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The Symphonic Wind Ensemble offers an unparalleled experience in musicianship. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble has flourished in central Illinois and beyond, performing at state and regional conventions and on tour in New York City and the Dominican Republic. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble generally presents two to three concerts per semester, including collaborations with other public school ensembles in Illinois. 

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble has commissioned and premiered recent works by Garrett Gillingham and Daniel Morel and has participated in consortia with composers David Gillingham, Libby Larsen, John Mackey, David Maslanka, Scott Ninmer, Michael Schelle, Joseph Schwantner and John Stevens. Recent collaborations include works with student dancers and choreographers from the Millikin University School of Theatre and Dance and a variety of video production personnel. 

Friday, September 27 7:30 p.m.: Reflections (with Jazz Band I) 

Kirkland Fine Arts Center 

Featuring Daniel Rowland (’07) tuba soloist

As part of this year’s Homecoming celebration, we invite Millikin alumni to join us for a look back at some classic band pieces and the newer works they’ve influenced.  We’ll also be featuring Millikin alum Daniel Rowland, tuba professor at the University of Wisconsin – Platteville, performing “Reflection on the Mississippi” by Michael Daugherty.  You’re sure to hear some of your favorite pieces for band and jazz band as we begin the 24-25 season with a bang.

Sunday, September 29 9am  All-State Band-Orchestra Workshop

 Kirkland Fine Arts Center

Monday, October 21 6 p.m.: High School Honor Band Festival Concert  

Kirkland Fine Arts Center  

An evening of young talent and classic band favorites featuring Millikin trombone faculty Corey Sansolo. Select high school students from across the region come together to rehearse and study with Millikin faculty and expand their musical horizons. The event concludes with a joint concert with the Millikin Wind Ensemble on the Kirkland Fine Arts Center stage.

Saturday, November 16 7:30 p.m.: Amber Waves of Grain 

Join us for a look at a diverse collection of repertoire by America composers based on American sources. Music will include repertoire by Charles Ives, Omar Thomas, Frank Ticheli, and Howard Hanson that highlights issues of unity, democracy, and patriotism and seeks to capture the American spirit in musical form.

Saturday, March 1  7:30 p.m.: Folklore

Kirkland Fine Arts Center  

The rich tradition of folk music has often been a source of inspiration for many notable composers and served the basis for many of the great works for wind band over the years. This concert presents examples by Darius Milhaud, Percy Grainger, and Dan Welcher that highlight how the tuneful melodies sung and played by common everyday people can inspire great works of art.

Saturday, April 26 7:30 p.m.: Vibrations

Angela Kepley (’05), Jeremy Brunk, and Aaron Villarreal, percussion soloists

Kirkland Fine Arts Center  

Angela Kepley, Millikin alum and owner and operator of the Kepley Percussion Studio near Chicago, joins the Millikin Wind Ensemble and percussion faculty in a concert to feature a variety of vibrant music for percussions and wind ensemble.  We’ll be joined by various Millikin percussion ensembles in a celebration of color and rhythm sure to provide an exciting conclusion to the 24-25 season.

Membership in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble is open to all students playing woodwind, brass or percussion instruments, regardless of major.  

Auditions take place at the start of the Fall semester. Auditions consist of prepared excerpts and sight reading. 

Audition excerpts for Fall 2024 are available at

Questions? Contact Dr. Neal Smith, Director of Bands, at nsmith@millikin.edu.