Tempe Symphonic Wind Ensemble

Michael Willson holds the degrees of Bachelor of Music Education from Brigham Young University, and Master of Music and Doctor of Music Education from Arizona State University. During the past 33 years Willson has taught music education in public schools in Arizona and has recently retired as Director of Bands at McClintock High School in Tempe. He is an active member of the Arizona Music Educators Association (AMEA) and the Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association (ABODA). He has served two terms as President of ABODA. He continues to serve as a guest conductor and clinician throughout the United States.

Dr. Willson is the founder and conductor of the Tempe Symphonic Wind Ensemble, a group of forty-six professional musicians dedicated to the performance of outstanding wind/band literature. In December of 1995 the ensemble performed at the 49th Annual Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Directors Clinic in Chicago, which was attended by some 10,000 music educators from around the world. In December of 2002 the wind ensemble received the “Sudler Silver Scroll Historic Award” from the John Philip Sousa Foundation for outstanding musical achievement and service to the community. He is also active in choral and orchestral music performance, having conducted a number of community ensembles.

Dr. Willson has received the “Excellence in Teaching Award” from the Tempe Union High School District, the “Excellence in Teaching Music” award from the Arizona Music Educators Association, and the “Award of Excellence- Outstanding Teacher, Fine Arts” from the Tempe Diablos. In March of 1992 Willson was selected to “The Legion of Honor” by The John Philip Sousa Foundation and Band World Magazine, an award given each year to “Ten of the Best” public school band directors in the country. In January of 2007 Willson received the “Music Educator of the Year” Award from the Arizona Music Educators Association and the “Alumni of the Year” Award from the School of Music at Arizona State University.

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 Michael Willson holds the degrees of Bachelor of Music Education from Brigham Young University, and Master of Music and Doctor of Music Education from Arizona State University. During the past 33 years Willson has taught music education in public schools in Arizona and has recently retired as Director of Bands at McClintock High School in Tempe. He is an active member of the Arizona Music Educators Association (AMEA) and the Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association (ABODA). He has served two terms as President of ABODA. He continues to serve as a guest conductor and clinician throughout the United States. Dr. Willson is the founder and conductor of the Tempe Symphonic Wind Ensemble, a group of forty-six professional musicians dedicated to the performance of outstanding wind/band literature. In December of 1995 the ensemble performed at the 49th Annual Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Directors Clinic in Chicago, which was attended by some 10,000 music educators from around the world. In December of 2002 the wind ensemble received the “Sudler Silver Scroll Historic Award” from the John Philip Sousa Foundation for outstanding musical achievement and service to the community. He is also active in choral and orchestral music performance, having conducted a number of community ensembles. Dr. Willson has received the “Excellence in Teaching Award” from the Tempe Union High School District, the “Excellence in Teaching Music” award from the Arizona Music Educators Association, and the “Award of Excellence- Outstanding Teacher, Fine Arts” from the Tempe Diablos. In March of 1992 Willson was selected to “The Legion of Honor” by The John Philip Sousa Foundation and Band World Magazine, an award given each year to “Ten of the Best” public school band directors in the country. In January of 2007 Willson received the “Music Educator of the Year” Award from the Arizona Music Educators Association and the “Alumni of the Year” Award from the School of Music at Arizona State University. 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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