New Trier Wind Ensembles

Wind Ensembles

    • Overview of Program

      The New Trier wind ensembles consist of 150 students in four curricular bands: Freshman Concert Band, Varsity Wind Ensemble, Concert Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Wind Ensemble. The wind ensembles present four formal concerts each year and perform at various non-competitive music festivals throughout the year. All students with previous instrumental training are welcome to play - there is a place for everyone!

      Additional Opportunities

      New Trier offers several extracurricular clubs for instrumental students, including pep band, jazz combos, Lagniappe-Potpourri, Pit Orchestra, and Soundtraks. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in ILMEA District and State ensembles, the Northshore Honor Band, and the New Trier Solo/Ensemble Festival. Approximately 80% of all wind ensemble students study privately in order to receive one-on-one instruction from a highly-qualified specialist. Some students simultaneously enroll in other music classes, including our jazz ensembles, orchestras, choirs, and/or music theory.

      Significant Accomplishments

      The New Trier wind ensembles have performed in some of the most prestigious music festivals and concert halls in the United States and beyond. Most recently, the combined Concert Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Wind Ensemble performed in the newly renovated David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City. Just prior to the pandemic, Symphonic Wind Ensemble gave a featured performance at the 2020 Illinois All-State music conference. Other prominent performances have included the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, Music for All National Concert Band Festival, National Band Association's Band Director Workshop, University of Illinois Superstate Festival, Western Illinois University Showcase of Bands, and multiple appearances at the Chicagoland Invitational Concert Band Festival.  Other performance tours have included Carnegie Hall in 2018, a tour of Italy in 2016, and the world-famous Sydney Opera House in Australia in 2012. The New Trier Band Program was selected as a 2013-14 National Winner of the Blue Ribbon Award for Programs of Excellence presented by the National Band Association. Please explore our archives to discover more of our student successes!

      Incoming Freshmen Course Registration Information
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