The University Wind Ensemble, acclaimed for its broad repertoire and excellence, regularly performs works ranging from contemporary chamber literature by composers including Ticheli, Persichetti and Dello Joio to traditional concert band music by Sousa and Post. Comprised of the finest instrumental majors in the Music Department, the ensemble has been invited to perform throughout the world. Last spring the ensemble toured Japan performing in Tokyo, at the Yamaha musical instrument faculty near Hamamatsu, and for the Japan Band Director’s Association annual clinic at Nemo-No-Sato. They have also performed at the Fourth of July Celebration in Ribald, Denmark and were invited to perform in Moscow for the 125th anniversary of the Moscow Conseratoire of Music.

Director Mitchell Fennell, in addition to conducting the University Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band, teaches conducting classes, coordinates band activities, assists with the music education program and is artistic director of the California Music Academy. Fennell has taught and conducted at both the college and high school levels for the past sixteen years, beginning his career at Mission Viejo High School where he developed one of the finest high school programs in the western United States. He has also served on the faculty at California State University, Long Beach and as director of bands at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Fennell holds a Bachelor of Music in performance from CSU, Long Beach, a Master of Music and Doctor of Arts degrees in conducting from the University of Northern Colorado.