The UND Wind Ensemble, a group of outstanding wind and percussion musicians directed by James Popejoy, was chosen to perform a featured concert Nov. 17 during the Western International Band Clinic in Seattle.
The selection by a juried audition process is both an honor for the band and a wonderful musical opportunity for the student musicians, Popejoy said in a news release.
"It is such an incredible honor to be selected to perform at this prestigious event, and we look forward to representing the university, as well as our region," said Popejoy, UND professor of music and band director.
Now in its 34th year, the Western International Band Clinic will feature four 165-member high school honor bands under the direction of six world-renowned guest conductors and featured soloists, in addition to clinics and workshops for participating directors.
WIBC is a nonprofit serving bands, directors and their students worldwide through the publication of numerous teaching materials, a master's degree program, and an annual conference.
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The UND Wind Ensemble musicians are selected by audition and are the most outstanding wind and percussion students at UND. In the past 12 years, the group has been chosen to perform at the 2001, 2005, 2008 and 2011 North Dakota Music Educators Association conference; the 2002 Inaugural North Dakota Arts and Humanities Summit and the 2006 College Band Directors National Association North Central Division Conference.
Promoting the finest in wind literature available, the ensemble performs with internationally renowned guest conductors and soloists and has premiered new works for winds and percussion. The ensemble tours regularly and has established a reputation for musical excellence, Popejoy said.
The next UND Wind Ensemble performance in Grand Forks will be at 8 p.m. April 26 at UND Chester Fritz Auditorum. The group also will play as part of UND's spring commencement May 12 at the Alerus Center.
