ABOUT THE WIND ENSEMBLE

Wind Ensemble (WE), conducted by Mr. Brian Youngblood, is a premier woodwind, brass & percussion ensemble that performs professional-level works from the great band composers, such as Gustav Holst and Percy Grainger, while also embracing the modern band tradition of performing contemporary works. In addition to conducting WE, Mr. Youngblood is Associate Director of Bands at Texas Christian University, and is a leading drill designer, arranger and program coordinator for marching bands.

 

AUDITIONS

Annual auditions are held for every position in WE, including the following instruments: FLUTE, OBOE, CLARINET, BASS CLARINET, BASSOON, ALTO SAX, TENOR SAX, BARI SAX, FRENCH HORN, TRUMPET, TROMBONE, EUPHONIUM, TUBA, PERCUSSION, BASS. For more information regarding applications & auditions, visit our website’s “Apply & Audition” page or contact David Warren (FWYO Director of Artistic Operations) at dwarren@fwyo.org.

 

​WIND ENSEMBLE TUITION

Current WE tuition is $600 per season (subject to change each year). Once offered a position in WE, a deposit will be due in order to reserve your position, and will be applied to the tuition total. Tuition is set by the Board of Directors annually, and is non-refundable. Financial aid is available for those who apply and qualify.

 

CONCERTS

The FWYO Wind Ensemble concert season consists of three major concert cycles. These concerts are typically scheduled in December, March and May, and are held regularly at Bass Performance Hall, Texas Christian University, the University of North Texas, and at other venues in the DFW area. Occasionally, FWYO ensembles will perform additional outreach and community concerts, including performances at Sundance Square and Cook Children’s Medical Center.

 

REHEARSALS

Wind Ensemble rehearsals are held on Sundays, 12:45–2:45pm at FWYO’s Orchestra Hall – 4401 Trail Lake Drive, Fort Worth, Texas, 76109.

 

SCHOOL PARTICIPATION

The FWYO does not exist to replace school music programs, but to provide enhanced musical training and performance opportunities. It is required that all FWYO members participate in their school music programs. Permission to participate in the FWYO Programs without participation in your primary education institution’s music programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Participation in a school program in addition to FWYO provides many benefits to young musicians, including experience in playing a wider variety of music, continual training in techniques and musicianship, the opportunity to work with and gain experience from a variety of music directors, and broader access to local and statewide opportunities, venues, and scholarships.