Term 1 Ensemble Concert TBD

 TBD--Conducted by Stacey Mortenson-Spokes

November 19, 2026 -  Quance Theatre Time-TBD

• Adult Admission Tickets
• Student/Senior Admission Tickets

The University of Saskatchewan 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.

U of S Student Participants must register through PAWS to participate in the ensemble.

FOR CREDIT course:
Undergrads: MUAP 201.1 (01)
Grads: MUAP 811.1 (01)

All rehearsals are in Quance Theatre, T/TH at 4:15 – 6:00 pm. 

If you have any questions, or do not have access to an instrument, please do not hesitate to contact Stacey Mortenson-Spokes: srm129@mail.usask,ca

AUDITION LOCATIONS: TBD

Tuesday September 1st, 2026

12:00PM Trumpet

1:00PM Horn

2:00PM Oboe/Bassoon

3:00PM Clarinet

4:00PM Percussion--Quance Theatre

Thursday September 3rd, 2026

12:00PM Saxophone

1:30PM Flute

2:30PM Trombone/Euphonium/Tuba

3:30PM Double Bass

*If these times don't work, don't panic! Please email Stacey to find better time.

Audition Materials

Please prepare two contrasting pieces or etudes: one slow and lyrical, and one faster to demonstrate your technical abilities.

Please choose any three major scales to play, one octave, all tongued.

Please play your chromatic scale, from your lowest to your highest note, all slurred.

**Percussionists should prepare something for snare, timpani and mallets. 

If you play a doubling instrument (i.e. piccolo, English horn, Eb Clarinet, etc,) please prepare a short work on that instrument. 

******Sight reading may be included. 

• 1. Sign Up Questionnaire
• 2. Register on PAWS

• Auditions will comprise of an excerpt found in the above folder titled "Audition Music" and a sight-reading portion
• Piccolo flute auditions need to play both the piccolo and flute auditions.
• Bass clarinetists will audition with the clarinet music
• All saxophones will audition with the alto saxophone music
• Percussionists will prepare both the mallet and snare part
• Some excerpts have two parts: look out for the arrow that connects the two sections
• Perform the excerpts at the given tempo

• Choose excerpts thoughtfully and prepare diligently! Your audition is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your musical strengths and the basis for ensemble placements and part assignments for the academic year.
• Read the audition requirements carefully and prepare all requirements. Whenever possible, listen to multiple recordings of your excerpts so that you understand the context and musical opportunities.
• Be professional and make a good first impression.
• Warm-up and arrive early with your instrument tuned and ready to go. Bring your assembled instrument and sheet music. For the sightreading requirement, scan the music silently before you begin. Choose an appropriate tempo so that you can perform at your best without stopping. Play as musically as possible, paying close attention to all expressive markings and making interpretive decisions of your own.
• Take some risks, communicate your interpretive intent, and remember that auditions are an important educational experience.

Rehearsals are Tuesday and Thursdays 4:15-6:00pm.

First rehearsal will be Tuesday September 8th, 2026.

All rehearsals are in Quance Theatre.

Can I still participate in Wind Orchestra if I am a non-music major?
YES

Can I get credit for participating in Wind Orchestra?
YES

Undergraduate Students
MUAP 201.1 (01) is for 1 credit

Graduate Students
MUAP 811.1 (01) is for 1 credit

Can I rent an instrument through the School for the Arts - Music?

Yes, depending on availability, please contact Stacey Mortenson-Spokes srm129@mail.usask.ca for more details.

Will WO perform public concerts in the fall and spring?

Can Community Members participate in Wind Orchestra?

Yes! Community Members can participate in Wind Orchestra for $91.02 per term. 

For the 2025-26 Academic Year, community fees for Wind Orchestra can be paid through the buttons below for Concert Band.

• Concert Band Community Member Fall Registration
• Concert Band Community Member Winter Registration