The Colorado State University Wind Symphony is taking its first Southwestern tour in the history of the band program at CSU. On April 13-16, the Wind Symphony will make stops in Grand Junction and Los Lunas, New Mexico, returning via Monument/Colorado Springs. 
A tour preview concert will take place on the CSU campus at the University Center for the Arts on Tuesday, April 12.
“The ensemble looks forward to traveling to the Western Slope and south of I-70, where there are so many fine band programs, and would be thrilled to see area band directors, prospective students and CSU alumni at any of the concerts along the way,” said Rebecca Phillips, director of bands at CSU. “Many of the students are also excited about the opportunity to perform for friends, family and directors in their home cities,” she added.
As a fun and interactive component of the concert, Phillips invited the band director of each host high school to guest-conduct the ensemble on Samuel Barber’s Commando March. “I’m grateful for the hospitality they’ve each extended as we’ve planned the tour,” she said.
During her two years at CSU, Phillips has witnessed the strong applied faculty and student performers that the School of Music, Theatre and Dance has across the instrumental and vocal areas. Recently, the School announced that Caleb Hudson, trumpet artist for the Canadian Brass, will join the faculty at CSU next fall. In addition, students in the ensemble were finalists or accepted into Washington, D.C.’s “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, the Army Field Band, the United States Air Force Band of the West in San Antonio, and several regional orchestras across the nation.
As the premier music education institution in the state, with a track record of 100 percent graduate placement, the ensemble members and staff look forward to connecting with prospective students.
“We hope they’ll explore majoring in music at Colorado State University, or choose to continue playing their instrument in one of our many ensembles, even if they pursue a major outside of the arts,” Phillips said.
Several faculty members, including Wesley Ferreira, clarinet, John McGuire, horn, and Richard Frey, associate director of bands, are touring with the ensemble, and will be great resources for questions about attending CSU.
The leadership of the School of Music, Theatre and Dance at CSU, including Dan Goble, director of the school, are committed to targeted opportunities to visit with high school students and directors throughout the year.
“Connecting with outstanding students, whether on this tour, at one of our summer camps, or on visit/audition days, is always meaningful and a testament to programs throughout the region,” said Goble.
As the state’s land grant institution, the CSU Wind Symphony embraces the opportunity to represent Colorado on this tour, demonstrating and sharing the great things that are happening in Fort Collins.
Tour Dates:
April 12, 7:30-9 p.m., CSU Griffin Concert Hall, Fort Collins. Tickets: CSUArtsTickets.com
April 13, 7:30-9 p.m., Grand Junction High School, Grand Junction. FREE
April 14, 7-8:30 p.m., Los Lunas High School, Los Lunas, N.M. FREE
April 15, 7-8:30 p.m., Palmer Ridge High School, Monument. FREE
