Mission And History

Our Mission

The Colorado Wind Ensemble’s mission is to create exceptional live performances of the rich and varied repertoire written for woodwinds, brass, and percussion—providing musicians with opportunities to perform and audiences with inspiring musical experiences.

Our Story

Founded in 1983 by Steve Canton, Jacky Canton, and Conductor Emerita Martha E. Cox, the Colorado Wind Ensemble (CWE) has grown into the Rocky Mountain region’s premier wind symphony. Under Martha Cox’s leadership for 22 seasons, the ensemble laid the foundation for artistic excellence and community connection. From 2004 to 2014, Dr. Matthew J. Roeder served as conductor and music director, guiding the CWE into a new era of artistry and collaboration. Today, he is honored as our Conductor Laureate.

Since 2015, the CWE has been led by Dr. David Kish, our conductor and music director, who also serves as Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Metropolitan State University of Denver. His leadership continues to expand our artistic vision and community partnerships.

Performances & Partnerships

While our formal concert series is presented at the King Center Concert Hall on the Auraria Campus in downtown Denver, the CWE also performs throughout the metro area, bringing music directly to local communities. In 2015, we became “artist in residence” at Metropolitan State University of Denver—a partnership that provides qualified students with opportunities to perform alongside CWE musicians throughout the season.

Collaborations & Guest Artists

Collaboration is at the heart of the CWE. Over the years, we have partnered with organizations including Colorado Brass, St. Martin’s Chamber Choir, Mudra Dance Studio, Boston Brass, Hannah Kahn Dance Company, Fiesta Colorado Dance Company, Queen City Jazz Band, Denver Brass, Pan Jumbies, Stories on Stage, Arvada Chorale, Cherry Creek Chorale, and many others.

Our concerts frequently highlight acclaimed guest artists such as clarinetist Richard Stoltzman, pianist Jooeun Pak, violinist Emily Ondracek-Peterson, trombonists Jonathan Whitaker and Peter Ellefson, soprano Michelle Thompson, french hornist Michael Thornton, trumpeters Brian Shaw and Michael Hengst. We have also welcomed renowned guest conductors including Dr. John Locke, Ray Cramer, and Dr. Richard Mayne, as well as guest composers Omar Thomas, Carter Pann and Scott McAllister. In addition, we were honored to collaborate with beloved Colorado nature photographer John Fielder.

Inclusive Repertoire Award

In 2022, CWE launched the Inclusive Repertoire Award, issuing a call for scores by underrepresented composers to be performed and recorded by the Colorado Wind Ensemble during the 2023-2024 season. CWE desires to encourage and promote composers from historically marginalized communities to write music for the wind band. Composer Roydon Tse was awarded the initial prize, and his piece Centennial Fanfare opened our 41st season. Again in 2024 we issued a call for scores at a developmental grade of 1-3. Composer Charlie Drew Johnson’s Petrichor will be performed in September, 2025. Each winner is invited to participate in a two day, “Artist-in-Residence” at Metropolitan State University of Denver to work with the Colorado Wind Ensemble and interact with MSU Denver composition students.

Commitment to Education

Education and mentorship are central to our mission. CWE musicians have worked with students across Colorado through partnerships with D’Evelyn Jr/Senior High School, Addenbrooke Classical Academy, Cherokee Trail High School, Eaglecrest High School, Mountain Vista High School, ThunderRidge High School, Regis High School, the Colorado Youth Bands, Denver Public Schools and the Continental League Honor Band.