The Winds of Montana is an ensemble first organized in 1983 to provide an opportunity for adult participation in aquality ensemble capable of studying, rehearsing, and performing the very best literature availabel for the wind band. The ensemble meets to rehearse and perform twice each year. Membership is not limited, no audition is necessary.
Currently 150 names appear on the roster, invitations are sent to all about 8 weeks prior to each performance weekend, those interested and available respond and all study materials are then sent 4 weeks in advance so participants can prepare for the event. Because of the advent of email, communication with the members is much easier and less expensive than it was in 1983.
There is no participation fee, no budget, and no one gets paid for participating or directing. A free will offering is taken at the concert to cover printing and postage. The majority of participants are Montana music educators. They travel to Great Falls from various communities - some over 200 miles from Great Falls. All volunteer their time and pay their own expenses.
The ensemble accepted an invitation to perform at the Northwest Division of the Music Educators National Conference in Seattle in February of 1989. Members paid all of their own expenses to participate in this performance. The Winds also performed at the opening ceremonies of the Great Falls, Montana Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center on July 4, 1999
Concerts often include a guest performing group from the area or the Winds participate as a guest group of other ensembles like the Great Falls Youth Orchestra. This enhances the possibilities of reaching a larger audience and exposing the public to good band literature. A variety of music in terms of difficulty is included in each concert. Quality literature suitable for school bands is included for the advantage of area band directors that choose to participate.
click bassoon picture to download
a movie clip of our rehearsal
(1.30M)
The Winds of Montana were organized and continue to be directed by Bill Larson. Mr. Larson shares conducting responsibilities now with Dennis Granlie.
all pictures are from our rehearsal and concert the weekend of November 18-19, 2000
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