The USC Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Cormac Cannon, is the premier wind band at the University of South Carolina. Passionately committed
to new music, the ensemble has premiered works by numerous composers, including Omar
Thomas, Jennifer Higdon, Nico Muhly, David Kirkland Garner, David Dzubay, Joseph Turrin,
Steven Bryant and John Mackey, among others. In addition, the ensemble embraces the
standard wind band repertoire, including works by Paul Hindemith, Arnold Schoenberg,
Aaron Copland, Karel Husa, Percy Grainger, Gustav Holst and many others. Members of
the USC regularly interact with many of today’s most prominent composers. 2019-2020
residencies include Joel Puckett, Omar Thomas, Steven Bryant, and John Frantzen.
Throughout its history, the ensemble has been recognized with performances at state,
regional, and national conferences, including performances at the 2017 and 2012 South
Carolina Music Educators Association Conference, 2014 American Bandmasters Association
National Conference (Montgomery, AL), and the 2013 College Band Directors National
Association National Conference (Greensboro, NC). In addition, in 2012 the ensemble
toured China performing seven sold-out concerts in six cities, including a standing-room-only
performance at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing that was televised
throughout China.
How to Join
Membership in the USC Wind Ensemble is open to all students on campus regardless of major or classification. Placement into the ensemble is determined by blind audition each semester. Auditions include scales, prepared pieces and sight-reading. Materials are posted online prior to each audition.