What is a Wind Symphony? Symphonic wind symphonies are different from the standard symphonic orchestras which many people know. A typical symphonic orchestra might have over 50 strings (violin, viola, cello, string bass), and 20 or more woodwind, brass and percussion players. A wind symphony, on the other hand, has 50-60 woodwind, brass and percussion players and often a string bass, piano or harp.
The difference between a wind symphony and a wind ensemble is partially semantics and partially size. Wind symphonies are usually larger than wind ensembles. Both reflect a more serious purpose than is often associated with the more traditional name for a group of wind instruments which is band.
The result of this will be a different sound--a new Seattle Sound.
A considerable amount of music has been composed to take advantage of the unique qualities of wind symphony instrumentation. The Seattle Wind Symphony intends to take advantage of that literature and explore the tonal textures possible with a wind symphony.
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Why the Seattle Wind Symphony is being organizedSeveral top musicians in the Greater Seattle area felt that Seattle does not have its own audition-level wind symphony and the organizers believe there is a need for one.
We recognize that many people have never heard high quality symphonic wind music and are looking forward to the opportunity to be ambassadors for that literature in Seattle. We hope to give the community a special sound and young musicians a motivation to continue practicing and playing music once they are out of school.
