Symphonic Band

band general

The Wheaton College Symphonic Band performs traditional and contemporary wind band music, maintaining a tradition of music excellence at Wheaton College for over 125 years. It is a remarkable mix of music and liberal arts majors who enjoy close community and sharing their musical gifts with others.

The Symphonic Band, conducted by Dr. Brady McNeil, is an all-campus ensemble of 45-60 musicians. The ensemble rehearses MW 3:45-5:15. Three major performances are presented annually. Symphonic Band is a full-year course and is open to all students.

The Wheaton College Symphonic Band performed at the 2014 North Central Division Conference of the College Band Director’s National Association and the 2013 Illinois Music Education Conference.

Instrumentation: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, string bass, percussion 

The Symphonic Band performs multiple times a year on Wheaton's campus and occasionally tours in the US and abroad. Tickets can be purchased at tickets.wheaton.edu.

2023-2024 Concert Series

Homecoming Concert: Sounds of Wheaton
Friday, September 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Edman Chapel

Symphonic Band Fall Concert
Friday, October 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Edman Chapel

Wheaton College Christmas Festival
Friday & Saturday, December 1 & 2, at 7:30 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 4:00 p.m.
Edman Chapel

Symphonic Band Winter Concert
Friday, February 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Edman Chapel

Symphonic Band Spring Concert
Friday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Edman Chapel

Commencement Celebration Concert
Friday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Edman Chapel

Audition Information

The Symphonic Band is open to all students, regardless of major. While it is a semester course, it is assumed that the student is committed for the whole year. Auditions consist of orchestral/band excerpts and a short (two minutes or less) portion from a solo of your choice unless a concerto/sonata/etude solo is already provided in the audition music. The links for each instrument audition excerpts are provided below. Wind players for orchestra and band use the same audition materials, but non-majors only need to play those excerpts marked with an asterisk.

Auditions will be held on campus during the first week of classes. Sign up for an audition here.


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