The University Wind Symphony is only one of nine ensembles from across the United States chosen to perform at the College Band Directors National Association’s National Conference in February.
As part of a blind-adjudication selection process by a group of distinguished conductors, ensembles are allowed to submit performances from the past two years — but because Dustin Barr, director of bands and assistant professor of music, had only been on the faculty for one year when the submission process took place, only recordings from his year on campus were submitted.
“It’s about the most prestigious invitation a group of our kind could receive,” says Barr, a Cal State Fullerton alumnus. The university has performed at previous regional conferences but never at the national level.
The University Wind Symphony is composed of 50-55 members who “represent the best wind and percussion players within the School of Music,” explains Barr. Placement in the ensemble is based on auditions.
The national conference is taking place Feb. 20-23 at Arizona State University.