Upcoming Performance:

Please check back again in October 2023 for more information!

Colours

Due to technical problems with the livestream , we have made this video available for those who were unable to view this concert.

Dancing Through Time

Due to technical problems with the livestream , we have made this video available for those who were unable to view this concert.
Click here to view the program.

About

Conducted by Dr. Darrin Oehlerking, the Wind Orchestra is the premier large instrumental ensemble on campus and is open by audition to all university students who play wind or percussion instruments. Established in 1974, the ensemble rehearses twice a week and performs a wide variety of wind repertoire. The group has established an impressive regional, national and international reputation, having performed in Canada, The United States, and Europe. Notable conference and festival performances include the Canadian Music Educators Association Conference, Texas Music Educators Association Conference, World Music Contest, and the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference.

The ensemble is committed to performing and supporting contemporary music, regularly embarking on new commissions and consortia. The ensemble recently recorded an entire album of Peter Meechan’s music (Skyscapes), and has given both Canadian and world premieres of works by composers such as Elizabeth Raum, Paul Suchan, Dinuk
Wijeratne, James M. David, Jeff Presslaff, and Tom Davoren. In addition, the ensemble has hosted world-class guest soloists in a variety of performances. Recent appearances include Ian MacDougall (Trombone), Frederick Hemke (Saxophone), Allen Vizzutti (Trumpet), and TorQ Percussion
Quartet.

During the 2020 Fall Semester the Wind Orchestra was delivered in a remote teaching and learning model. While we dearly missed making music together in the same room, we made sure to still practice and perform to the best of our abilities while staying safe. We are proud to present one of our pieces, Plaza Fanfare by Pete Meechan.

Winter Term 2021

The USWO followed strict health and safety protocols in the Winter Term, and were allowed to make music in-person. While we couldn’t have the entire ensemble together, we did our best to rehearse and make music in a hybrid format. Over the course of the semester we recorded some pieces in that same hybrid format. Thanks to the skill and wizardry of Mr. Wayne Giesbrecht in Media Access Productions, we present some audio and video of our efforts. Enjoy!

Audition information for 2023

Thank you for your interest in the 2023/24 USWO!

Auditions for this ensemble require the performer to choose two contrasting selections/excerpts/etudes that demonstrate their ability to perform their instrument. 

Please prepare TWO contrasting excerpts from standard wind band repertoire and/or solo repertoire that allows the performer to showcase: 

  • Lyrical playing that highlights tone, phrasing and expressivity (Excerpt 1)
  • Technical ability (faster moving notes and articulation) and musicality (Excerpt 2) 

All auditions will be submitted electronically. Please submit your video and completed audition information sheet by Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Video taken on your phone/tablet is fine – no special microphones or other equipment/technology is expected or required. Demonstrate your best sound on the technology available to you. 

Each excerpt should be unedited, and no more than 2-3 minutes in length. Please be sure to do the following for each excerpt:

  • Introduce yourself (Name, Year, Major)
  • Introduce the excerpt (title and composer)
  • Name the file in this manner: Instrument_LastName_FirstName 

Students should send video file links (YouTube or other web), directly to Dr. Oehlerking - darrin.oehlerking@usask.ca. Please make sure all files can be immediately accessed, and do not require permissions. Using a free website such as wetransfer can assist with sending large files. USask students also have access to OneDrive – these links can be shared as well. 

If you have any questions about the ensemble, please do not hesitate to email Dr. Oehlerking. When registering for the class (MUAP 201), please be aware that students must register in BOTH semesters. 

The first USWO rehearsal will be Tuesday, September 12, 2023. All rehearsals are in Quance Theatre. 

Again, thank you for your interest in the USWO. If you have any questions, or do not have access to an instrument, please contact Dr. Oehlerking as soon as possible. 

Happy Practicing!