University of Texas Wind Ensemble

The University of Texas Wind Ensemble stands out prominently within the American wind band community. Its dedication to new music has led to commissions from prominent U.S. composers while building an extensive recorded catalog.

Distinguished from the University of Texas Wind Symphony by its separate identity, the ensemble launched an extended commissioning program in 1988 that established its worldwide profile. First performing abroad at the 1991 Conference of the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles in Manchester, England, it reached Carnegie Hall for its initial New York concert in 1998. Additional engagements have included repeated national events sponsored by the College Band Directors National Association and the American Bandmasters Association, together with frequent Texas appearances. In 2004 the group released Bells for Stokowski on Reference Recordings, and Jerry Junkin serves as its conductor.

The ensemble’s wide-ranging involvement with present-day repertoire distinguishes it further. World premieres have included pieces by John Corigliano, Michael Daugherty, and Donald Grantham. Regular residencies have also brought performances of works by Pulitzer Prize recipients such as John Adams, William Bolcom, John Harbison, and Gunther Schuller. Continued releases have appeared on Reference Recordings along with Longhorn Music and Naxos; Migration came out on Reference Recordings in 2022, bringing the total discography past a dozen albums.