University Bands Newsletter

The University of Saskatchewan Wind Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Darrin Oehlerking, is the premiere instrumental ensemble of wind and percussion players on the University campus, and is open by audition to any university student each semester. Comprised of approximately 45 members, the Wind Orchestra performs artistic and challenging repertoire for this medium.

The legacy of the concert bands at the University of Saskatchewan began under the direction of Dr. David Kaplan in 1961. In 1967, Professor Dwaine Nelson assumed direction of the University Concert Band that later became known as the Wind Ensemble. During Professor Nelson’s tenure, he conducted the Wind Ensemble and started a second Concert Band in 1974, which he directed until 1980. Dr. Thomas Staples assisted and directed both ensembles from 1978-1982. From 1982-2001, Professor Emeritus Marvin Eckroth directed the Wind Ensemble and changed the group’s name to the Wind Orchestra in 1986. After Professor Eckroth’s retirement, Dr. Glen Gillis assumed leadership of the group until the Spring semester of 2010, and he will conduct the Concert Band during the 2010/11 academic year. The Concert Band was directed by Mr. Darrell Bueckert from 1995-2006, and Mr. Brian Unverricht from 2006 to 2010.

The Wind Orchestra has a strong reputation of performing throughout Saskatchewan and Western Canada. Twice the Wind Orchestra has performed at the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conferences (WASBE), in Kerkrade the Netherlands (1989) and Schladming, Austria (1995). The ensemble also performed at the Canadian Music Educators National Conferences in Edmonton (1975), Vancouver (1979), and Saskatoon (1987). In 2006, the Wind Orchestra toured Texas with an invited performance at the University of North Texas College of Music, sharing a concert with Professor Dennis Fisher’s Symphonic Band in the Murchison Performing Arts Center-Winspear Hall. With a second invitation they presented a performance/clinic, Making Music in 3D, collaborating with Dennis Fisher and composer Samuel R. Hazo at the Texas Music Educators Association Conference in San Antonio. In 2005, the ensemble released a commercial CD, Winds of the Prairie: A Celebration, as a part of Centennial Saskatchewan. In 2007, a 2nd commercial CD was released, Lilium: A Celebration, as a tribute to the University’s 100th anniversary and the University Band’s 45th anniversary.  In Fall 2009, The Wind Orchestra released their 3rd commercial CD, Innovare: A Celebration.

2011/12 dates.
September 6-9, Auditions
September 23-25 - Wind Orchestra Retreat
September 30 - Post-Retreat Concert, with Greystone SIngers and Jeff Nelsen, French Horn (Quance Theatre, 7:30)
October 15 - Fall Formal, Parktown Hotel. Details to follow.
October 27-30 - Fall Tour
November 3-5 - Saskatchewan Music Conference, Regina Travelodge.
November 7-10 - Wind Orchestra playing evaluations
November 17-19 - UNIFEST
November 25 - USWO Fall Concert (Quance, 7:30)

January 13-14 - WInd Orchestra Retreat
January 27 - Music Educator Professional Development
January 27 - High School Select Performance (Quance, 7:00)
January 27-29 - High School Select
February 3 - Joint Concert with Jazz Ensemble (Quance, 7:30)
March 7-9 - Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra College Challenge (details to follow)
March 12-16 - Wind Orchestra playing evaluations
March 30 - USWO Spring Concert (Quance, 7:30)

All inquiries regarding auditions should be directed to Dr. Oehlerking via email or phone. Email darrin.oehlerking@usask.ca or 966-1370

Silent Auction Letter

You can listen to the Wind Orchestra by clicking here.