Wind Band Literature takes a close look at the best of the wind band repertoire, from chamber music to huge symphonic works, from beginning band to professional level. It is not a comprehensive repertoire site, but rather a collection of resources compiled and created by conductor Andy Pease. These are tools to share with students and colleagues to help enhance understanding of what makes the music we play so powerful and meaningful to us.
Featured content for Summer 2025:
This summer is centered around outdoor concerts! We start with the Oneonta Community Concert Band, which I’m leading through two concerts on June 8 and July 17, both at Neahwa Park in Oneonta, NY.
I will also have my music performed! The Manhattan Summer Winds will play my Songs of Childhood throughout Manhattan during several performances of their 2025 season.
Finally, I will participate and present at CSI Northeast in Ithaca in August.
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Why does classical music need conductors, but other music styles do not? Is it possible to have a classical concert without a conductor at all?
Great question – the short answer is that classical music often uses large numbers of people, sometimes over 100 in a single performance. Ensembles that large (and even much smaller groups) need a single leader both to stay together and to develop a common vision of the music, hence the conductor. As for classical music without conductors, I would refer you to any small chamber group (e.g., brass quintet or woodwind quintet), as well as the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, a larger group which famously never uses a conductor.
Conducting asked, it is possible to have a classical concert without a conductor. The answer is “Yes”. It just means that the musicians count well and listen to each other well. They will need someone in rehearsal but can work without one in performance.
I’m really glad to have read your list of forthcoming concerts and the literature with composers and arrangers. As a Euphonium (primary) and Trombone (secondary) player, I am always striving to learn new music as well as listen to Symphonic Bands/Concert Bands/Wind Ensemble/Brass Ensemble with outstanding musicians. Listening to them is inspirational and motivational for always wanting to be a better Player. I presently live in Kenosha, WI and unfortunately, would not be able to attend your concerts. Will they be posted on YouTube or anywhere I can watch, listen, and learn?
Outstanding presentation at IGEB 2018!!!
Great job Andy. This is a fantastic resource for wind band conductors. Congratulations.
Dear Andy,
Your site is wonderful. Hoping I’m still a member. If not, tell me what I need to do to renew my membership.
I’m writing now to correct the spelling of my name under Performances (of Sousa’s Foshay Tower Washington Memorial March). Here’s how it is listed:
California State University, Sacramento, Wind Ensemble (Robert Hespeth, conductor) – 9 April 2016
I prefer my name spelled Robert Halseth. Thanks.
BTW, my father, Alden Halseth, graduated from Crookston High School in 1929, couldn’t find work in northern Minnesota, so took a bus to Minneapolis where he worked on the brass fittings of the windows for the soon-to-be dedicated Foshay Tower building. Every time I play this piece, I dedicate it to him.
Bob