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Members of the wind symphony practice at the Adams Band Hall. The 65 member ensemble will play Feb. 22 at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Sophomore petroleum engineer major Christine Stiva plays the bassoon during wind symphony practice.

Big Apple bound

Wind symphony to perform at Carnegie Hall

By: Mary Berkhouse

Posted: 11/14/07

The Texas A&M University Wind Symphony will perform in New York City at 8 p.m., Feb. 22 in the Isaac Stern Auditorium Carnegie Hall as part of the Choice Music Events Honors Concert Series.

The Choice Music Events Honors Concert Series offers university music programs the opportunity to audition for benefit performances in nationally-renowned concert venues. The non-profit organization aids in raising funds for music programs and furthering musical education.

The 72 members of the A&M Wind Symphony, conducted by Timothy Rhea, will be among the top university band programs selected to play at Carnegie Hall.

"The upcoming performance of the TAMU Wind Symphony in a national venue such as New York City's Carnegie Hall is certainly deserved recognition of the level of musical performance and expectation that has been the commitment of the wind symphony and the students who have played in it over the past few years," Rhea said.

Brian Freno of the Texas A&M Wind Symphony said he is looking forward to feeling the sense of prestige that comes with being invited to play at the concert hall.

Prior to the upcoming performance at Carnegie Hall, the A&M Wind Symphony traveled to several other countries, including Austria, England, Germany, Ireland and the Czech Republic. They frequently tour in Texas.

There are 750 members in the A&M band this year. The growth comes with financial need that the Carnegie Hall performance will help alleviate.

"With the rate of expansion of the A&M band program, any funding is going to be helpful," said Ian Hudson, a senior member of the wind symphony.

The A&M Band Department also aspires to expand its facilities. The Adams Band Hall, where the band currently practices, seats only 250 students in its main rehearsal room. The building also lacks appropriate storage space and the acoustics are weak.

This fall, A&M added the University Student Orchestra to the department and plans to add a symphonic band in the fall of 2008.

The wind symphony will receive donations by making its appearance at the world-renowned New York City Hall and show off some Aggie band expertise.

"These students are outstanding musicians who have the chance to represent the University in a prestigious and exciting way," Rhea said.