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The Tempe Symphonic Wind Ensemble was organized in the fall of 1990 and is composed of 46 of the finest musicians from the Phoenix metropolitan area. These musicians are dedicated to the performance of outstanding wind/band literature and have provided the Valley of the Sun with a special cultural experience of the highest quality.
Under the direction of Dr. Michael Willson the ensemble is critically acclaimed for its high caliber of performance and is recognized as one of the finest wind ensembles in the United States. In December 2002 the ensemble was awarded the “Sudler Silver Scroll” by the John Philip Sousa Foundation, the highest award given to adult community bands.
In December of 1995 the ensemble appeared at the Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, one of the highest honors a band can receive. 
"The ensemble members, professional music educators and performers, play very, very well... Their attacks are pristine, their shaping of phrases intelligent... They play with true ensemble that goes beyond rhythmic unity to create a sense that, for example, all eight clarinets are playing as one"
— Phoenix Gazette.
Upcoming Performances
Concerts at Tempe Center for The Arts
Monday, November 5, 2012
“A Salute to Those Who Serve”
Tempe Center for the Arts : Map
7:30 pm
An evening of stirring, patriotic music to honor our men and women of the Armed Forces. Selections will include well known marches, fanfares and other audience favorites.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
“A Salute to Those Who Serve”
7:00 pm
Mesa Center for the Arts : Map
An appreciation concert for Sunshine Acres Children's Home featuring an evening of stirring, patriotic music.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
“A Concert in the Park”
3:00 pm
Vista de la Montana United Methodist Church, Catalina, AZ : Map
A program of musical favorites including marches, great classics, musicals and folk tunes.
Monday, February 25, 2013
“Latin Fantasies”
7:30 pm
Tempe Center for the Arts : Map
Music based on Latin rhythms and styles will be performed by the ensemble. The Danzon No. 2 by Marquez and El Camino Real by Alfred Reed will be featured.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
“Fourth Annual High School Band Festival”
Beginning at 6:30 pm
Tempe Center for the Arts : Map
TSWE will host four outstanding high school bands in an evening of superb music. Over 200 of Arizona’s most outstanding high school musicians will perform on stage.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
“Great Classic from Great Composers”
7:30 pm
Tempe Center for the Arts : Map
TSWE will perform the music of Mendelsohhn, Copland, Bernstein, and Hindemith. Deanna Swoboda, Professor of Tuba at Arizona State University, will be a featured soloist.
