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In the fall of 1979, a small group of musicians gathered under the baton of G. Ellis Cannon to form The North Fulton Community Band that 15 years later would evolve into the Atlanta Wind Symphony. Since those humble beginnings the AWS has been under the direction of Dr. Thomas Wubbenhorst, Scott Taube and Brad R. Matheson. Now, under the direction of Peter Witte, the AWS has become internationally respected for its musical excellence, service to the community and contribution to music education. The AWS is a musical outlet for adult musicians ranging in experience from some of Atlanta's finest professional musicians and composers to hobbyists. The AWS, a nonprofit 501c(3) corporation, receives grants from individuals, foundations, corporations and the Fulton County Arts Council. Comprised of four core events, the Atlanta Wind Symphony's Master Concert Series is performed in the Roswell Cultural Arts Center each year. The AWS also performs at several outdoor venues each year which include public parks, adult living centers and civic celebrations. Additionally, the AWS has performed at many of Georgia's finest universities, churches and in many of Atlanta's premier concert halls. Having performed for television, charity benefits, state officials, and even President Jimmy Carter while he was in office in 1981, the AWS has established a record of excellence. Memorable guest artists have included Buddy DeFranco, Marvin Stamm, Cecil Welch, Mac Frampton, Dr. Geoffrey Haydon and joint performances with Banks & Shane, The Army Ground Forces Band, The Michael O'Neal Singers, The Georgia Brass Band, the New England Conservatory Brass Quintet, and the Roswell United Methodist Church Chorus. The AWS has featured such well-known guest conductors as Alfred Reed, Dr. James M. Bankhead, James Curnow, Elliot Del Borgo, and Eric Osterling. For six years the AWS was the principal recording artist for Kendor Music Publications to record and market new compositions for concert band. These demonstration recordings of performance literature were distributed in 10 languages to music educators internationally. In 1998 the Atlanta Wind Symphony, under the direction of Brad R. Matheson, released its first commercially produced digital audio compact disk entitled "Music of the Heavens". This recording, featuring works of Shostakovich, Sousa, Spears, Persichetti, Tschesnokoff and Del Borgo, may be purchased for $10.00. A collection of the AWS' favorite live recordings was compiled a year later and is also available for puchase for $15.00. The AWS can be heard on radio station WABE (FM 90.1) as part of the "Atlanta Music Scene" program. The AWS has appeared at several major band conferences, including two performances at the prestigious state convention of the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) as well as performing and hosting the National Adjudicators Invitational (NAI) held in Atlanta each spring. Additionally, the Atlanta Wind Symphony has become Atlanta's hosting organization for touring military bands, having hosted the President's Own United States Marine Band as well as the United States Army Field Band and Soldier's Chorus. |
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