Music
CWU Wind Festival
About WindFest
Friday, March 12 - Saturday , March 13, 2027
WindFest concert band invitational was first established in 1940. Over the past eight decades, the event has been recognized as one of the premiere concert band festivals in the Pacific Northwest. This two-day event features middle and high school concert bands from throughout the state of Washington and the region. The non-competitive atmosphere of WindFest provides an opportunity for creativity and musicianship while embracing and celebrating band programs of diverse backgrounds.
Application/Deadlines
Ensembles must apply for an invitation using the online application form. Selection of bands will be based on many factors to include but not limited to time of registration, school size, region/location, space in festival, and previous invitations. With a goal of equity in mind, we encourage all school programs to consider the educational and musical benefits that Windfest has to offer.
- September 1, 2026 – Application Opens for WindFest 2027
- November 2, 2026 – Notification of Selection (via email)
- December 2, 2026 – Festival Fee Deadline
Repertoire
There is no required repertoire for Windfest. Directors are encouraged to program works appropriate to their specific ensemble. Each band will be allotted 20 minutes of on-stage performance. The number of works on the program is at the discretion of the conductor. However, programming must remain within the time limit. No exceptions. Our festival supports a culture of promoting diversity in programmed repertoire and hopes that the event will be a celebration of works from the standard wind band repertoire through contemporary works for band from composers of underrepresented backgrounds.
Invitation of Ensembles
The selection of participants for WindFest is based on the following criteria: date of submitted electronic application and previous festival participation. Supporting the mission of the university, WindFest aims to nurturing culturally sustaining practices that expand access and success to all students. As a result, we have implemented strategies designed to serve the community including but not limited to reserving participation slots for those who are placed on a waiting list during previous festivals (or cancelled due to weather) as well as for programs from underrepresented communities in Washington.
Festival Fee 2027
$400.00
The WindFest Experience
Each performing ensemble will receive recorded audio feedback of your performance from our guest clinicians/adjudicators, a 20-minute clinic from a nationally recognized music educator immediately following the stage performance, and a clean (no comments) professional audio recording of your stage performance. In addition, the conductor of each ensemble receives a video recording featuring a frontal view of the conductor.
Questions?
For more information, contact Professor Kyle Edwards
Apply Now!2027 Clinicians
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Dr. Andy Collinsworth
Director of Bands, Sonoma State University (CA)
R. Anderson “Andy” Collinsworth is Director of Bands at Sonoma State University, where he conducts the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Concert Band and teaches conducting pedagogy and music education. With nearly 35 years of experience, he is known for effective rehearsal techniques and clear musical leadership. He also serves as Chair of the Department of Music and remains active as a guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician nationwide and internationally as well. Collinsworth founded the Sonoma Summer Wind Band Conducting Symposium and the Sonoma Invitational Wind Band and Orchestra Festival, a major annual event for high school musicians. Elected to the American Bandmasters Association in 2024, he has held leadership roles in CBDNA, CBDA, CMEA, and NCBCDA. He earned the DMA in conducting from Arizona State University and degrees from the University of Nevada, Reno.
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Dr. Angela Schroeder
Director of Bands, University of Alberta, Canada
Dr. Angela Schroeder is Associate Professor of Music at the University of Alberta, where she serves as Director of Bands, coordinates Winds and Percussion, and conducts the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Summer Band. She teaches undergraduate and graduate conducting and wind band education. Previously, she taught at the University of North Texas and remains active as a guest conductor and clinician internationally. She also directs the St. Albert Community Band, recently leading the ensemble on a European tour. Schroeder holds degrees from the University of Calgary, Northwestern University, and the University of North Texas. A former secondary music educator, she has held leadership roles in the Alberta Band Association and contributed to the Teaching Music through Performance in Band series. She is recognized for her leadership, teaching, and commitment to community engagement.
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Aaron Snipes, III
Director of Bands, Braswell High School (TX)
Aaron Snipes, III, is Director of Bands at Braswell High School in Texas, where he leads a nationally recognized, award-winning program. Under his direction, the Braswell Wind Symphony was featured at The Midwest Clinic and the National Concert Band Festival. The program has earned consistent Superior Sweepstakes ratings and national honors for excellence. Previously, Snipes spent twelve years as Director of Bands at Park Vista High School in Florida, where he built one of the state’s most successful programs, including a Bands of America finalist marching band and a performance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He holds degrees from Florida State University and the University of North Texas and remains active as a clinician, adjudicator, and presenter nationwide.
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