Tempe Wind ensemble plays for the love of it

The Tempe Republic: Giving Back: Wednesday, November 29, 2006

The Tempe Symphonic Wind Ensemble in its 17th season of enriching the community with free music performmces. The 46-member volunteer ensemble meets weekly to practice under the direction of founder and conductor Michael "Doc " Willson.

When I started the group, I just gathered a handful of professional players that I knew and grew from there Willson said.

The ensemble has become so widely respected among professional wind instrument players that there is a lengthy waiting list to join. Many drive all way from the West Valley to participate. All of the ensemble's volunteers play professionally; some are symphony players and others are music instructors at public schools.

Playing with the ensemble gives the volunteer players an opportunity to give back to the community while honing their skills. The ensemble is composer of wind instruments, such as the clarinet and flute, and brass such as trumpet, trombone and tuba, plus percussion instruments.

Julie Duty, 30, of Gilbert, joined the Tempe Symphonic Wind Ensemble nine years ago when she graduated from college and wanted to continue her love of the saxophone.

"I really enjoy the chance to play, and this is a great professional organization to be a part of," Duty said.

Don Hassler, 77, a bassoon player and resident of Tempe, agrees. He joined the ensemble 14 years ago because of the reputation of the organization.

"The quality of the other musicians is really high, and the music we play is the best you can get. We have an extremely talented conductor who makes this opportunity possible for us," Hassler said.

The Tempe Symphonic Wind Ensemble holds three public performances per year in the Boyle Auditorium at McClintock High School in Tempe. Although admission is free, the ensemble relies on donations from the community to pay for the use of the high school auditorium.

The school district charges us several thousand dollars to use the auditorium for our performances. Oue of our biggest problems is gaining recognition since we don't have funds for advertising," Willson said. "But once people hear about us and come, they're hooked."

The ensemble's first performance of the season will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday at McClintock High, 1830 E. Del Rio Drive, Tempe.

Kristin Park is a freelance writer. She can be reached at kristinpark@qwest.net.

Upcoming Performances

Concerts at Tempe Center for The Arts

November 8

That Others May Live

7:00 pm — Sunday, November 8, 2009

A Musical Salute to the Veterans of the Armed Forces featuring Patriotic and stirring music to remind us of the sacrifices made in our behalf. Selections will include well known marches, fanfares and other audience favorites.

March 8

Contemporary Classics

7:30 pm — Monday, March 8, 2010

This evening of music written for the concert band will include selections that are recognized as significant works. Pieces by Shostakovich, Reed, Persichetti, and Nelson will be featured.

March 9

TSWE High School Band Festival

Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Performance Times to be Announced

Four of Arizona’s finest high school bands will perform in concert, followed by a performance by the Tempe Symphonic Wind Ensemble. These gifted young musicians will present outstanding performances not to be missed.

April 12

British Band Classics

7:30 pm — Monday, April 12, 2010

The music of Holst, Vaughan Williams, Arnold, and Grainger are the foundation of contemporary wind literature. The beloved music of these composers will be performed.


	Home The Conductor The Musicians Tempe Center for the Arts Awards & Honors Support & Donations Contact Info Tempe Wind ensemble plays for the love of it The Tempe Republic: Giving Back: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 The Tempe Symphonic Wind Ensemble in its 17th season of enriching the community with free music performmces. The 46-member volunteer ensemble meets weekly to practice under the direction of founder and conductor Michael "Doc " Willson. When I started the group, I just gathered a handful of professional players that I knew and grew from there Willson said. The ensemble has become so widely respected among professional wind instrument players that there is a lengthy waiting list to join. Many drive all way from the West Valley to participate. All of the ensemble's volunteers play professionally; some are symphony players and others are music instructors at public schools. Playing with the ensemble gives the volunteer players an opportunity to give back to the community while honing their skills. The ensemble is composer of wind instruments, such as the clarinet and flute, and brass such as trumpet, trombone and tuba, plus percussion instruments. Julie Duty, 30, of Gilbert, joined the Tempe Symphonic Wind Ensemble nine years ago when she graduated from college and wanted to continue her love of the saxophone. "I really enjoy the chance to play, and this is a great professional organization to be a part of," Duty said. Don Hassler, 77, a bassoon player and resident of Tempe, agrees. He joined the ensemble 14 years ago because of the reputation of the organization. "The quality of the other musicians is really high, and the music we play is the best you can get. We have an extremely talented conductor who makes this opportunity possible for us," Hassler said. The Tempe Symphonic Wind Ensemble holds three public performances per year in the Boyle Auditorium at McClintock High School in Tempe. Although admission is free, the ensemble relies on donations from the community to pay for the use of the high school auditorium. The school district charges us several thousand dollars to use the auditorium for our performances. Oue of our biggest problems is gaining recognition since we don't have funds for advertising," Willson said. "But once people hear about us and come, they're hooked." The ensemble's first performance of the season will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday at McClintock High, 1830 E. Del Rio Drive, Tempe. Kristin Park is a freelance writer. She can be reached at kristinpark@qwest.net. Upcoming Performances Concerts at Tempe Center for The Arts November 8 That Others May Live 7:00 pm — Sunday, November 8, 2009 A Musical Salute to the Veterans of the Armed Forces featuring Patriotic and stirring music to remind us of the sacrifices made in our behalf. Selections will include well known marches, fanfares and other audience favorites. March 8 Contemporary Classics 7:30 pm — Monday, March 8, 2010 This evening of music written for the concert band will include selections that are recognized as significant works. Pieces by Shostakovich, Reed, Persichetti, and Nelson will be featured. March 9 TSWE High School Band Festival Tuesday, March 9, 2010 Performance Times to be Announced Four of Arizona’s finest high school bands will perform in concert, followed by a performance by the Tempe Symphonic Wind Ensemble. These gifted young musicians will present outstanding performances not to be missed. April 12 British Band Classics 7:30 pm — Monday, April 12, 2010 The music of Holst, Vaughan Williams, Arnold, and Grainger are the foundation of contemporary wind literature. The beloved music of these composers will be performed.

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