Atlanta Wind Symphony 2021-22 Concert Season

For its 42nd season, the Atlanta Wind Symphony has planned an exciting season of six live concerts. Under the leadership of Dr. David Kehler, Music Director, the AWS has grown to over 75 members and was selected to perform this year at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, the world’s largest instrumental music conference. The AWS has taken steps to make concerts safe for performers and audiences. All AWS performers are required to provide proof of vaccination. The seating capacity of all performance venues is 3 to 4 times greater than the number of anticipated patrons, allowing ample room for social distancing. Audiences are also encouraged to wear masks. Admission to all concerts is free, with tickets available at the door or in advance on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com.

The Atlanta Wind Symphony’s season opener features music spanning four centuries, including Selections from “The Danserye,” a suite of Renaissance dances by the 16th century Italian composer Tielman Susato. Also featured is American composer Norman Dello Joio’s Variants on a Medieval Tune, a unique setting of In Dulci Jubilo for modern wind ensemble. The AWS will close the program with John Phillip Sousa’s George Washington Bicentennial March.

Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic Preview Concert

Hear the program that the Atlanta Wind Symphony will present at America’s largest and most prestigious band and orchestra conference. The concert opens with Ron Nelson’s fast and festive Rocky Point Holiday. The program features clarinet virtuoso Andy Hudson performing Scott McAllister’s Black Dog, a piece inspired by the Led Zeppelin song. Audiences will also enjoy the world premiere of Infiniti, a work commissioned by the AWS and composed by Georgia native Katahj Copley.

AWS at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic

The Atlanta Wind Symphony is one of four community wind ensembles chosen to perform at the world’s largest conference for instrumental music performers and educators. The AWS program in Chicago is the same as the December 11, 2021 concert at Chattahoochee High School for Atlanta audiences.

The Atlanta Wind Symphony’s community outreach programs include inviting outstanding high school ensembles to share concerts. The Milton High School Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Shumick, takes the stage for the first half of the concert, followed by the Atlanta Wind Symphony. The two wind ensembles join forces for a combined finale, performing Richard Wagner’s Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral from "Lohengrin," a treasured icon of wind band repertoire.

The Atlanta Wind Symphony’s joint performances with outstanding high school ensembles have been very popular in prior seasons, resulting in a second joint concert this season. The Chattahoochee High School Wind Ensemble, directed by Nick Garafalo, takes the stage for the first half of the concert, followed by the Atlanta Wind Symphony. The concert closes with a combined band performance of popular film composer John Williams’ March from "1941."

For over 40 years the Atlanta Wind Symphony has joined forces with the Roswell United Methodist Church Sanctuary Choir to present a combined performance of new and traditional patriotic music in celebration of Independence Day. Admission is free. Tickets are encouraged to ensure seating and can be obtained in advance from the RUMC Worship Arts Office.