Wind Symphony

The Drake University Wind Symphony is comprised of the finest wind and percussion students at the University, and is dedicated to performing the highest quality literature for band, ranging from chamber wind works to the contemporary band repertoire. Since its inception in 1998, the Wind Symphony has developed a national reputation for musical excellence. The ensemble has thrice given invited performances for the North Central Division of the College Band Director’s National Association (2000/2008/2012). It has also performed for the North American Saxophone Alliance (2005), Iowa Bandmasters Association (1999/2006/2012/2014/2019), South Central Iowa Bandmasters Association, and toured extensively throughout the Midwest. It has released ten compact discs, including Angels and Demons (2001), Homage (2003), Impressions (2005), Reflections (2007), Collage (2009), Windscapes (2011), Mosaic (2013), Distant Celebrations (2014), Confluences (2016), and Tribute (2019) through Mark Custom Recording. These have received accolades from composers and critics alike, including Band World’s Ira Novoselsky, who has called Drake’s Wind Symphony “...one of the Midwest’s premier wind orchestras,” and stated: “...the Drake University Wind Symphony gives the utmost attention to every musical detail & nuance.” Impressions, Reflection, Collage, Mosaic, Distant Celebrations, Confluence, and Tribute have received Grammy Nomination Eligibility status from the Grammy Nomination Committee in both the Best Classical Music and Best Orchestral Performance categories.

Performances by the Wind Symphony have received high praise from noted band composers including David Maslanka, John Mackey, Dana Wilson, Michael Markowski, Timothy Mahr, Jan Van der Roost, Roger Cichy, Joseph Spaniola, and Aaron Perrine. The Wind Symphony has produced promotional recordings for both Daehn Publications and C. Alan Publications. Recordings and performances by the Wind Symphony are available on iTunes, Spotify, Classictunes, Naxos, and other digital media providers world-wide, and aired regularly on Iowa Public Radio and on public, classical radio stations throughout the United States.

Auditions for all Drake Bands are held within the first month of the fall semester.

Meeting Times: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4:00pm-5:30pm

Conductor: Robert Meunier, Professor of Percussion and Director of Bands

Drake Wind Symphony Recordings