band performance in the United States, and in 2016, released its first professional recording under the Centaur recording label featuring the music of Chen Yi.
Wind Ensemble Achievements
In 2012 and 2016 the KSU Wind Ensemble was a featured ensemble at the Southern Division College Band Directors National Association Conference, and in 2013 was the winner of the American Prize for best wind ensemble/concert band performance in the United States. This academic year the KSU Wind Ensemble was selected as a featured ensemble at the 2017 Georgia Music Educators In-Service Conference in Athens, Georgia and will be releasing its first professional recording, featuring the music of Chen Yi, under the Centaur recording label.
For information, contact: Dr. David T. Kehler
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Audition Information
All KSU School of Music instrumental students are required to complete an ensemble placement audition at the beginning of Fall Semester each academic year. Based on these auditions, students will be placed in either the Wind Ensemble/Symphony Orchestra rotation or the Wind Symphony/Philharmonic rotation.
Depending on openings in the Wind Ensemble/Symphony Orchestra rotation after Fall Semester, students may be selected to transfer from either the Wind Symphony or Philharmonic based on their performance in fall juries and recommendations by their studio teachers in consultation with the conductors of either the Wind Ensemble or Symphony Orchestra.
