LUUMS Symphonic Wind Orchestra, more fondly known as SWO, is one of LUUMS’ larger auditioned orchestras and is open to students from the University of Leeds, Leeds College of Music and Leeds Beckett University. The orchestra performs in three concerts a year: one at Christmas, one in the summer, as well as in the Auditioned Ensembles Showcase. This year SWO joined with the Symphony Orchestra for a tour to Amsterdam which was great fun, and we will be going on tour again next year to another exciting destination yet to be announced!

The Orchestra has previously performed many works ranging from orchestral transcriptions of Holst and Bernstein, to playful film and theatre medleys, and of course works specifically written for wind ensembles from composers such as Samuel Hazo, Philip Sparke and Eric Whitacre. The programme for this year contains a variety of engaging and challenging works to showcase the musicianship of our members.

Roaring brass, flittering winds and racy percussion – SWO aims to be fun as well as demanding, so a work hard, play hard mentality is one we pride ourselves on. Weekly trips to the pub after rehearsals and SWOcials help the ensemble to get to know one another so we can all have a great time. This ensemble may seem refined and serious on its exterior but deep down it’s a warm hub of friendship, fun and professional development.

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Auditions for the Symphonic Wind Orchestra 2019/20 have now closed. Thank you to everyone who auditioned, and congratulations to this year's band!

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Wednesdays 7.30 – 9.30pm

Rehearsal Hall, School of Music

To find out when our next concert is, click here:

Emma Gazard

Manager

Emma is a second year Music student from Buckinghamshire. She began playing clarinet and saxophone in primary school and has continued ever since. She has always loved being part of ensembles, and is currently a member of the Buckinghamshire Youth Wind Ensemble. She has also had experience of managing groups before in her secondary school, and is looking forward to using and progressing these skills this year. Emma thoroughly enjoyed her first year in LUUMS, instantly feeling welcome and included, so she is passionate in making sure that this positive environment continues for everyone next year in SWO.

Samuel Boobier

Conductor

Sam is a fourth year PhD st

udent in the School of Chemistry. Sam played sax at school and Skipton and Harrogate Area Wind Band before moving to University of St Andrews, graduating with Master in Chemistry in 2017. While at St Andrews, Sam was a University choral scholar and also regularly played alto, tenor, baritone and bass saxophones. He received formal conducting tuition while on study abroad at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Conducting highlights at St Andrews include Music Society Wind Band, Opera Society, Music Society Singers and taking a production of Pirates of Penzance to Edinburgh Fringe. Since moving to Leeds, Sam has conducted LUUMS Symphonic Choir, LUUMS Chamber Choir and LUU Opera Soc. Sam played tenor sax in the band last year, and is excited to take up the baton this year in whatever exciting opportunities will be available in these unprecedented times!

Georgie Fernando 

Manager

Georgie is a 2nd year Music student from London. She has played oboe and piano from a young age and later on took up the Saxophone. She has taken on the responsibility of running music ensembles throughout school and first year and cannot wait to be a manager for SWO. She has loved being part of LUUMS in first year and cannot wait for what this next year brings!