The symphonic wind ensemble performs high school to collegiate-level music including a variety of styles, periods, and genres for each concert. Each year includes orchestral transcriptions, original band works, solo literature with the band, and works from the 1700s to the present.
There is a conscious attempt to perform music from a variety of countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Australia, Japan, and others.
Musicians must join the Grande Prairie Music Society at a cost of $10/year to join the Wind Ensemble.
There is a participant contribution of $125/session required for all ensemble members. Payment can be made by e-transfer to admin@gpmusicsociety.com, by cash, or by cheque made out to Grande Prairie Music Society.
Dr. Robert (Bob) Howey is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in clarinet, saxophone, and flute, as well as conducting, singing, and music education. His focus has been performing in and conducting music ensembles such as concert bands, jazz bands, jazz combos, choirs, rock and country bands, orchestras, and pit orchestras. As an educator, he has taught K-12 music, including general music, choir, and concert and jazz bands. His post-secondary teaching includes woodwind, music ensembles, music history, music theory and aural skills.
Dr. Bob’s extensive music education includes B.Mus. (Performance), UAlberta, B.Mus. (Mus. Ed.), USask, MMA and DMA (Instrumental Music Education), ASU. A Grande Prairie native, he currently directs the Grande Prairie Symphony Orchestra, and the Grande Prairie Symphonic Wind and Jazz Ensembles.
