windensemble

A wind ensemble is a musical ensemble that consists primarily of wind and percussion instruments. It functions as the wind-only counterpart to the symphony orchestra and is often referred to as a concert wind band, wind symphony, or symphonic winds in North America. Strings are generally not part of the core ensemble; some performances may include a small contingent of string players or use string doublings to accommodate specific repertoire.

Instrumentation typically includes woodwinds (flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons; sometimes saxophones), brass (trumpets, horns, trombones, euphoniums, tubas), and a percussion section. The exact roster varies by work and ensemble size, with typical performances ranging from around 40 to 60 players, though smaller chamber wind ensembles also exist.

Repertoire spans original works written for wind ensemble, transcriptions of orchestral works, and contemporary pieces. Notable composers active in this medium include Percy Grainger, Vincent Persichetti, Karel Husa, David Maslanka, Frank Ticheli, and John Mackey. The genre has a strong presence in universities, conservatories, and high school programs, and professional organizations such as WASBE support repertoire development and conventions.

Historically, wind ensembles emerged from military and community bands in the 19th and early 20th centuries but evolved into a distinct concert ensemble in the mid-20th century, with a focus on blend, balance, and precise articulation rather than the overt militaristic style of earlier bands.