Wind Symphony

The performance of significant works representing a variety of styles in the wind band repertoire has become the benchmark of this ensemble. Under the direction of Dr. Frederick Speck, the musicians are given the opportunity to perform at the highest level of musical and artistic standards. The ensemble has an active schedule of performances throughout the academic year and is comprised of the finest wind, brass, and percussionists at the University and the School of Music.

In addition to campus performances, the ensemble has been invited to perform at numerous professional association meetings. Such performances include the 1997, 1999, 2002 and 2006 KMEA In-Service Conferences, the 1998 and 2002 College Band Directors National Association-Southern Division Conferences, the 2000 MENC National Convention, the 2005 College Band Directors National Conference, and most recently at the 2007 World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference in Killarney, Ireland. The WASBE Conference performance was acclaimed as “Un tour de force enorme” (Miguel Etchegoncelay, Argentina), “ein Konzert der Superlative” (Peter Bucher, Switzerland) and as “assertive musicality and powerful precision” by Chris Woodruff, USA). Also commenting on this concert was Timothy Reynish, World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, Past-President, who observed that "Cheetah … has to be played as brilliantly as this. Frederick Speck is a meticulous conductor, and the ensemble was on outstanding form, throwing Husa’s virtuosity off effortlessly… a concert which centered on the Grawemeyer composers Husa, Penderecki, Takemitsu and Joan Tower, and this was an intriguing, brilliantly played and conducted programme."

This ensemble rehearses on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:00 - 2:50 pm during the Fall and Spring semesters. Members are selected by audition.

Composer, Matthew Tommasini visited the University of Louisville campus from September 23-27, 2009 in conjuction with the world premiere performance of Torn Canvases.  The work is the result of a commission by the Big East Band Directors Association.

Torn Canvases is inspired by the abstract expressionist painting style of Jackson Pollock.  The piece imagines a video camera panning across a large canvas made up of layers of fragmented paint drippings and splotches.  The ensemble is divided into three groups on stage, each representing musical "layers" of chiming chords and fragmented jazz riffs, which are piled on one another, creating rhythmically charged collages of sound.  The climax of the work comes when the entire ensemble plays together, evoking the sound of a giant bell, transforming into the sound of a driving jazz ensemble.

Listen to the world premiere of Torn Canvases as performed by the University of Louisville Wind Ensemble.

Listen to Cheetah by Karel Husa as performed by the University of Louisville Wind Ensemble.

Listen to the following tracks  from Wind Symphony CD - Beyond Horizons: New Voices for Winds, Fred Speck, Director

1. L'Homme Armé: Variations for Wind Ensemble .....Christopher Marshall
2. Kizuna............................................................................Frederick Speck
3. Magneticfirelies............................................................Augusta Read Thomas
4. Tales from the Center of the Earth...........................Nebojsa Zivkovic with Benjamin Toth, percussion
5. Fanfare for Louisville..................................................Witold Lutoslawski
6. Open Four.....................................................................Paul Brink with Paul York, violoncello
7. Desi................................................................................Michael Daugherty

Etchegoncelay Review:  Word Document /  Adobe PDF Document

Woodruff Review:  Word Document /  Adobe PDF Document

Bucher Review: Word Document / Adobe PDF Document