Miami Wind Ensemble to perform during national conference
Group was selected following a blind peer review
•
Published
The Miami University Wind Ensemble has been invited to perform at the 2026 North Central Conference of the College Band Directors National Association.
Miami Wind Ensemble to perform during national conference
•
Published
From the New York Philharmonic to Bob Dylan, Yo-Yo Ma to Bruce Springsteen, Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has long been a venue for many legendary musical acts throughout its 100-plus years of existence.
On April 10, Miami University’s Wind Ensemble takes its turn at the historic theater. The group will perform at the 2026 North Central Conference of the College Band Directors National Association following a blind peer review.
Daniel Farr, Miami’s director of bands, expects Miami to be one of a handful of ensembles to play during the conference on the campus of the University of Michigan. He said he was “over the moon” to be invited to the prestigious gathering. It will be the seventh overall time Miami has performed at the event.
“For Miami students to be on that national stage in such a positive way is very exciting,” Farr said. “Just thinking of the history of that space – there have been performances given there by everyone from Leonard Bernstein to Herbie Hancock. I’m really excited to make music in that space and to share the artistry, talent, and passion that our Miami students have.”
The Wind Ensemble features 50-55 students each year, usually averaging four performances on campus, two per semester.
Miami’s submission for the conference included recordings captured during the 2024-2025 school year, Farr’s first in his current role.
He praised his predecessor, Gary Speck, for being an “amazing resource,” as well as the support of Ryan Yahl, visiting associate director of bands, and the students for helping set up the Wind Ensemble for success in his initial year at Miami.
“They were willing to try new things and were very welcoming,” Farr said. “That shows with the quality of performances we submitted. The students were willing to go on that journey.”
Farr has heard several encouraging comments from the Miami community, including from alumni, about the upcoming performance in April. As for what that might entail, Farr doesn’t have the entire program completely laid out yet, but he wants it to feel like an authentic Miami Wind Ensemble experience.
“I want there to be a diverse array of composers, a mixture of tried-and-true classics, and things that are on the cutting edge of what composers are writing for now,” he said. “It will be a nice collection of composers who write wonderfully for wind bands.”
In addition to campus concerts, the Wind Ensemble also plays at local middle and high schools. Some of that works toward recruitment and retention of students, but it also connects the group to musical leaders across Ohio.
“We let the community of band directors around the state know that we’re here to be a resource for them,” Farr said.
“It’s very exciting that the work begins now to give our best performance in April. We’ll be establishing expectations early and letting the students know the important role they play in the preparation. Our conference is populated with incredible ensembles. This is a huge deal.”
On April 10, Miami University’s Wind Ensemble takes its turn at the historic theater. The group will perform at the 2026 North Central Conference of the College Band Directors National Association following a blind peer review.
Daniel Farr, Miami’s director of bands, expects Miami to be one of a handful of ensembles to play during the conference on the campus of the University of Michigan. He said he was “over the moon” to be invited to the prestigious gathering. It will be the seventh overall time Miami has performed at the event.
“For Miami students to be on that national stage in such a positive way is very exciting,” Farr said. “Just thinking of the history of that space – there have been performances given there by everyone from Leonard Bernstein to Herbie Hancock. I’m really excited to make music in that space and to share the artistry, talent, and passion that our Miami students have.”
The Wind Ensemble features 50-55 students each year, usually averaging four performances on campus, two per semester.
Miami’s submission for the conference included recordings captured during the 2024-2025 school year, Farr’s first in his current role.
He praised his predecessor, Gary Speck, for being an “amazing resource,” as well as the support of Ryan Yahl, visiting associate director of bands, and the students for helping set up the Wind Ensemble for success in his initial year at Miami.
“They were willing to try new things and were very welcoming,” Farr said. “That shows with the quality of performances we submitted. The students were willing to go on that journey.”
Farr has heard several encouraging comments from the Miami community, including from alumni, about the upcoming performance in April. As for what that might entail, Farr doesn’t have the entire program completely laid out yet, but he wants it to feel like an authentic Miami Wind Ensemble experience.
“I want there to be a diverse array of composers, a mixture of tried-and-true classics, and things that are on the cutting edge of what composers are writing for now,” he said. “It will be a nice collection of composers who write wonderfully for wind bands.”
In addition to campus concerts, the Wind Ensemble also plays at local middle and high schools. Some of that works toward recruitment and retention of students, but it also connects the group to musical leaders across Ohio.
“We let the community of band directors around the state know that we’re here to be a resource for them,” Farr said.
“It’s very exciting that the work begins now to give our best performance in April. We’ll be establishing expectations early and letting the students know the important role they play in the preparation. Our conference is populated with incredible ensembles. This is a huge deal.”
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about the College of Creative Arts? Visit the website for more information.
