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Instrumental Ensembles
 Ensembles
Offered | How
to Join a Band | Band
Faculty and Staff
The Western New Mexico University band program offers a
wide variety of music-making opportunities to meet the needs
of music and non-music majors. Each ensemble is University
supported, requires no student fundraising, and offers from
one to two hours of college credit. We welcome the participation
of all instrumentalists, regardless of instrument or achievement
level. You may determine your level of involvement based
upon your specific interests and abilities.
Membership Requirements
Membership is OPEN to all Brass, Woodwind and Percussion
players (especially those who have performed in a school
musical ensemble). You DO NOT need to be a music major
in order to participate.
Band Purposes and Priorities
Each band has a specific purpose within the framework of
the university. Some groups, such as the PEP Band, provide
indispensable services to the university community through
performances at athletic events and other university functions.
Other ensembles, such as the Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble,
Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Ensembles, exist primarily
to develop and refine performance skills while
exposing students to the finest music literature available.
However all of the groups have one objective in common: Providing
the best possible educational experience for each student.
This is the central purpose of each of the band ensembles
at Western New Mexico University.
Ensembles Offered
- Symphonic Band
- Jazz Ensemble
- Brass Ensemble
- Woodwind Ensemble
- Percussion Ensemble
- University Orchestra
Symphonic Band
This ensemble performs significant literature for winds
that is drawn from the masterworks of the repertoire for
the modern Symphonic Band. Open to majors and non-majors alike.
PEP Band
A spirited unit which performs at football games, parades,
and selected festivals. Open to all students within
the university who play a wind or percussion instrument.
Flag corps members are also welcome.
Jazz Ensemble
Jazz groups perform a number of on-campus and off-campus
concerts while exploring the inner workings of America’s
true art form. The groups are open to all within the university
community. Improvisation is not a requirement.
Percussion Ensemble
Woodwind Ensemble
Brass Ensemble
These smaller groups are open to non-music majors as well
as music majors who would like to perform standard ensemble
literature. They may also serve as an adjunct to studies
in wind or percussion technique classes or private applied
lessons. Concerts, both off and on-campus will be scheduled
regularly.
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How to Join a Band
Audition Information
Auditions for membership and possible scholarship or performance
grant monies are typically held in the Spring for the following
academic year, as well as by appointment at any time of year.
Participants should keep in mind that scholarship money is
available, but earlier applicants will receive priority.
Your first step? Register for the ensemble. Don't worry
if you have not yet auditioned for grant money (you can set
up an audition at any time). If you have any questions or
problems, call Ben Tucker at (575) 538-6226 or Ralph Converse
at (575) 538-6617.
Registration Information
Symphonic Band: MUSC 151 2447 M, W 3:30
pm - 4:50 pm
Jazz Ensemble I: MUSC 181 1472 Th, 7:00
pm - 9:00 pm
Woodwind Ensemble: MUSIC 018-280-05 (Times
scheduled individually)
Percussion Ensemble: MUSIC 018-280-08 (Times
scheduled individually)
Brass Ensemble: MUSIC 018-280-06 (Times
scheduled individually)
All groups meet in the Parotti Music Building on the WNMU
Campus
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Band Faculty and
Staff
Ralph D. Converse
- Jazz Ensemble
- Woodwind Ensemble
(575) 538-6617
Dr. Benjamin Tucker
- Director of Bands
- Brass and Jazz Studies
- Brass Ensemble
(575) 538-6226
Need More Information? Please
contact:
Ralph Converse
Director of Jazz Studies
Western New Mexico University
114 Parotti Hall
Silver City, NM 88061
(575) 538-6617
(575) 538-6619 FAX
Or contact the Department Secretary at (575) 538-6618
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