Flint Symphonic Wind Ensemble

= History =

Located in Flint, Michigan, the Flint Symphonic Wind Ensemble began in March 1966 as "The Flint Civic Wind Ensemble," first organized by Donald C. Clough and sponsored by the Flint Community Music Association - the parent organization of the Flint Symphony Orchestra at that time.

The name changed to "Flint Symphonic Wind Ensemble" in 1984 and the ensemble received official non-profit status in 1999.

Mission

The mission of the Flint Symphonic Wind Ensemble (FSWE) is:
*to provide musical access to both practice and performance for adult musicians and
*to provide music education and entertainment for the community.

Major programs

FSWE has four major programs:

A rehearsal schedule is followed on Tuesday evenings during the school season at Flint Southwestern Academy, allowing an opportunity for area adult musicians to practice their music with other adult musicians and to enhance their knowledge and appreciation of instrumental music. Six to ten concert performances are offered to the Greater Flint Area public during each year, providing an opportunity for the community to enjoy instrumental music by seasoned musicians and to increase music appreciation. Some of these are in high schools and middle schools with student musicians joining with FSWE members in performing.An opportunity at these concerts is made for community residents to contribute to scholarship funds for young local musicians to attend University of Michigan-Flint and Mott Community College.Used band music instruments are collected and refurbished/restored for school students who otherwise might not own their own band music instruments.

Links with similar organizations

The Flint Symphonic Wind Ensemble shares some of the same musicians with the Flint Concert Band and the Genesee Wind Symphony. On at least one occasion each year, the three bands, along with local college bands, share parts of the same afternoon program. Some of these players also are members of Genesee Valley Concert Band, Vassar City Band, and Holly Community Band, all of which perform in the summertime. Once each year the band joins with the Central Michigan Concert Band for a concert and evening of fellowship, alternating between the Greater Flint Area and Shepherd, MI. FSWE is also linked to Mott Community College and University of Michigan Flint through its music scholarship funds. Flint Community Schools provide a place for rehearsals at Flint Southwestern Academy.

External links

* [http://www.fswe-band.org/ FSWE's Web Page]