Kansas State Wind Ensemble

Dr. Frank Tracz, Conductor

"Being a part of the K-State Wind Ensemble gives me the opportunity to interact with some very talented musicians and play quality band literature. This experience teaches me so much about leadership, commitment, and challenges me to be a better player everyday."
Katie Kreis
Junior in Music Education
Oboe

The K-State Wind Ensemble (formerly Symphony Band), directed by Dr. Frank Tracz, performs the finest original works and transcriptions for concert band and wind ensemble. The Chamber Winds program also focuses on a variety of original works written for chamber winds of varying instrumentation.

As the premier concert ensemble at K-State, the Wind Ensemble regularly travels to perform at regional, state, national and international concert venues.

2011-2012 Concert Schedule

October 19, 2011 McCain Auditorium 7:30pm	Rio's Convergence - Justin Freer Prayer of a Distant Island - Eiji Suzuki Dog Breath Variations - Frank Zappa Armenian Dances Part I - Alfred Reed

December 1, 2011 McCain Auditorium 7:30pm	Energetikos - Gary Gilroy O Cool Is the Valley - Vincent Persichetti Concertino for Four Percussionists and Wind Ensemble- David Gillingham Ecstatic Waters - Steven Bryant March from Symphonic Metamorphosis - Paul Hindemith

January 21, 2012 Concert Band Clinic XIX McCain Auditorium 4:00pm	Rio's Convergence - Justin Freer Prayer of a Distant Island - Eiji Suzuki Armenian Dances Part I - Alfred Reed Energetikos - Gary Gilroy

February 15, 2012 McCain Auditorium 7:30pm Special Guest Ensemble: Blue Valley West High School Director: Daniel Kirk Special Guest Artist and Composer: Carter Pann	Celebration Fanfare - Steven Reineke Trauermusik - Richard Wagner Richard and Renee - Carter Pann : Carter Pann, Piano Soloist Freebirds - Scott McAllister : Dr. Tod Kerstetter, Mr. Jeff Pelischek - Clarinet Soloist The Music Makers - Alfred Reed



April 26, 2012 McCain Auditorium 7:30pm Special Guest Ensemble: Seaman High School Director: Cary Stahly	Prelude Music : Old Wine in New Bottles - Gordon Jacob Overture to Candide - Leonard Bernstein Concerto Scion for Clarinet - Kevin Walczyk : Dr. Tod Kerstetter, Clarinet Soloist A Child's Garden of Dreams - David Maslanka Firefly - Ryan George

Side by Side Concerts

Each Spring semester, the K-State Wind Ensemble & Concert Band host a middle school and/or high school band to pair up for a concert in McCain Auditorium. This unique opportunity allows these young students a performance opportunity in a professional setting and to observe one of the top two concert ensembles on the K-State campus. Participants have included:

Rock Creek High School, Scott Bradley
Blue Valley Northwest High School, John Selzer
Blue Valley West High School, Daneil Kirk
Seaman High School, Cary Stahly
Salina South High School, Jared Rawlings
Manhattan Middle School, Scott Freeby
Manhattan High School, Rod Mangus
Maize High School, Jerry Stone
Buhler High School, Eric Stambaugh
St. Marys School, Warren Sikel
Highand Park High School, Luke Chaffee
Louisburg High School, John Cissitti
Riley County Schools, Joel Nagley
Marion High School, Mike Connell
Junction City High School, T.J. Taylor
Cowley College, Gary Gackstetter
Lansing High School, Luke Johnson (with Symphony Band)
Smokey Valley High School, Shawn Knopp (with Concert Band)
Manhattan Catholic Schools, Kim Thomas (with Symphony Band)
McPherson High School, Kyle Hopkins (with Concert Band)
Goessel High School, Mike Connell, director (with Symphony Band)
Arkansas City High School, Chris VanGilder, director (with Concert Band)
Goddard High School Marla Webber, director (with Symphony Band)
Clay Center High School, Matt Bradford (with Concert Band)
Rock Creek High School, Scott Bradley (with Concert Band)
Washburn-Rural High School, Luke Chaffe (with Wind Ensemble)
Haven High School (with Wind Ensemble)