Wind Ensemble
Dr. Chad R. Nicholson, conductor
The UA Wind Ensemble and Chamber Winds represent a premiere group of brass, woodwind and percussion students dedicated to the highest possible level of performance. This ensemble includes numerous concerts, sectional rehearsals, recordings, and occasional tours. The Wind Ensemble performs premieres of new works along with challenging standard repertoire. Primarily comprised of advanced undergraduate and graduate music majors, the UA Wind Ensemble and Chamber Winds demand a high degree of preparation and musicianship.
The UA Wind Ensemble was recently featured at the 2018 College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Western/Northwestern Combined Divisions Conference, a tremendous honor at a conference representing the finest ensembles in a twelve-state region.
The UA Wind Ensemble and Chamber winds have collaborated with many artists and scholars on and off campus, including the Confucius Institute, the Flandrau Planetarium, David Maslanka, Aaron Jay Kernis, and Joan Tower.
Additional Information: The group is open to any university student by audition in the fall of each academic year. Students should expect to commit to preparation and sectional times in addition to class meetings. Please contact the Band Office -uabands@cfa.arizona.edu- for more information.
Wind Symphony
Professor Chad Shoopman, conductor
Wind Symphony rehearses twice per week and performs two concerts per semester. Participation in this ensemble is selected by audition only.
Concert 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 meet in both the 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.
The Pride of Arizona Marching Band
“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.
Join UA Bands
From the finest concert experiences to the thrills of marching for nearly 60,000 fans at Arizona Stadium, all students at the University of Arizona can find a musical home in our outstanding ensembles. If you’re not yet a student at The University of Arizona and you want to major or minor in Music, visit the Fred Fox School of Music website for information on auditions, scholarships, and admissions requirements.
Conducting Workshop
December 9, 2017.
The event is for anyone that is looking to develop skills and knowledge of conducting and rehearsing concert ensembles, including rehearsal tips and technical conducting instruction. The workshop is hosted by UA Bands and the Fred Fox School of Music and the conducting participants will conduct a full wind ensemble of U of A music students!
Honor Band
January 11-13, 2018
The University of Arizona High School Honor Band offers students & musicians from across the western states to perform in concert on The University or Arizona campus. Membership is based upon experience and playing ability.
History of the UA Bands
The University of Arizona Department of Bands is part of the UA Fred Fox School of Music in the College of Fine Arts. UA BANDS provide world-class musical opportunities for students of all majors and backgrounds. From the finest concert experiences to the thrills of marching for nearly 60,000 fans at Arizona Stadium, all students at the University of Arizona can find a musical home in our outstanding ensembles. In 2002, the band department celebrated its 100th anniversary with four concert bands and the “Pride of Arizona” marching and UA Pep Band.
Concert Bands
Wind Ensemble, Chamber Winds, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band
Over the years, UA concert bands have been directed by an illustrious group of composers, conductors and musicians. Joseph DeLuca (1928-1935) composed The University of Arizona March dedicated to the institution. Frank Simon came to UA in the 1950’s having been cornet soloist with the John Philip Sousa band and principal trumpet with the NBC Orchestra under Arturo Toscanini. As UA Professor of Trumpet, Simon contributed his extensive knowledge and talent to enhance the UA band program. Jack Lee (1952-1980) conducted some well-known UA band ensembles and hosted the 1976 American Bandmasters Association. James Keene (1980-1985) brought the introduction of the Wind Ensemble to national prominence.
Gregg I. Hanson, Director of Bands form 1990-2016, brought more than 25 years of experience to UA’s Wind Ensemble and Chamber Winds. He is credited with numerous premieres of outstanding repertoire for the wind band and is praised for his authentic interpretations and degree of excellence. The UA Wind Ensemble has achieved international recognition with the release of three CD recordings, all of the music of David Maslanka. In 2001, the band was one of only two groups from the U.S. chosen to perform at the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference in Lucerne, Switzerland.