Acadia University Wind Ensemble, directed by Dr. Mark Hopkins
Performance videos: https://youtu.be/WklEcnDqryA?t=399
The Acadia University Wind Ensemble has developed a reputation for exciting performances of great wind music, and is recognized as one of the finest wind bands in the Maritime region.
Since its inception in 2006, the AUWE has performed showcase performances at the Nova Scotia Music Educator’s Conference, and undertaken highly acclaimed tours of Cape Breton, mainland Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. The AUWE is providing leadership in the region by commissioning and performing new works.
The Wind Ensemble is the premiere instrumental ensemble at Acadia University, It presents performances of the finest wind repertoire from the last 500 years, prepared to a professional standard.
Acadia University Symphonic Band, directed by Dr. Tristan De Borba
Performance videos: https://youtu.be/WklEcnDqryA?t=399
The Acadia University Symphonic Band is comprised of musicians from the Acadia School of Music, various faculties across campus, and members of our greater community (when COVID protocols permit). The ensemble is directed by Dr. Tristan De Borba and performs band repertoire of all styles and time periods. In addition, students prepare and perform self-directed chamber music in small groups exploring a variety of musical styles. In 2020-2021 the group presented music by Jennifer Jolley, Nicole Piunno, and Peter Meechan. The 2021-2022 season will conclude with an environmentalism-themed final concert co-presented with the Acadia University Wind Ensemble.
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Jazz Ensemble, directed by Nic D’Amato
Jazz Ensemble focuses on the methods and repertoire of American jazz music. As such, it focuses on aural learning, aiming to replicate the practices that make the music what it is, utilizing written material when appropriate. It is a hyper-flexible ensemble, expanding and contracting to allow for (almost) any number of students enrolled. Every student will experience learning and playing by ear, improvising, and gaining control over their instrument within the jazz idiom.
Not recommended for 1st-year students, as it poses a significant added workload to an already full schedule. Individual exceptions can be made for those with a high level of previous experience with the music.
One past highlight for the ensemble was the 2019 performance of ECM recording artist, Michael Formanek's, suite of pieces, The Distance/Exoskeleton. This was a very demanding set of music calling for the incredibly precise ensemble playing of complex written material, alongside small and full-group improvisation, often 'free'. Mr. Formanek was able to join us for some rehearsals and it was an incredible experience for all involved. Please see related videos:
Jazz Ensemble Improvisation with Michael Formanek
Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal of Exoskeleton
Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal with Michael Formanek
Contact: nicholas.damato@acadiau.ca
Acadia University String Ensemble, directed by Dr. Tristan De Borba
Performance video: https://youtu.be/hoyYMtXqyr4
The Acadia University Symphonic Band is comprised of musicians from the Acadia School of Music, various faculties across campus, and members of our greater community (when COVID protocols permit). The ensemble performs string orchestra repertoire of all styles and time periods directed by Dr. Tristan De Borba. In addition, students prepare and perform self-directed chamber music in small groups exploring a variety of musical styles. In the 2020-2021, our repertoire ranged from Janácek’s Suite for String to various Celtic tunes by Fred Morrison. A highlight of this upcoming 2021-2022 season is a performance of Steve Danyew Elegy for the End of Nature- a new composition addressing the effect of climate change and calling for renewed environmental stewardship.
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