The Colorado State University Wind Symphony is honored to announce its invitation to perform in Spain this March. After receiving acclaim for their recordings, the ensemble has been invited by the "Grenadine Federation of Bands," led by Oscar Musso, to participate in a collaborative concert tour spanning three major cities: Madrid, Granada, and Málaga. The tour will take place from March 13-22, 2025, and marks the CSU Wind Symphony as only the third U.S. ensemble to receive this prestigious invitation, following Auburn University in 2023 and Texas A&M University in 2024.
According to Dr. Rebecca L. Phillips, professor of music and director of bands at Colorado State University, “This performance tour aligns with CSU’s mission to provide undergraduate and graduate students with enriching educational experiences that extend beyond the campus, fostering global engagement, cross-cultural connections, and artistic excellence. The opportunity not only highlights CSU’s commitment to global outreach but also offers students a chance to represent the university on an international stage while engaging in meaningful cultural exchanges.”
In addition to their performances, students will immerse themselves in Spain's vibrant culture, history, and traditions. Experiential highlights will include savoring Spanish cuisine, witnessing traditional dance and music, and exploring renowned landmarks such as the Prado Museum of Madrid, the Roman Aqueduct and Alcázar in Segovia, the Alhambra Complex in Granada, and the Great Mosque in Córdoba. Particularly significant is the exposure to the lasting influence of Muslim culture in Spain, established by the Moors between 711 and 1492 CE. This unique experience will offer rare cultural insights, particularly for students who may not otherwise have access to such perspectives due to the complexities of travel to the Middle East.
The CSU Wind Symphony extends its deepest gratitude to the distinguished hosts in Spain for their generosity and collaboration. Special thanks go to Mr. Willie Perez, president of Texas Music Festivals, for his exceptional coordination of travel arrangements and to Dr. Dan Goble, director of the CSU School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, for his unwavering support.
The group is grateful for multiple CSU faculty-artists who have contributed their time and talent to the performance, including composers Dr. James M. David and Professor Kevin Poelking, performers Patricia Goble, soprano and Dr. Wesley Ferreira, clarinet, guest conductor Dr. Jayme Taylor, and graduate conducting students James Mepham, David Davis, and Cameron Honnen.
Lastly, the ensemble acknowledges the generosity of our donors, whose contributions have made this extraordinary opportunity possible for CSU students.
About the CSU Wind Symphony
Under the direction of Dr. Rebecca L. Phillips, professor of music and director of bands at Colorado State University, the CSU Wind Symphony is the premiere student classical band at the university, consisting of 60 undergraduate and graduate students. The ensemble performs approximately 5-8 concerts per season, including full ensemble concerts, chamber concerts, conventions, regional concert tours, and special campus events. The group is open to any CSU student through a successful audition. The ensemble was invited and performed at the 2019 American Bandmasters Association International Convention and the 2020 Colorado Music Educators Association State Convention. Additionally, a chamber ensemble comprised of group members traveled to Prague, Czech Republic, in the Summer of 2019 for the American Music Festival.