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 Fall 2026:
The Hartwick College Wind Ensemble will present two concerts at home this semester, LITTLE THINGS on October 6 and ALL THE AMERICAS on November 19. We’ll also host our Honor Band on October 24, with me and guest conductor Laurel Stinson.
On October 28, I’ll travel to Cortland County, NY for their Senior All County Band. They will play:
Fanfare on Row Your Boat – Andrew Pease
Halcyon Hearts – Katahj Copley
American Riversongs – Pierre La Plante
Amidst all of this, the Oneonta Community Concert Band will present its Veterans Day concert on November 8.
Finally, the Catskill Valley Wind Ensemble has its fall concert, which we’re calling BURIED TREASURES, on November 22.
If all goes well, I will travel to Rochester for the NYSSMA Winter Conference in December, and I may even make it to the Midwest Clinic.
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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