Wind Ensemble

wind symphonic band

The Wind Ensemble is Western Illinois University’s premiere wind and percussion ensemble. Conducted by Dr. Mike Fansler, the 52-member ensemble regularly leads new wind band and mixed chamber commissions, while remaining a champion of significant historic repertoire. Recently the ensemble released The River of Time (Navona Records) celebrating the life of David Maslanka. Critical acclaim includes, “An extremely timeless listen…the music is of such indescribable beauty it gave me chills…The players are ethereal one moment and brilliantly virtuosic the next…Conductor Mike Fansler holds his players in thrall and has this listener spellbound.”  Current ensemble members can be heard on the newest Klavier Records release, as the fireflies watched…, featuring the chamber music of James M. Stephenson. Since 2002, the Wind Ensemble has appeared four times at the Illinois Music Education Conference and for over three decades, the wind ensemble has presented a special "President's Concert" performance to honor the President of Western Illinois University. 


Conductor

Dr. Mike Fansler, Director of Bands


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