Audition InformationStudents should prepare approximately 3-4 minutes of music that demonstrate their best playing ability. The student may choose to perform two short examples, one to demonstrate technical proficiency and another featuring tone quality, phrasing and musical sensitivity. Students will be asked to sight-read at the audition. No scales are required. Refer to schedule and ensemble contacts listRehearsal ScheduleTuesday and Thursday, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. |
The Duke University Wind Symphony (DUWS), directed by Verena Mösenbichler-Bryant, is a dynamic ensemble made up of Duke students, primarily non-majors, who are passionate about exploring and performing the finest wind and percussion repertoire. The group provides an opportunity for students to challenge themselves musically while fostering a sense of community through shared artistic expression.
With a repertoire that spans a wide range of musical styles and genres, the Wind Symphony performs several formal concerts each semester. In addition to its regular performances, the ensemble is involved in beloved traditions, including tours, the Viennese Ball, and collaborations with renowned guest artists, composers, and conductors. Notable past guests include Alex Sopp, Imani Winds, Boston Brass, John Mackey, Frank Ticheli, Eric Whitacre, and Michael Markowski.
Committed to both musical excellence and accessibility, the Duke University Wind Symphony also serves as a platform for commissioning new works, many of which have become part of the standard repertoire for wind bands around the world. Open to all Duke students by audition, the Wind Symphony fosters an inclusive environment where musicians can come together to create memorable and impactful performances.
Visit the Wind Symphony's Facebook page!
Wind Symphony Videos
Photo Galleries
Paul Bryan's 100th birthday celebration concert
On February 29, 2020, the Duke University Wind Symphony honored its former director, Professor Emeritus Paul Bryan, with a concert that brought over 100 Wind Symphony alumni back to Baldwin Auditorium.
Paul Bryan was Professor of Music and Conductor of the Wind Symphony at Duke University from 1951-1988. He organized and led the Duke Wind Symphony's semester-long Programs in Vienna in throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Under his leadership, the Duke Wind Symphony performed concerts in Austria (Vienna, Graz, Lockenhaus, Mayrhofen, Berndorf, Bad Gleichenberg), Italy (Venice, Vicenza), Hungary (Budapest), Germany (Dresden, Leipzig, Mainz), and Czechoslovakia (Prague, Cheb). Professor Bryan was also conductor of the Durham Civic Choral Society 1957-67; Durham Savoyards 1963-67, 70, 1974-75, '77, '80; and the Durham Youth Symphony 1972-76.
Verena Mösenbichler-Bryant currently directs the Duke University Wind Symphony. (Photo Credit: Steven Bryant)
Duke Wind Symphony rehearsal with Imani Winds
Grammy-nominated Imani Winds is in residence at Duke in 2019-2020, engaging with students and the Durham community. On November 14, Imani Winds performed with the Duke University Wind Symphony in Baldwin Auditorium. On November 18, they recorded new works composed for them by graduate composition students. This is a photo of Imani Winds rehearsing for their concert with the Duke University Wind Symphony. (Photo Credit: Brian Valentyn)
Saxophone Master Class with Henk van Twillert
Dutch saxophonist Henk van Twillert conducted a master class on March 1, 2019. Twillert and composer Johan de Meij were at Duke for a concert of de Meij's works performed by the Duke University Wind Symphony with de Meij as guest conductor and Twillert as guest artist.
