Concert Bands

Symphonic Band

University Wind Ensemble

Director: Dr. Emily Threinen

Audition required. The University Wind Ensemble is a select ensemble composed of 60 of the University’s finest graduate and undergraduate wind and percussion musicians. Course Number: MUS 3410/5410-001 (Registration takes place AFTER auditions).

Commercial Recordings  

Alpenglow: Double Concerto by Stacy Garrop | Emily Threinen, conductor (Director of Bands) | Preston Duncan, alto saxophone and Steven Campell, tuba 
Amazon Music | Apple Music | YouTube

Blue Dawn into White Heat | Craig Kirchhoff, conductor (Director Emeritus of University Bands) | School of Music Faculty and Bergen Woodwind Quintet, featured artists

Music of Gregory Mertl | Craig Kirchhoff, conductor (Director Emeritus of University Bands) | Immanuel Davis and Solungga Liu, featured artists

Symphonic Band

Director: Professor Jerry Luckhardt

Audition required. The Symphonic Band is an ensemble of 70 to 80 select wind and percussion players. Although many members are music majors, the ensemble includes a number of undergraduate and graduate students from other disciplines. Course Number: MUS 3410/5410-002 (Registration takes place AFTER auditions).

  • Symphonic Band Meeting Times: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 1:25 – 3:20 pm

University Band

Directors: Dr. Betsy McCann and Dr. John Leonard

Audition required. The University Band is an ensemble of 80 to 90 wind and percussion players who represent a combination of music majors and students from other disciplines. Course Number: MUS 3400-001 (Registration takes place AFTER auditions).

  • University Band Meeting Times: Mondays and Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:40 pm (Fall); 6:00 - 7:40 pm (Spring)

Campus Bands

Directors: Seth Davis, Malcolm Burke, Rose Craig Tyler, and Muhamad Yusri 

Non-auditioned ensemble. The Campus Bands are open to students of varied majors and disciplines within the University. These ensembles allow all levels of student musicians to enjoy making music with limited rehearsal demands.

Interested in joining a Campus Band? Register for MUS 3400, section 002, 003, or 004. Unsure which Campus Band to join? We recommend selecting the band that works best with your course schedule.

Campus Bands Meeting Times:

  • Maroon Band (MUS 3400-002): Mondays, 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Fall); 6:00 - 8:00 pm (Spring)
  • North Star Band (MUS 3400-003): Wednesdays, 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Fall); 6:00 - 8:00pm (Spring)
  • Gold Band (MUS 3400-004): Thursdays, 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Fall); 6:00 - 8:00pm (Spring)

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Other Bands

Donate

The following funds provide support to Concert Bands activities at the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities):

If you are interested in financially supporting the U of M Bands program, please contact the band office at [email protected]

Prospective Students

Regardless of your intended major, there are several ways to become a part of the rich Band tradition at the University of Minnesota.

  • Audition for a Concert Band (3 of 6 concert bands do not require an audition)
  • Audition for the Marching Band
  • Audition for the Athletic Pep Bands
  • Apply to the School of Music (music majors, minors, and PSEO students)

Additional Questions?

Contact [email protected]