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OUR MISSION
The Colorado Wind Ensemble’s mission is to create exceptional live performances of the rich and varied repertoire written for woodwinds, brass, and percussion—providing musicians with opportunities to perform and audiences to experience inspiring musical experiences.
OUR STORY
Founded in 1983 by Steve Canton, Jacky Canton, and Conductor Emerita Martha E. Cox, the Colorado Wind Ensemble (CWE) has grown into the Rocky Mountain region’s premier wind symphony. Under Martha Cox’s leadership for 22 seasons, the ensemble laid the foundation for artistic excellence and community connection. From 2004 to 2014, Dr. Matthew J. Roeder served as conductor and music director, guiding the CWE into a new era of artistry and collaboration. Since 2015, the CWE has been led by Dr. David Kish, our conductor and music director, who also serves as Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Metropolitan State University of Denver. His leadership continues to expand our artistic vision and community partnerships.
Collaborations & Guest Artists
Collaboration is at the heart of the CWE. We have partnered with organizations including Colorado Brass, St. Martin’s Chamber Choir, Mudra Dance Studio, Boston Brass, Hannah Kahn Dance Company, Fiesta Colorado Dance Company, Queen City Jazz Band, Denver Brass, Pan Jumbies, Stories on Stage, Arvada Chorale, Cherry Creek Chorale, and many others.
Our concerts frequently highlight acclaimed guest artists such as clarinetist Richard Stoltzman, pianist Jooeun Pak, violinist Emily Ondracek-Peterson, soprano Michelle Thompson, french hornist Michael Thornton, and trumpeters Brian Shaw and Michael Hengst. We have also welcomed renowned guest conductors including Dr. John Locke, Ray Cramer, and Dr. Richard Mayne, as well as guest composers Omar Thomas, Carter Pann and Scott McAllister. In addition, we were honored to collaborate with beloved Colorado nature photographer John Fielder.
Commitment to Education
Education and mentorship are central to our mission. CWE musicians have worked with students across Colorado through partnerships with D’Evelyn Jr/Senior High School, Addenbrooke Classical Academy, Cherokee Trail High School, Eaglecrest High School, Mountain Vista High School, ThunderRidge High School, Regis High School, the Colorado Youth Bands, Denver Public Schools and the Continental League Honor Band.
Dr. David Kish is Director of Bands Metropolitan State University where he conducts the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and teaches conducting and music education courses. In 2015, David was appointed Conductor and Musical Director of the Colorado Wind Ensemble. He is Editor of the Journal of Band Research, and curator of the J.L. Gerardi Band Research Center. In 2019, he was elected to membership in the American Bandmasters Association.
David has taught instrumental music at all educational levels, including a position as associate director of bands and Franklin Fellow at the University of Georgia. His writings have been published in the Journal of Band Research, Music Educators Journal and six volumes of the popular resource texts, Teaching Music Through Performance in Band. He is the author of "Brass Methods: An Essential Resource for Educators, Conductors and Students," four volumes of "Guides to Band Masterworks," "Practicing with Purpose," and "Visualizing Music."
Dr. Kish earned the Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Bachelor of Music Education from Susquehanna University. He has presented sessions at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, the National Association of Music Education Conference, and various state music education conferences.
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