The Fort Collins Wind Symphony is a professional symphonic wind ensemble with membership drawn from across the northern Colorado region.
The Fort Collins Wind Symphony was established in 1991 with the intent of bringing the symphonic repertoire of the wind band to life for the music lovers of northern Colorado. The instrumentation of the Wind Symphony is inspired by the format established by Frederic Fennell and the Eastman Wind Ensemble. In this concept, each section has only the specified number of instruments needed to realize the composer's intent.
The organization celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2021 and is known and respected for its musical excellence, leadership, membership continuity, and service to music education.
Our Mission
The Fort Collins Wind Symphony's mission is deeply rooted in the encouragement of involvement in music for people at all stages of life. The Wind Symphony's mission is to be a leader in performance and music education while discovering the finest literature written and adapted for the wind band.
To make a substantial contribution to the musical life of our members and patrons
To give our audiences memorable performance experiences with the highest quality wind music in a wide range of musical styles
To assist in the music education of young people - the future generation of adult musicians - through the presentation of concerts, clinics and open rehearsals
To provide our members with an opportunity for musical expression, growth and fellowship
Members
Members are accepted into the ensemble by audition, and all are active in the regional, state and national music communities, contributing to the very high standard of excellence of the ensemble. The membership represents many professional backgrounds.
Music Director
FCWS is delighted to welcome our new music director, Dr. Rebecca Phillips! In addition to conducting the Fort Collins Wind Symphony, Dr. Phillips is Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Colorado State University. Prior to this appointment, she served as the Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of South Carolina.
Dr. Phillips has served as a guest-conductor, clinician, and performer throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. She regularly conducts collegiate honor bands, all-state bands, and festival bands across the US, Canada, and Europe, including the Midwest Clinic. Dr. Phillips’ trombone performances can be found on several internationally distributed recordings. She has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra, U.S. Army Band (Pershing’s Own), the Tallahassee Symphony, and has toured as a trombonist with Johnny Mathis and Barry Manilow. A native of the Washington, D.C., area, Dr. Phillips earned her Doctorate of Musical Arts in conducting at Louisiana State University and her Master of Music degrees in conducting and trombone performance from the University of South Florida.
Past Director
Dr. Richard Mayne joined the Fort Collins Wind Symphony as the group's third Music Director in the 2014-2015 season, taking the baton from Mr. Steve McNeal after 13 years of service. As of 2020, Dr. Mayne retired and moved out-of-state. We wish Dr. Mayne our very best in his well-earned retirement! Dr. Mayne was a professor of music and Associate Director of Bands at the University of Northern Colorado, and he was elected to the National Band Association Executive Committee as Second Vice President. Having earned his PhD in Music Education at Ohio State University, Dr. Mayne is a nationally recognized conductor, adjudicator, clinician, musician, and lecturer.
Director Emeritus
Mr. Steve McNeal conducted the Fort Collins Wind Symphony for 13 years. Mr. McNeal has been involved in music education for many years, teaching orchestra at Lesher Junior High School and Fort Collins High School for 36 years and retiring from public school education in 1998. Mr. McNeal is an adjunct faculty member at Colorado State University.