The Central Washington University Wind Ensemble has gained the reputation as being one of the nation’s outstanding undergraduate wind ensembles, performing at state, regional, and national conferences. 

On five different occasions the ensemble has performed at the MENC Northwest Division Conference under the direction of Professor Larry Gookin. The Wind Ensemble has performed at the National CBDNA in Boulder, the National MENC in Minneapolis, the CBDNA Division Conferences in Reno, The Western International Band Clinics in Seattle, and several State WMEA conferences. The group also has received invitations to perform at the prestigious American Bandmasters Association conferences.

The CWU Wind Ensemble performs contemporary and traditional literature, seeking a balance between transcriptions, marches and original wind ensemble compositions. The ensemble is frequently involved in new composition consortiums for Wind Band, including composers David Maslanka, Roger Cichy, Gregory Youtz, Thomas Sleeper, Shelley Hanson, David Gillingham, and Mark Camphouse.

Former members of the CWU Symphonic Wind Ensemble currently perform in orchestras, service bands, jazz bands, community bands, and various chamber ensembles throughout the country. Many graduates have continued their education as teaching assistants at outstanding graduate schools, and many have become exemplary music teachers in the public schools, in private study, and in higher education.

For more information:
Larry Gookin
Director of Bands
Central Washington University
400 E. University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926