Wind Ensemble and Chamber Winds

Wind Symphony

Professor Chad Shoopman, conductor

The UA Wind Symphony is a select group of brass, woodwind and percussion students who are dedicated to the performance of both the core wind band repertoire and the standard contemporary band literature.

Additional Information: The ensemble, which is primarily comprised of undergraduate music education majors, performs music from all periods and styles. The group is open to any university student by audition in the fall of each academic year.  Please contact uabands@cfa.arizona.edu for more information.

Symphonic Band

The UA Symphonic Band performs large ensemble works, including standard repertoire and popular musical settings for band. The group provides a positive musical outlet for all UA students, and it serves as an excellent place to reinforce skills for music education students.

Auditions are not required to enroll; however, students will complete a brief playing interview for part assignment. The ensemble is open to all students, regardless of major, and meets in both Fall and Spring semesters.

There is a great diversity of students in this ensemble, most of whom want to continue to play their instrument from high school.

There are instruments available to rent from the School of Music for $40.00 per semester and are based on availability.

Conducting Workshop

The Conducting Workshop, open to school band directors, provides teachers with exciting and innovative tools for conducting and rehearsing school band ensembles. This year our day-long clinic has an exciting new addition—conducting participants will get to try new techniques and new ideas with a LIVE high school wind ensemble! This gives our participants the opportunity to adapt new ideas in a very real and practical setting that will allow for rapid and meaningful growth as conductors and rehearsal technicians.

The Workshop clinicians are Arizona Bands Faculty Dr. Chad R. Nicholson, Prof. Chad Shoopman, and Prof. Yudai Ueda. The conducting participant spots are limited and will be set on a first-come, first-serve basis. Unlimited positions are available for observers. We hope you will join us!

The Pride of Arizona

“The “Pride of Arizona” Marching Band along with the “Pride of Arizona” Pep Band exemplifies one of the finest and most storied athletic bands programs in the country. Representing The University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, the “Pride” has built its reputation on outstanding Performance(s), Respect for each other and the university, Integrity in all we do, Discipline of focus, and a relentless pursuit of Excellence. Our mission is to use the transformative power of music and the marching arts to entertain, educate, and elevate our students and audiences.

With over 250 members, the “Pride” includes a battery-unit drumline and award-winning auxiliary units of pom line dancers, baton twirlers and a flag and rifle color guard. Filled with a sense of tradition and enthusiasm, the “Pride of Arizona” provides UA students an opportunity to make great music, new friends, and support the Wildcat spirit while discovering their own individual excellence in a group endeavor.

The Pride of Arizona Bands are committed to the strategic vision of the University of Arizona in becoming a leading arts destination that fully embraces collaboration to fuel social impact, cultural development and economic growth in our community, our state, our nation, and worldwide.

More info on the Pride of Arizona website.

Pep Band

The Pep Band is made up of 55 exceptional students who demonstrate the highest caliber of musicianship, commitment, and enthusiasm within the Athletic Bands. Membership in this elite group is attained through audition only. You must be a member of “Pride of Arizona” Marching Band to be eligible to audition for the Pep Band.

The Pep Band supports a variety of UA team sports as well as campus and community events. They are an integral part of NCAA tournament appearances for the teams, including Men’s Basketball, where they have performed at several National Championship Basketball games. The UA Pep Band is continually recognized through its numerous television appearances and live events as one of the best in the country.

The Pride of Arizona Bands are committed to the strategic vision of the University of Arizona in becoming a leading arts destination that fully embraces collaboration to fuel social impact, cultural development and economic growth in our community, our state, our nation, and worldwide.

More info on the Pride of Arizona website.

UA Middle School Outreach Honor Band

The Outreach Honor Band services public and private school music programs in the extended Tucson metropolitan area. Membership is open to advanced instrumental and percussion students in 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grades.

Repertoire is selected to challenge the members on a number of levels. Pieces by leading composers for young band are selected for rehearsal and performance.

More info on the UA Outreach Honor Band website.

UA High School Honor Band

The UA High School Honor Band offers students the opportunity to join with other musicians from across the western states to perform in concert on The University or Arizona campus.

More info on the UA High School Honor Band website.