Wind Ensemble performs at prestigious regional conference

After a triumphant return to the world stage during a European tour last spring, the Purdue University Fort Wayne Symphonic Wind Ensemble has received some domestic recognition. The 50-member group was one of six bands from eight states selected to perform two weeks ago at the College Band Directors National Association and National Band Association’s north central division conference in Columbus, Ohio.

This is a blind, peer-reviewed honor that has never been attained in the history of the university, according to Daniel Tembras, director of instrumental studies and the group’s conductor. PFW was the only regional university of the six that were selected, and one of two from outside Ohio.

“I think the ensemble has continued to get stronger every year,” Tembras said. “This is our national association recognizing us because we are one of the strongest in the region. I think that says a lot about our School of Music. I’m incredibly proud of these students and their growth and the work they have been doing.”

PFW presented six pieces during an hour-long performance. Locally, it will be part of a concert at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday in Auer Performance Hall.  

“I think this will do more for the players and the campus than anything,” Tembras said. “It will further put our name out as to what we are doing and the quality. It will be some validation, and help our confidence level.

“It’s a challenging program, but we’re doing music that really large programs with graduate students do. I’m very proud of them, and it’s not too much for these kids.”

Sophomore percussionist Evan Sroufe described the Ohio show as a chance for the ensemble to spread its wings.

“In our rehearsals, we have a lot of fun, but it’s intense, and not just because of our director cracking down on us, but because we were getting excited,” Sroufe said. “It feels good to know that the hard work is paying off.”

One student in particular had a larger investment. Senior Connor Wooley composed PFW’s opening number, “Iron Horse,” inspired by the early steam locomotives of the 1900s. Also a trumpet player in the ensemble, Wooley took about three months to write the piece. He called it a thrill to hear his fellow musicians playing his work with such passion. He’s been writing for about 2½ years, has more than 15 compositions, and will attend graduate school in the fall. 

“I definitely didn’t go easy on them, and it’s a piece that requires intensive practice and preparation,” Wooley said. “I also try to make everything I write fun to play. I won’t want to make it so everyone can’t wait to get out of rehearsal. Everybody has been super-supportive . I’ve been incredibly lucky to study with some pretty amazing people, and it’s really nice to make this art with them and have them be a part of that.”

The musicians know how important this opportunity and their performance was for Wooley and themselves.

“He put so much effort into it. I think the coolness of it makes up for the fact that it’s not easy,” Sroufe said.

Before arriving in Columbus, the ensemble also stopped at two Ohio high schools to present concerts. That gave the PFW students from the area a chance to perform in front of their families and friends, and also encourage the best of those high school students to consider becoming Mastodons.