USF Wind Ensemble Invited to WASBE Conference in The Netherlands

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

The USF Wind Ensemble has been invited to perform at the 2017 World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) Conference in Utrecht, The Netherlands. The Wind Ensemble received this invitation after their recordings were reviewed by a world-class committee. The invitation is one of the most significant honors an ensemble at the School of Music has ever received.

Director of Bands and Professor of Conducting Dr. John Carmichael views the invitation as an endorsement of the music program at USF. Dr. Carmichael said, "It was an exciting moment to open that email and see 'congratulations, you have been selected.'" He views the invitation as an opportunity for USF to further its international presence and contribute to student learning and success in a global environment.

The Wind Ensemble's invitation to the 2017 WASBE Conference was made possible by Dr. Carmichael, who submitted recordings of the group to WASBE. Students had no idea that an expert panel was evaluating their past performances. "The way the students played on the recording is the truth," said Dr. Carmichael. Jurors listened to several recorded performances, including the Wind Ensemble's performance at the 2016 College Band Directors National Association Southern Division Conference in Charleston, South Carolina.

Dr. Carmichael will soon make the decision on whether to accept the prestigious invite and seek out the necessary funding. "I think it will reflect really well on USF," he said, "I think our students would benefit tremendously from the experience and I think they deserve it. I think they've earned it by the way they've played."

The WASBE International Conference will take place in July of 2017.