Bands

Wind Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble & Basketball Band

The Bower School of Music & the Arts wind bands are open to all students on campus regardless of major. Auditions take place in the Fall and Spring prior to classes beginning. The wind bands are the Wind Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble & Basketball Band.

Brass and Woodwind ensemble placement auditions take place in person or via Zoom. To schedule an audition, go to https://tyontzfgcu.youcanbook.me/

Percussion placement auditions take place in the Rehearsal Hall (MUS 112) of the Bower School of Music Building and should be arranged with Professor Jones at tvjones@fgcu.edu. Review the audition procedure and prepare the audition music to the best of your ability. We look forward to having you with us!


Wind Orchestra 

Wind OrchestraThe FGCU Wind Orchestra includes the finest brass, woodwind, and percussion students at Florida Gulf Coast University, and is guided by a philosophy grounded in the study and performance of the highest quality music composed for wind band. Every member of the ensemble is regarded as a “principal player” and is responsible for performing one player to a part with an emphasis on expressive musicianship and artistry. Formed in 2008, the Wind Orchestra’s development reflects that of the Bower School of Music and FGCU, having performed world premieres and commissioned works. In addition, the Wind Orchestra performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2015 and The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in 2018. Please contact Dr. Timothy Yontz to audition for this ensemble. Audition procedure and pieces are listed below the 2024/25 schedule.

Dr. Timothy YontzConductor: Dr. Timothy Yontz

2024/25 Schedule 

  • Fall 2024

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  • Spring 2025

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Symphonic Band

Symphonic BandThe Symphonic Band is open to all University students regardless of degree. This ensemble is organized into two separate bands (Blue Band and Green Band) to meet the growing needs of the wind and percussion student-musicians at FGCU. Both bands frequently perform significant band literature of varied musical styles and genres. Since its establishment in 2009, the Symphonic Band has entertained audiences both on and off campus and has garnered a reputation as a collegiate ensemble of noteworthy distinction. Membership in the ensemble is by instructor approval and a chair placement audition. Please contact Dr. Timothy Yontz to audition for this ensemble. Audition procedure and pieces are listed below the 2024/25 schedule. Please direct all other questions to Mr. Troy Jones.

Troy Jones

Conductor: Mr. Troy Jones

2024/25 Schedule 

  • Fall 2024

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  • Spring 2025

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Jazz Ensemble

Jazz EnsembleThe Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned-based ensemble open to all students across the university. The Jazz Ensemble is one of the top collegiate ensembles in the Bower School of Music and has been featured at the Landings Music Festival, the Sanibel Jazz Festival, and is an EMMY nominated ensemble for best documentary on a collegiate program for higher education. The ensemble performs a variety of styles pertaining to the jazz idioms. 

Brandon RobertsonThe FGCU Jazz Combo is a small chamber group composed of the top players in the Bower School of Music. In the past, this elite group has performed on several radio appearances and is highly recommended for various campus events and community events around the Southwest Florida region.

Conductor: Mr. Brandon Robertson

2024/25 Schedule

  • Fall 2024

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  • Spring 2025

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Basketball Band 

Baketball BandThe Basketball Band is an auditioned ensemble open to all students across the university. The band performs for all of the FGCU men's and women's basketball home games and is an integral part of the excitement that is FGCU Basketball. The ensemble performs a variety of today's contemporary favorites and classic top 40s. The band also travels with the the teams during the NCAA March Madness Basketball Tournaments and has made several appearances on national television. 

Conductor: Mario Trejo

Coordinator: Mr. Brandon Robertson