The Wind Symphony is an ensemble of 55 to 60 wind, brass and percussion players who are high school seniors or younger. Directed by Nicholas Williams, the GDYO Wind Symphony performs four to five concerts annually throughout the DFW Metroplex.

Repertoire

2010-2011 repertoire included Bernstein’s Overture to "Candide", Bradley Kerr Green Departure for Winds and Percussion, The Stars and Stripes Forever, John Mackey's Strange Humors and Frank Ticheli Symphony No. 2.

Highlights

In April of 2002, the ensemble was featured on "From The Top" with host Christopher O'Riley for international radio broadcast. The Wind Symphony was also a featured ensemble at the 2002 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) National Conference in San Antonio, TX. In 2008 the Wind Symphony toured China and included concerts in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai.

Competition

Members of the Wind Symphony are encouraged to enter the Wind Symphony Concerto Competition, held in December. The winner of the competition will perform their solo with the Wind Symphony at a concert in the spring.

Wind Symphony and DWS

The Wind Symphony has established close ties with America's premier wind band: the Dallas Wind Symphony. Each year they present a joint concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center. DWS principal players also serve as GDYO sectional coaches throughout the year. Every member of the GDYO Wind Symphony receives a complimentary ticket to the entire Meyerson subscription concert series of the Dallas Wind Symphony.

Rehearsals and Requirements

Rehearsals take place at the Sammons Center for the Arts on Sunday afternoons, from 1:15 to 4:15 pm. All GDYO musicians are expected to participate in their school music programs.