Embedded Files
The Salt Lake Symphonic Winds began in 1992 with founding director Barry E. Kopetz, then Director of Bands at the University of Utah. The group presented its first concert in October, 1993. In 2001, Dr. Kopetz left Utah to accept a position as Director of Bands at Capital University [Ohio], and after his departure, the ensemble was directed for two years by Scott Hagen (Dr. Kopetz's successor at the University of Utah) who left the state in 2004 for a position as Director of Bands at Concordia College [Minnesota]. At that time, Thomas P. Rohrer (Director of Bands at Utah State University) was selected to conduct the ensemble, where he has led from the podium ever since.
Dr. Kopetz founded the SLSW in 1992 as an adult concert band whose main focus was to foster, promote, and increase knowledge and appreciation of band music in the community. The SLSW grew into a community-sponsored ensemble performing in Salt Lake City and surrounding cities as a non-profit organization dedicated to the highest quality performance of the vast wind band repertory in the communities in which we live and work-those of the Wasatch Front.
Demonstrating a commitment to music education in Utah's schools almost from inception, the Symphonic Winds have performed in over 40 tandem performances with Utah's secondary school bands since 2003 alone, frequently providing clinics to the students with whom they perform. In addition, the ensemble has performed at numerous churches throughout the region; university settings at Utah State University, the University of Utah, Weber State University, and Westminster College; and significant local concert venues at Rose Wagner Theater, the Mid-Valley Performing Art Center, and Assembly Hall as a biennial part of the Temple Square concert series. From 2005 through 2009, the SLSW was the featured ensemble for the Sugar House community's July 4 fireworks celebration, entertaining as many as 65,000 people. The artistry of this ensemble was demonstrated by its selection and performance at the Music Educators National Conference national convention and the professional conference of the Utah Music Educators Association.
Membership is comprised of people from all walks of life, most of whom are former college players and many who play professionally. During the regular concert season— which includes five to six concerts—repertoire is chosen from the finest wind and percussion literature available ranging from traditional to contemporary styles in a myriad of genres, including overtures, symphonies, concertos, suites, and marches.
Thomas P. Rohrer is Professor of Music, Director of Bands, and Director of Music Education at Utah State University where he has conducted the Wind Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, and the Aggie Marching Band as part of his leadership of a diverse collegiate band program and teacher training curriculum. Having established an international reputation as a conductor and clinician, he consistently receives high praise from colleagues and composers for meticulous preparation and insightful interpretation.
An active composer of over two dozen original works, Dr. Rohrer twice earned honors as a winner of the Dallas Wind Symphony's composition competition in its first five years of existence, completed several commissions, had works performed at conferences of the College Band Directors National Association [CBDNA], and received the international premiere of “Excessive Force for Wind Ensemble.” Under his leadership, the Utah State University Wind Orchestra is held in high regard, four times receiving invitations to the CBDNA Regional Conference and hosting noted artists, composers, and conductors.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse