Symphonic Band

Under the baton of Dr. Cassandra Bechard, Symphonic Band provides both music majors and non-majors opportunities to experience a wide range of traditional and contemporary repertoire for the modern wind band. Symphonic Band continues to garner a growing recognition for its commitment to musical excellence within a Christian liberal arts education.

Mission
University of Northwestern Symphonic Band is a Christ-centered group of musicians who strive to honor and worship God through furthering their musical abilities and experiences, all while seeking to use their gifts to minister within the University community and beyond.

Performances
Annual on-campus performances include Showcase (during Homecoming), Christmas at Northwestern, and Fall, Winter, and Spring concerts. As a community outreach and ministry, Symphonic Band also performs in area churches.

Repertoire
Committed to a full spectrum of classic and contemporary band repertoire, Symphonic Band has performed works of the masters such as Grainger’s Lincolnshire Posy, and Holst’s Second Suite in F for Military Band, in addition to newer works such as John Mackey’s Hymn to a Blue Hour and Quirks by Brant Karrick.

Seeking to provide a broad musical experience for its members, Symphonic Band performs 20–30 musical selections each academic year. Tailor-made programming varies in genre, style, and technical demand to allow all students to use their musical gifts and talents to honor God, continue their musical growth while pursuing excellence, and enjoy belonging to the UNW “Band Family.”