LUUMS Symphonic Wind Orchestra, known affectionally as “SWO”, is an auditioned ensemble of the finest wind and percussion players studying in Leeds. As well as performing concert band staples, we also tackle contemporary wind band music and orchestral transcriptions. Recent performances have included music by Whitacre, Bernstein, Tichelli and Sparke. We rehearse every Wednesday in term time (7:30-9:30) in School of Music.

We also have several socials (SWOcials) throughout the year, suggestions of fun activities always welcome! We perform 3-4 times a year and end the year by teaming up with Symphony Orchestra on a European tour, most recently to Amsterdam and Paris. This year we hope to tackle music by Grainger, Arnold, Respighi and Holst, including a few arrangements especially made for the ensemble. The programme for this year contains a variety of engaging and challenging works to showcase the musicianship of our members.

For more information about auditions or the ensemble, email Emma or Georgie at swo.luums@gmail.com.

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Wednesdays 7.30 – 9.30pm

Rehearsal Hall, School of Music

swo.luums@gmail.com

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 student 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!