What is a wind ensemble? Think of it as a “wind orchestra” – the orchestral wind and percussion sections with added “color” instruments from the concert band, such as saxophones and euphonium. A wind ensemble is much like a traditional concert band, but each musician plays more as a soloist within a large group rather than as one member of a large section playing the same part.

The Colorado Wind Ensemble’s mission is to provide opportunities for musicians to create, and audiences to experience, exceptional live performances of wind ensemble music. Over seventy-five percent of the CWE’s musicians have degrees in music, over forty percent have advanced music degrees, and over fifty percent make their living in music fields. The CWE is the only wind ensemble in the metro area outside of academia.

We perform music from all eras and for groups of all sizes, including Renaissance ensembles, Baroque works, classical chamber pieces, marches, military and symphonic band works, and contemporary compositions that use all combinations of wind instruments imaginable. From Bach to Holst, Stravinsky to Schwantner, we love the challenge, excitement, and pleasure of playing diverse music of all kinds.

The CWE is in its 30th season. We are led by conductor and musical director Matthew J. Roeder, DMA. Dr. Roeder is also the associate director of bands at the University of Colorado at Boulder.