Requires audition.
About
The Case Western Reserve University Symphonic Winds is the main concert wind band at CWRU, and it’s open to any wind or percussion player from CWRU or CIM—plus alumni and select community members. Whether you’re a music major or just want to keep playing, you’re welcome here!
The ensemble performs two to three times each semester, mostly in a traditional concert band setting. Occasionally, select musicians are invited to play in CWRU Chamber Winds or CWRU Wind Orchestra, smaller one-player-per-part groups that rehearse during the same time as Symphonic Winds when the repertoire calls for it.
Fall 2025 Update
- Dr. Ryan Scherber, CWRU Director of Bands, is on sabbatical during the fall 2025 semester and will be back for spring 2026.
- Dr. Jason Delfing will serve as interim Symphonic Winds director—feel free to reach out to him at jason.delfing@case.edu if you’re interested in joining.
Course Documents and Schedule
Please add these dates to your calendar now to avoid future conflicts:
Participation and Placement
Auditions for Symphonic Winds and Symphony Orchestra (Winds & Percussion)
- One audition, two ensembles: All wind and percussion players interested in performing with Symphonic Winds or the Symphony Orchestra will complete a single audition at the start of the academic year. Follow the audition guidelines provided on this page.
- Consideration for both groups: All auditioning musicians are considered for membership in both ensembles.
- Orchestral assignments:
- Orchestral repertoire is traditionally performed with one musician per part, so these parts are limited and require highly skilled, confident players.
- Assignments are based on Symphonic Winds audition results.
- Rotation system:
- To give more wind and percussion players the opportunity to perform in the Symphony Orchestra while maintaining excellence in both ensembles, students will rotate by semester between Symphonic Winds (which rehearses at the same time) and Symphony Orchestra.
- Assignments are emailed to auditioning students by the end of the audition period, before the end of the Fall Drop/Add Period.
- Dual assignments:
- In some cases, students may be assigned to both ensembles in the same semester.
- Directors will coordinate schedules to respect students’ time.
- If assigned to both, detailed rehearsal and registration instructions will be sent by the directors.
- Assignment timeline:
- Fall auditions determine wind and percussion assignments for the entire academic year in the Symphony Orchestra.
- Spring auditions are only for Symphonic Winds.
Auditions
Woodwinds & Brass
- Prepare 2 excerpts (one technical and one lyrical) that demonstrate technical facility, musicality, and overall control of the instrument. Each selection should not exceed 3-4 minutes.
- Major scales, in 2 or 3 octaves where possible, may be asked at the discretion of the Director. Tempo and rhythm are at the preference of the student.
Percussion
- Prepare both a mallet (four-hands if possible) excerpt and a snare excerpt; a timpani excerpt is recommended if you wish to be assigned timpani parts during the course of the academic year.
- Scales and rudiments may be asked at the discretion of the adjudicator. Tempo and rhythm for scales are at the preference of the student.
Audition Scheduling Links
A fall semester audition for Symphonic Winds also counts as an audition for the Symphony Orchestra as our wind and percussion majors rotate between both primary ensembles based on audition. Spring ensemble assignments are created based upon the fall audition. An audition for spring semester Symphonic Winds-only will be available as listed in the spring course calendar.
Schedule your 2025-2026 audition following the link for your instrument below:
- Woodwinds and Brass (non-music majors only)
- Percussion (music and non-music majors)
Registration
Enrollment permission is granted in the Student Information System (SIS) after a successful audition or during the first week of class. Once permissions are granted (before the Drop/Add period ends), students should return to their SIS account to register for the appropriate MUEN course.
The Drop/Add period ends on the second Friday of each semester.
| Director: Dr. Jason Delfing |
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MUEN 383-100: Symphonic Winds MUEN 383-101: Symphonic Winds |
Performances
Concerts are planned in advance and take place during the regular academic year at either the Maltz Performing Arts Center (Silver Hall Concert Series) or Harkness Chapel (CWRU Music Concert Series). All performances are live-streamed for free in Eastern Time so friends and family can watch from anywhere. Stay up to date on upcoming concerts, recitals, and department announcements—visit our News & Events page.
Fall 2025
- Homecoming Concert: Friday, October 10, 7:30 PM, Silver Hall (MPAC)
- Final Concert: Wednesday, November 19, 7:30 PM, Silver Hall (MPAC)
FAQs
When are auditions?
Auditions take place during the first week of the fall semester. Students who did not audition during fall semester, but wish to participate during spring semester may audition the day before the start of spring term.
Can wind and percussion players audition for Symphonic Winds and Symphony Orchestra?
All wind and percussion players audition for Symphonic Winds. Each semester, a select list of wind and percussionists from those who audition will be assigned to play in Symphony Orchestra only if winds and percussion members are needed.
When is the first rehearsal?
Because auditions take place during the first week of classes and the faculty will need to staff small groups and choose repertoire, the actual first rehearsals will take place beginning the second week of classes.
Are graduate students able to participate?
Absolutely! We welcome students from all programs and degrees. Following your audition, please discuss course registration with Dr. Scherber to follow the appropriate process with your respective school.
I have a course conflict during fall semester, am I still able to participate during spring semester?
Yes. While we certainly hope you would consider performing with us all year, we will hold auditions at the beginning of spring semester for those wishing to join halfway through the year. This date will be listed on the spring semester course calendar when it is posted. Please note, only those who audition in the fall and perform for an entire academic year are able to be considered for a semester placement in the Case/University Circle Symphony Orchestra
How do I register for the course?
Request course permission in the Student Information System (SIS). Course permission will be granted after an audition is completed during the first week of class. Once you are “granted permission” you will need to go back into SIS and complete your registration.
What is the difference between registering for 0.0, 0.5, or 1.00 credit units?
Most academic ensembles (MUEN) are offered at variable credit to allow students the choice based on total credit load and personal preference. Music majors should check their academic requirements before selecting the credit amount.
Where are practice rooms?
CWRU music majors and students enrolled in music ensembles (MUEN) or applied music lessons (MUAP) are provided access to Haydn Hall and/or Denison Hall practice rooms. Please review our Policies and Operating Procedures for more information.
Will I have after-hours building access?
All music majors and CWRU students enrolled in ensembles or lessons will automatically be activated for card swipe/after-hours access to Denison Hall and Haydn Hall. Card swipe access will begin the first day of orientation for music majors and the Monday after drop/add for non-majors. Denison Hall operates on extended hours during the first two weeks of each semester. Please check in with the building monitor on staff if you have questions.
Is instrument storage available?
The Department of Music will make instrument storage lockers available to music majors and non-majors currently enrolled in official CWRU Department of Music ensembles, following established university guidelines and policies. Please see the following website for policies and procedures as well as to request a locker: Instrumental Locker Policies and Requests
What is the required concert attire?
All black, please dress professionally. Please refrain from wearing anything inappropriate or that which may distract from the performance. Professional dress includes formal footwear.
When does the ensemble perform?
Students will get the full performance schedule and syllabus during the first week of class. Concerts are planned in advance and take place during the regular academic year at either the Maltz Performing Arts Center (Silver Hall Concert Series) or Harkness Chapel (CWRU Music Concert Series). All performances are live-streamed for free in Eastern Time so friends and family can watch from anywhere. Stay up to date on upcoming concerts, recitals, and department announcements—visit our News & Events page.