Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band

Not unlike the University, the Stetson Band has a long and distinguished history. Established in 1926, the Stetson University Symphonic Band is the School of Music's premier wind/brass/percussion ensemble and is comprised of between 90 and 115 undergraduate music and non-music majors enrolled in the School of Music. In addition to tour and conference performances, the band regularly performs on campus during the fall and spring semesters and is proud to serve as the featured ensemble during the annual Florida Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame Concert hosted on the campus of Stetson University. The Stetson University Symphonic Band has established a committed tradition of performance excellence by programming the best of standard band repertoire as well as showcasing and premiering new compositions. The Stetson Band shares the mission of Stetson University through transformative concert experiences by preparing and presenting inspiring, engaging, and exciting performances.

History of Stetson Band Conductors

  • 2012-2023, Douglas L. Phillips
  • 1987-2012, Bobby L. Adams
  • 1985-1987, Thomas M. Sleeper
  • 1982-1985, Paul Phillips
  • 1978-1982, Gordon O'Hara
  • 1974-1978, Frank Stubbs
  • 1948-1974, Richard M. Feasel
  • 1943-1948, Victor J. Grabel
  • 1935-1943, John J. Heney
  • 1930-1935, Louis Marvin
  • 1926-1930, Donald Faulkner

Premiere Performances of Original Works for Wind Band/Ensemble

  • Sydney Hodkinson – Missa Memoriis (World Premiere, 2017)
  • David Maslanka – Concerto for Clarinet and Wind Ensemble (Florida Premiere, 2016)
  • Sydney Hodkinson – Symphony No. 10 (World Premiere, 2014)
  • Sydney Hodkinson – Midnight Passage (World Premiere, 2013)
  • Samuel Adler – Concerto for Guitar and Wind Ensemble
  • Sydney Hodkinson – Monumentum pro umbris (World Premiere)
  • David Maslanka – Desert Roads: Four Songs for Clarinet and Wind Ensemble

Premiere Performances of Transcriptions for Wind Band by Joseph Kreines

  • Edward Elgar – Enigma Variations, Op. 36 (2017)
  • Richard Wagner – “Prelude to Act I” from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (2013)
  • Hector Berlioz – Excerpts from Romeo and Juliet (2012)
  • Frederick Delius – The Walk to the Paradise Garden
  • Sergei Prokofiev – Six Movements of the Romeo and Juliet Ballet Suite
  • Jean Sibelius – “Finale” to Symphony No. 2

Conference Performances (since 1990)

  • 2017 – Florida Music Education Association Professional Development Conference, Tampa, FL
  • 2006 – College Band Directors Association/National Band Association - Southern Division Conference, Nashville, TN
  • 2003 – Florida Music Educators Association Conference, Tampa, FL
  • 2002 – College Band Directors Association/National Band Association - Southern Division Conference, Atlanta, GA
  • 2000 – Music Educators National Conference, Washington, D.C.
  • 1998 – American Bandmasters Association National Conference, Biloxi, MS
  • 1996 – Music Educators National Conference, Kansas City, MO
  • 1996 – College Band Directors National Association/National Band Association - Southern Division Conference, Biloxi, MS
  • 1995 – Kentucky Music Educators Association, Louisville, KY
  • 1993 – MENC Southern Division Conference, Savannah, GA
  • 1991 – Florida Music Educators Association, Tampa, FL
  • 1991 – Florida Bandmasters Association, Tampa, FL

Florida Bandmasters Association

The Stetson University Symphonic Band and the School of Music are proud of a healthy and collaborative relationship with the Florida Bandmasters Association and a common mission in support of music education.

In 1990 the Florida Bandmasters Association instituted the FBA Hall of Fame. Since that initial year and founding the Stetson University School of Music serves as host for the FBA Hall of Fame activities, with the Stetson University Symphonic Band and the Southern Winds serving as the featured ensembles.

Faculty and Staff Support for Stetson Band Students

The Stetson University School of Music is fortunate to have immensely talented and sought after artist-scholar faculty and a highly qualified and devoted staff who are committed to the total education of undergraduate students in music. More specifically, the dedicated support, involvement, and guidance given the band students by the faculty and staff creates an atmosphere of mutual respect that ensures the growth and success of our students and the tradition of excellence within the School of Music and the Stetson Band.