Our Crowdfunding Groups
Our Mission
The University of Maryland Wind Orchestra was selected as one of ten professional and university ensembles in the world to perform at the July 2015 World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) conference in San Jose, California. We are honored to experience this opportunity for international music exchange and have set an initial goal of raising $7,500 to help pay our transportation and housing costs, ensuring that financial need does not prevent our student members from participation.
The University of Maryland Wind Orchestra (UMWO) was founded in 2008 to give advanced undergraduate and graduate performance students the opportunity to participate in a professional caliber ensemble with the intent of furthering their preparation as professional orchestral and chamber music performers.
UMWO is committed to the idea that chamber music is central to all ensemble performance, and it embraces the ethos of chamber music even in large ensemble contexts.
UMWO regularly incorporates string, keyboard and vocal performers. In addition to expanding repertoire possibilities, UMWO seeks to create a “next-generation” of string, keyboard and vocal performers who embrace the wind ensemble as a vital and integral part of their musical world.
During its six-year history, UMWO has performed in side-by-side collaborations with major professional ensembles such as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Eighth Blackbird and the Imani Winds, has been invited to perform at international, national and regional conferences, and has been active in commissioning and premiering new works for winds.
The World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) is the only international organization of wind band conductors, composers, performers, publishers, teachers, instrument makers and friends of wind music. It is the only organization completely dedicated to enhancing the quality of the wind band throughout the world and exposing its members to new worlds of repertoire, musical culture, people and places. WASBE is a non-profit international association open to all individuals, institutions and industries interested in symphonic wind bands and wind ensembles as serious and distinctive mediums of musical expression and cultural heritage. WASBE has a membership of over 1000 individuals and organizations in more than 50 countries from throughout the world.
For more information, visit WASBE’s website:
“Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.” -Pablo Casals
Being chosen to perform at the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles confirms that the UMD Wind Orchestra is a professional caliber ensemble. We have achieved a higher level of excellence through a combination of great talent, superior musicianship, and strong intellect. The key ingredient though, is a tremendous amount of hard work! Your support of our efforts means you recognize the time and attention we give making beautiful and meaningful music at the highest level. The UMD Wind Orchestra brings honor and recognition to the University of Maryland and to its School of Music with artistic and passionate performances and represent the very best we have to offer!
Gifts in support of the University of Maryland are accepted and managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc., an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization authorized by the Board of Regents. Contributions to the University of Maryland are tax deductible as allowed by law. Please see your tax advisor for details.
Receive a personalized Thank You from the UMD Wind Orchestra
Receive a "musical telegram" from the UMD Wind Orchestra by e-mail.
Receive special access to our travel video, plus all the perks listed above.
Receive two back stage passes to our dress rehearsal prior to the trip or during the 2015 -2016 season, plus all the perks listed above.
Meet and greet for two with Maestro Michael Votta and the UMD Wind Orchestra staff, plus all the perks listed above. Learn more about our upcoming events and projects promoting quality repertoire for the wind orchestra.
Private concert, "Invitation Only," given by the UMD Wind Orchestra during the 2015 - 2016 season, plus all the perks listed above.