The Houghton Wind Ensemble (HWE) is a premiere ensemble with critical acclaim for its performances and impact to its players and audiences. This wind band of select members exposes its students and audiences to the highest quality music written for wind and percussion instruments. Currently made up of approximately 65 percent music and 35 percent non-music majors, the ensemble welcomes all instrumentalists! Part assignments are done on a rotational basis, so all students get experience on all parts. The ensemble performs a wide range of the finest repertoire exploring all facets of wind band music, including chamber music. While maintaining an emphasis on newer music, the traditional music for wind bands is well-represented. For specifics on past programming, see the Recent Repertoire page.

Dr. Timothy McGarvey, professor of conducting, leads the ensemble. Graduate conducting assistants regularly conduct this outstanding ensemble. Guest and student soloists are regularly featured as well as working with composers from around the country on recent compositions and premieres. The HWE performs multiple times each semester on campus, in the region, tours regularly in the spring semester and has full-length CDs on the Mark Records label.

The HWE believes in and explores the incredible world of collaborative musicmaking, stressing the value of each player working closely with one another. The communication found in ensemble music making is a unique experience that is enhanced through a tight music and spiritual community who explores God’s incredible gift of music and the phenomenal impact it has on each person.