UK Wind Ensemble

The University of Kentucky Wind Ensemble, MUC 189, is made up of the finest wind and percussion performers in the School of Music. Performing at least six concerts each year of the finest repertoire for concert winds and percussion, the Wind Ensemble is recognized as a premiere instrumental ensemble in the Bluegrass region in the public performance of new compositions. As the centerpiece of a band program which has served the Commonwealth of Kentucky for over 100 years, the Wind Ensemble continues a tradition of professional-level performances given free of charge to appreciative audiences.

The Wind Ensemble has performed at the College Band Directors National Association National Conference (CBDNA) in Athens, Georgia, CBDNA Southern Division Conferences in Biloxi, Mississippi and Greensboro, North Carolina, and the Kentucky Music Educators Association Conference held annually in Louisville. In March of 2003, the UK Wind Ensemble was a featured ensemble at the College Band Directors National Association National Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Most recently, the UK Wind Ensemble performed at the 2006 CBDNA Southern Division Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Wind Ensemble meets year round and rehearses on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:00 pm to 4:50 pm. The University of Kentucky Wind Ensemble is under the direction of John Cody Birdwell.