Atlanta Wind Symphony
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- See also Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
The Atlanta Wind Symphony is an internationally-renowned musical ensemble comprised of some of Atlanta's finest professional musicians and composers as well as talented amateurs. It operates as a nonprofit 501c(3) corporation and receives grants from individuals, foundations, corporations and the Fulton County Arts Council.
[edit] History
In the fall of 1979, a small group of musicians gathered under the baton of G. Ellis Cannon to form The North Fulton Community Band that 15 years later would evolve into the Atlanta Wind Symphony. Since then, the AWS has been under the direction of Dr. Thomas Wubbenhorst, Scott Taube, Brad R. Matheson, Peter Witte, and Robert J. Ambrose. Now in its 27th season, under the direction of Paul Bamonte, the AWS has become internationally respected for its musical excellence, service to the community, and contribution to music education. The AWS is a musical outlet for adult musicians ranging in experience from some of Atlanta’s finest professional musicians and composers to hobbyists. The AWS, a nonprofit 501c(3) corporation, receives grants from individuals, foundations, corporations, and the Fulton County Arts Council.
Comprised of four core events, the Atlanta Wind Symphony’s Master Concert Series is performed in the Roswell Cultural Arts Center each year. The AWS also performs at several outdoor venues each year which include public parks, adult living centers, and civic celebrations. Additionally, the AWS has performed at many of Georgia’s finest universities and churches and in many of Atlanta’s premier concert halls. In May 2005, the AWS made it’s Carnegie Hall debut to a large and appreciative audience. Having performed for television, charity benefits, state officials, and even President Jimmy Carter while in office in 1981, the AWS has established a record of excellence. Memorable guest artists have included Buddy DeFranco, Marvin Stamm, Cecil Welch, Mac Frampton, and Dr. Geoffrey Haydon as well as joint performances with Banks & Shane, The Army Ground Forces Band, The Michael O’Neal Singers, and the Roswell United Methodist Church Sanctuary Choir. The AWS has featured such well-known guest conductors as Alfred Reed, Dr. James M. Bankhead, James Curnow, Elliot Del Borgo, and Eric Osterling.
For six years the AWS was the principal recording artist for Kendor Music Publications to record and market new compositions for concert band. These demonstration recordings of performance literature were distributed in 10 languages to music educators internationally. In 1998 the Atlanta Wind Symphony, under the direction of Brad R. Matheson, released its first commercially produced compact disc entitled “Music of the Heavens.” This recording, along with Live!, A Christmas Gift, the 2002 GMEA performance, and our newest release Spirit of America are available for sale at our information table in the lobby.
The AWS can be heard on radio station WABE (FM 90.1) as part of the "Atlanta Music Scene" program. The AWS has appeared at several major band conferences, including three performances at the prestigious state convention of the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA).
The Atlanta Wind Symphony was named a recipient of the Sudler Silver Scroll Award for 2004. This is North America’s most prestigious award for community concert bands. The purpose of this award is "To identify, recognize and honor a community band which has demonstrated particularly high standards of excellence in music presentation, and has played a significant and leading role in the cultural and musical environment in the respective community."
