The Conservatory Ensembles are open to students in grades 9-12 based on audition and/or acceptance into the GMEA or SCBDA Region II or District X Honor Band. The Conservatory Ensembles will perform fun and challenging music that gives students a true honor band experience.
Wycliffe Gordon
Jazz Journalists Association named him 2020 “Trombonist of the Year” for the record breaking 13th time, and he’s topped Downbeat Critics Poll for “Best Trombone” again for an unprecedented six times (2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2013 & 2012). Last year he was the recipient of the “Louie Award”, the International Trombone Award and the Satchmo Award, among others. Wycliffe is a prolific recording artist and is extremely popular for his unmatched signature sound, plunger technique and unique vocals. He can be heard on hundreds of recordings, soundtracks, live DVD’s and documentaries. In addition to an exceptionally successful solo career, Gordon tours regularly leading his quintet, headlining at legendary jazz venues and performing arts centers throughout the world. He is commissioned frequently, and has an extensive catalog of original compositions that span the various timbres of jazz and chamber music. Musicians and ensembles of every caliber perform his music throughout the world and his arrangement of the theme song to NPR’s “All Things Considered” is heard daily across the globe. Gordon is a former veteran member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and has been a featured guest artist on Billy Taylor's "Jazz at the Kennedy Center" Series. Gordon is also one of America’s most persuasive and committed music educators, and serves as Director of Jazz Studies at Augusta University in Augusta, GA. Wycliffe Gordon is a Yamaha Performing Artist and has his own line of Wycliffe Gordon Pro Signature Mouthpieces by Pickett Brass. www.wycliffegordon.com
Rehearsal Dates:
The Conservatory Jazz Band will meet on Sunday evenings.
February 4, 11, 18, 25
March 3, 10, 17, 24,
April 21
Dress Rehearsal:
April 27 - TBA
Concert Date and Location:
Sunday, April 28th at 3:00pm in the Augusta University Maxwell Theatre
$120.00 for the semester.
** There is a $10 discount for students who participate in both the Conservatory Wind Symphony and the Conservatory Jazz Band. Use the discount code S24JW when registering for the Conservatory Jazz Band if you register for both ensembles. Students can pay after results are auditions are over and results are announced.
Thank you for your interest in auditioning for the Augusta University Conservatory Wind Symphony! This group is the premiere youth wind ensemble in the Central Savannah River Area, comprised of highly motivated individuals who want to challenge their musicianship through performing collegiate-level repertoire. The repertoire for Spring 2024 will most likely include:
joyRide - Michael Markowski
Safely Rest - Nicole Piunno
American Hymnsong - Suite Dwayne Milburn
The Circus Band - Charles Ives
Blue Shades - Frank Ticheli
Students meeting the following criteria will not have to audition and are automatically admitted into the ensemble based on your accomplishments!
Registration for Students with Approved Admission
The following students will need to audition to earn a spot in the Conservatory Wind Symphony. New students should not register for the ensemble without being notified of acceptance after results are posted around January 1st.
Everyone interested in the Conservatory Wind Symphony will submit an audition video. If you have previously been in the Wind Symphony and/or have previous honor band experience (District, Region, All-State), you are automatically in the ensemble and your audition video recording will serve for part assignments. If you are not a previous member or do not have previous honor band experience, you may submit a video recording to audition for the group. For the audition video, you will record and submit the following:
1) Two major scales of your choice, ascending and descending, in rhythmic pattern below.
Minimum tempo, M.M=120. Play as many complete octaves as you are able.
2) Full range chromatic scale in eighth notes, ascending only.
Minimum tempo, M.M=120 from lowest to highest pitch you comfortably sound.
3) One complete etude, either lyrical or technical. You can use your District/All-State etude.
To submit your audition video, please email your video or your video link to consprog@augusta.edu by December 22, 11:59pm. Students will be notified of results by January 1st.
$105.00 for the semester.
** There is a $10 discount for students who participate in both the Conservatory Wind Symphony and the Conservatory Jazz Band. Use the discount code S24JW when registering for the Conservatory Jazz Band if you register for both ensembles.
Rehearsal Information:
The Conservatory Wind Symphony meets on Thursday evenings from 5:30- 7:15pm in the recital hall in the Fine Arts Center on the Summerville Campus of Augusta University.
January 11, 18, 25
February 1,15, 22, 29
March 7, 14, 21
Dress Rehearsal:
Sunday March 24th 2:00-4:00 - Location TBA
Concert Date:
Tuesday March 26th, Rehearsal 5:30. Concert begins at 7:00pm Maxwell Theater
*Please note that in order to participate, attendance is mandatory for all of the rehearsals and the performance. Conflicts with your school band (such as district or all-state band) are excused.
