Welcome to the University of Minnesota Morris Symphonic Winds!
The Symphonic Winds, conducted by Dr. Martin H. Seggelke, represent the premier large instrumental ensemble at Morris. The ensemble is comprised of approximately seventy musicians, both music majors and non-majors who join together to perform eight concerts on campus during each academic year. All of the ensemble members have demonstrated an outstanding level of musicianship and commitment. While offering students opportunities to expand their technical, intellectual and musical horizons, the Symphonic Winds seek to broaden performance and teaching skills by cultivating an interest in the wind ensemble as an integral part of the American music scene. Graduates of the Symphonic Winds hold teaching positions in Minnesota and many other States in the U.S. as well as leading positions in their respective major areas of concentration.
Symphonic Winds performances feature new compositions for wind band in addition to works considered to be part of the core wind literature. The ensemble is dedicated to presenting an exciting variety of challenging repertoire from all musical periods, cultures and styles. Active in the area of commissioning new music, the group has participated in many consortiums and has offered several world premiere performances.
The Symphonic Winds embark on annual tours to international, national and regional destinations. Recent destinations include Europe, South America, Hawaii, Bahamas, and numerous of the United States. An annual highlight is the Festival of the Winds during the second weekend of November, which attracts some of the most talented high school musicians from across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa for a weekend of intensive rehearsals and performances with internationally renowned guest artists.
Membership in the Symphonic Winds is open to all Morris students, faculty and staff as well as interested members of the community, and will be determined via audition during the week before fall semester classes start. For the spring semester, auditions will be offered as needed during the first week of classes. For more information, please click on Join Us.
