Symphonic Wind Ensemble

The Virginia Commonwealth University Symphonic Wind Ensemble has earned a reputation for performance excellence. Under their conductor Terry Austin, they have been invited to perform at the American Bandmasters Association Convention, the MENC Southern Division Conference, and the College Band Directors National Association Southern Division Conference, as well as numerous appearances at the Virginia Music Educators State Conference. In 2005 the ensemble made its Kennedy Center debut and will perform in Carnegie Hall in 2008. The VCU Symphonic Wind Ensemble was also the featured ensemble in the instructional video The Creative Director: Alternative Rehearsal Techniques with clinician Ed Lisk published by Meredith Music.

Former VCU Symphonic Wind Ensemble members can be found teaching all over the country at all levels from elementary school to university, and performing in United States military bands in Washington, D.C. and around the world.  

Recent comments about the Symphonic Wind Ensemble:

"Your performance was phenomenal!!"

"Your ensemble’s performance was fantastic and one that none of us will ever forget."

"I was really impressed by the huge scope of sound this group has, from the full ensemble sound  (yes, it filled the hall) to the precise delicate playing.  The ethereal "resonance tones" that would creep into the surface in the last piece were so well played.  The students had great control with that, and mature musicianship all around with blend, tone, intonation, you know, those old things that are actually hard to find in a pro group, and you actually told a story with each piece."

"This ensemble, in my opinion, is clearly one of the finest such organizations in the United States."

"Your entire concert projected superb musicianship!"

"I enjoyed your wonderful literature selection, the technical and musical performance of your ensemble, and was impressed with the sensitivity in which you presented your program.  Bravo on a great evening of music!"

"There are not sufficient or proper accolades for your musical efforts. . .outstanding, superb, fantastic are only a few (words) that could be applied!"

"I thoroughly enjoyed your concert. Your band is superb.  I can only imagine what it would be like to have a band that plays that well."