University Bands

WIND SYMPHONY

Dr. John R. Stewart, conductor

The Wind Symphony includes approximately 60 undergraduate student musicians who perform as a full wind symphony and as smaller chamber wind groups. The ensemble is comprised of the most outstanding wind and percussion majors in the Department of Music and Theatre Arts and gifted non-music majors who are selected by audition each semester. Flexible instrumentation and player rotation provide members of the ensemble with a variety of responsibilities, challenges, and playing experiences. The ensemble provides members the opportunity to broaden performance and teaching skills by experiencing repertoire at the highest level.

The Wind Symphony has performed at many regional, national, and international conferences including: Music Educators National Conference, College Band Directors National Association, Wisconsin State Music Conference, Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter Clinic, Illinois Music Educators Association Convention, National Band Association - Wisconsin Chapter Convention, and the International Tuba Euphonium Conference. The Wind Symphony frequently records for regional composers and music publishers including Daehn Publications and JPM Music.

SYMPHONY BAND

Dr. Phillip A. Ostrander, conductor

The Symphony Band, an ensemble comprised of music majors and talented non-music majors, is committed to the study and performance of standard and contemporary works for band. This ensemble is open to university students by audition and performs four concerts a year with a concert tour each spring. Symphony Band records the educational music of regional composers and publishers at the end of each semester.

UNIVERSITY BAND

JAZZ AT UW-EAU CLAIRE

The Jazz Area at University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire offers aspiring jazz musicians and educators a top-tier education, preparing them for success as performers and teachers in a rapidly evolving music industry. The four levels of big bands explore, through formal concerts and gigs, every style of jazz ensemble music performance and composition to prepare participating musicians for post college experiences at the highest level. Through our dedicated jazz combo program, students sharpen their abilities in improvisation, arranging, jazz interpretation, and studio recording.

Students are encouraged to actively shape their careers while in school. They gain confidence and professional skills through:

• Enriching masterclasses and concerts with critically-acclaimed guest artists
• Training in management skills relevant to freelance careers
• Performing regularly locally and beyond
• Hosting open jams and community concerts
• Producing original albums

BLUGOLD MARCHING BAND

Dr. Kara Metzger, conductor
Prof. David Lofy, assistant director

With an enrollment of 425+ members, the Blugold Marching Band (BMB) is the largest and one of the most active marching bands in the country. Regular performances include shows at Blugold home football games, contest exhibitions, NFL shows, and many other selected events. Membership is open to UW-Eau Claire students of any major and represents virtually every department on campus. While music majors are the largest single group in the Blugold Marching Band, 70% of the band members represent 50+ majors on campus.

BLUGOLD ATHLETIC BAND

Prof. David Lofy, director

As a student-run, faculty-advised student organization, the Blugold Athletic Band (BAB) is one of our most unique bands on campus. They welcome musicians of all levels and perform at 10-12 basketball games from November to March. If you’re ready to hype up a crowd and cheer on UWEC’s athletes, this is the perfect band for you!

*Current UWEC students can follow the link above to the Music and Theatre Arts Department SharePoint site which serves as a resource both for students who are declared as a Music or Theatre major, and for those across campus who are interested in participating in the performing arts on campus. UWEC login credentials required!

Any questions about participating in University Bands?

Contact: Dr. John R. Stewart (stewajo@uwec.edu) 

A Brief History on UW-Eau Claire Bands

The UW–Eau Claire Bands celebrated their Centennial in 2022–2023, marking 100 years since the Eau Claire Normal Band’s first performance in 1922. The Centennial Celebration featured over 200 alumni and performances by five ensembles, honoring a rich legacy of musical excellence at UW–Eau Claire.

A jazz program was introduced in the 1960s and later gained international acclaim, earning multiple Down Beat awards and a Grammy nomination under the direction of Robert Baca.

The Blugold Marching Band (BMB) was revitalized in 2000 by Dr. Randal Dickerson, growing to over 450 members and becoming one of the largest collegiate marching bands in the country.

Concert and jazz ensembles continue to thrive under current faculty leadership, continuing the long tradition of excellence and entertaining audiences all around the world. 

UW - Eau Claire celebrates 100 years of the band program - WEAU Story

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