Wind Ensemble
Monday/Wednesday - 1-1:50pm and Tuesday/Thursday 12:40-1:55pm
Jeremy Strickland, conductor
The Wind Ensemble is the premiere instrumental auditioned concert ensemble within the Department of Music at Tyler Junior College. The ensemble is directed by Jeremy Strickland, assisted by Dr. Eddie W. Airheart as well as frequent input/instruction from the applied instrumental faculty. Auditions for the Wind Ensemble occur before the first week of the Fall Semester.
The curricular aims and outcomes for the TJC music ensembles are implemented and realized within the various levels of repertoire prepared each semester by every individual ensemble. Because a majority of students come from schools with no formal private lesson program, repertoire is chosen in consultation and alignment with the overarching goals of each applied private lesson studio professor. Also, special attention is given to the development and application of higher-level aural skills, advanced rhythmic awareness and training, and technique development through strategically customized warm-up exercises targeted to address the needs of the repertoire as well as the development of the musician. Individual, as well as large group section rehearsals, are a normal part of the ensemble’s weekly schedule as well.
Our concert programs demonstrate a wide variety of wind literature chosen from a diverse list of composers, genres, and eras. This season, the commissioning of new wind repertoire has become a priority (2022: Kevin Day, Micah Bell), and further collaborative considerations are already being discussed.
The ensemble is comprised of freshman and sophomore students representing the organic cultural diversity of East Texas, as well as the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston metroplexes. 100% of the ensemble’s members receive a scholarship for participation.
The group is open to all students by audition, regardless of major, and presents concerts both on and off-campus. The wind ensemble meets in both fall and spring semesters and auditions are held in August for the fall semester and in December for the spring semester. For more audition information, contact Jeremy Strickland at jstr@tjc.edu or call 903.510.2242.
Symphonic Band
Tuesday/Thursday 9:50 - 11:05 a.m.
Jeremy Strickland, conductor
The Symphonic Band is a spring-only band that performs various contrasting works from the standard concert band repertoire. Members of the sixty-piece ensemble are selected by audition during the month of December. The Symphonic Band presents several concerts each spring semester and is open to all students, regardless of major. For more audition information, contact Jeremy Strickland at jstr@tjc.edu or call 903.510.2242.