Continue to express your love of music with The University Wind Ensemble! This ensemble provides you with the opportunity to perform the finest and most challenging traditional and contemporary wind and percussion literature by the finest composers.
The typical University Wind Ensemble (UWE) member is a highly-motivated student for whom making music is a personal priority. UWE performs six concerts a year, including the annual Bands of the Beanpot with Boston University, Harvard University, and Northeastern University, plus a BC Bands Christmas concert, and a concert during the Annual Boston College Arts Festival. UWE members will also have the opportunity to participate in chamber ensembles throughout the year.
In addition to musical excellence, the University Wind Ensemble is committed to building community and social engagement. As a new member, you will be assigned a UWE Buddy who will help you navigate the year with the ensemble as well as your transition to college. UWE also hosts BBQs, Coffee Dates, and other social activities.
UWE members receive a small scholarship and free private lessons. Rehearsals are Mondays from 5:15-6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 4:15-6:30 p.m. Membership in the UWE is by audition or invitation of the Conductor.
Want to take a closer look? Check out some of our performances at Boston College Bands on Youtube or look up @bostoncollegeuwe on Instagram to learn more.
2023-2024 Auditions
Mandatory Reading Session
Wednesday, August 30 from 4:15 - 6:30 p.m.
Individual Auditions
Tuesday, September 5 by appointment at the Conte Forum Band Room (specific time chosen at the Reading Session)
Audition music includes excerpts that are distributed at the Reading Session plus sight reading. A prepared piece is not necessary.
All sessions are held at the Conte Forum Band Room unless otherwise specified.
What is the audition process?
The audition process for the University Wind Ensemble consists of a reading session and an individual audition. The reading session is just like a typical rehearsal where everyone plays together. Everyone who is interested in auditioning is required to attend the reading session. The audition music is distributed at the reading session and is for the student to take to practice for the individual audition. The individual audition is scheduled by each student for a time of their choice. At the individual audition, the student plays the audition excerpt distributed at the reading session and will also play a few short sight-reading etudes. If a student has been accepted through Advanced Placement, they are still required to attend the reading session.
What should I prepare for the audition?
There is nothing to prepare in advance of the audition. The audition music will be distributed at the reading session. Students will take the music with them to practice for the individual audition. The audition music consists of an excerpt from a piece which we will play at the first concert and a short sight-reading etude.
What is the time commitment?
The University Wind Ensemble rehearses on Mondays 5:15 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 4:15 p.m.-6:30 p.m. In addition, each section will schedule a one-hour section rehearsal at a time when everyone in the section is available. Full ensemble rehearsals, section rehearsals and lessons add up to a total of 5 hours per week. Members are also expected to practice outside of rehearsals to prepare the ensemble music. Individual practice time will vary for each member. When completing your class schedule, you should not schedule a class during the rehearsal times (Mondays from 5:15 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays 4:15 p.m.-6:30 p.m.)
Scholarships
Every member of the UWE is budgeted to receive an achievement scholarship.
- First year members receive $500
- Second year members receive $750
- Third year members receive $1,000
- Fourth year members receive $2,000
- This schedule is intended to recognize the value of experience in the ensemble
Scholarships are credited to the student's account at the close of the fall semester and at the close of the spring semester.
When and where are concerts typically held?
The UWE typically performs five concerts per year; three in the fall semester and two in the spring semester. Four of the concerts take place on campus. One of the fall concerts, Bands of the Beanpot, rotates locations between the four participating schools: Boston College, Boston University, Harvard University, and Northeastern University. The UWE also performs annually at the Boston College Arts Festival.
I do not own an instrument. Can I loan one from the Bands Program?
Yes. The Boston College Bands Program maintains an inventory of high-quality instruments that we loan to students who play in our ensembles at no cost. Contact the Bands Office to arrange an instrument loan. Contact the Bands Office (bands@bc.edu) to arrrange an instrument loan.
What is the concert attire?
Members can choose to wear:
- Black tuxedo or black suit with white dress shirt and black bow tie
- Plain, black floor to mid-calf length dress with full to ¾ length sleeves
- Black top with full to ¾ length sleeves paired with full-length bottoms (slacks or skirt)
Members should direct questions towards the UWE executive board (bcuwe.eboard@gmail.com) if they are uncertain about the concert attire they are planning to wear.
