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Millikin University - Decatur, IL
Symphonic Wind Ensemble 
University Bands                   Wind Ensemble | Concert Band | Calendar | HS Honor Band

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Millikin's premiere large instrumental ensemble, tours annually, often performing in public schools throughout the Midwest. In 1985, 1992, 2000 and again in January 2012 the Symphonic Wind Ensemble was featured at the Illinois Music Educators Association Conference. In 1994 and 2009 the ensemble performed in Indianapolis at the Music Educators Association North Central Conference. Also, the Wind Ensemble traveled to NYC and performed under the direction of Frank Battisti, conductor Emeritus of the New England Conservatory of Music.

About Wind Ensemble

In March 1998, 2001 and 2005, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble traveled to the Dominican Republic for a musical outreach program performing concerts along the way. Members of the Millikin Wind Ensemble performed in Santo Domingo and La Romana and spent time demonstrating instruments to young students in public and private schools.  The Millikin band program also sponsored a drive for used instruments in the Decatur community and was able to donate many instruments to students in the DR.  In March 1999, Dr. Gary Shaw, conductor of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble was invited by the United States Information Agency and the City of La Romana to work with the Municipal Band of La Romana and give presentations to children in local schools.

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble has released three compact disc recordings:  Postcard from the Prairie (2002), Tempered Steel (2003), and most recently, A Tribute to John Philip Sousa (2005). These recordings are produced by Millikin University's student run record label, First Step Records.

While on tour in spring of 2013, the MU Wind Ensemble visited Grant Park and met Kelly Lorenz' (principal clarinetist) newest family member.


2012-2013 Wind Ensemble Members

 Flute/Piccolo
*Emily Schneider
Jacqui Rogers
Megan Chrisler
Emily Noffke
Bethany Swartz
Sarah Block

Oboe/English Horn
*Cassie Garrard
Adam Blakey

Clarinet
*Kelly Lorenz
Amanda Puckett
Jane Jarvis
Amy Ashbaker
Latrisha Maxwell
Sara Hickey
Miranda Little
Aaron Liebert

Bass Clarinet
Kelly Caitleux





* Indicates princpal
Bassoon
*Christopher Raymond
Blake Martin

Saxophone

*Ethan Hayward, Alto
Brock Feece, Alto
Brock Bennett, Tenor
Andy Baldwin, Bari

Horn
*Abby Dougherty
*Sara Prack
Elizabeth Buzard
Eliazar Uriostegui
Tim Herink

Trumpet
*Kyle Nicholson
*Ervin Harris
Alex Kidd
Phillip Tsigolaroff
Lauren Lewis
Chris Liva
Trombone
*Eric Dawson
Rebekah Carlson
Jordan Helderman

Bass Trombone

*Sean Bergholz

Euphonium
*Sarah Feste
Courtney Vettore

Tuba

*Nick Troyan
Michael Durnavich

Piano
Abbey Dougherty

Percussion
*
Brian Hilderbrand
Steven Berger
Graig Stasicky
Wally Pochron
Jeffery Bensmiller
Jonathan Rodriguez
Music
Click play to hear the Wind Ensemble in 2011 performing "Celebrations" by John Zdechlik.


Photos

2011-2012 Wind Ensemble picture



About the Conductor

Gary R. Shaw, Professor of Music and Director of Bands, teaches trombone and conducts the Wind Ensemble at Millikin. He currently performs on trombone with the Millikin Faculty Brass Quintet, the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra and the Decatur Municipal Band.  Dr. Shaw is resident conductor of both the Decatur Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Greater Decatur Youth Band. He holds the DMA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, The MM from Boston University and the BME from the New England Conservatory of Music.

In summer of 2009, Dr. Shaw taught in Urbania, Italy for Millikin University's Bella Musica Trombone. 

Contact Dr. Gary Shaw



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Millikin University - Decatur, IL
Millikin University - Decatur, IL
 
Millikin University - Decatur, IL
Millikin University - Decatur, IL
Millikin University - Decatur, IL
Millikin University - Decatur, IL
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