Band Ensembles
The UW-Milwaukee Band program consists of four performing ensembles; Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, Panther Pep Band and University Community Band. Students who participate in the bands present cutting-edge programming in concerts both on campus and in the community. Through recordings, commissioning projects, conference performances, and guest artist residencies, the UW-Milwaukee Band Program has distinguished itself as a leader in the field. Committed to student excellence and serving the needs of students, the band program remains an active part of student life at UWM.
At A Glance
| Ensemble | Members | Audition |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Ensemble | Open to all UWM students | YES |
| Symphony Band | Open to all UWM students | YES |
| Panther Pep Band | Open to all UWM students enrolled in an ensemble | YES *First year only |
| University Community Band | Open to all UWM students and community members | NO |
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble is the premier concert band in the Peck School of the Arts and has been recognized nationally and internationally through numerous invitations to perform at major music conferences. Emphasizing the single performer concept, the Wind Ensemble uses only players needed for a given piece, thus providing the greatest exposure for the exceptional musician.
Members of the Wind Ensemble have performed for a distinguished list of guest composers including Vincent Persichetti, Karel Husa, Samuel Adler, Fisher Tull, John Mackey, Joseph Schwantner, Frank Ticheli, Warren Benson, Michael Colgrass and Ron Nelson. Noted conductors who have led performances include Craig Kirchhoff, James Croft, Jack Delaney, Mark Scatterday, Lucian Calliet, and Colonel John R. Bourgeois among others.
Recognized for their innovative programming, the Wind Ensemble has performed for a number of prestigious conferences including 16th International Conference of the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles in San Jose, CA, the National Conference of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) in Greensboro, NC, and the North Central Divisional Conference of the College Band Directors National Association at Central Michigan University.
Auditions & Membership
Wind Ensemble is open to all UWM students following an audition at the start of fall semester. Audition requirements include a standard solo of your choice (approx. 3 minutes). For music majors and minors, additional excerpts and sight-reading may be required.
Symphony Band
The Symphony Band ranks as one of the finest of its kind, having collaborated with several distinguished composers and performers. Comprised primarily of music majors, the ensemble provides a wide range of repertoire and performs approximately six concerts each year.
The Symphony Band is also involved in educational clinics, commissioning projects and can be heard along-side the UWM Wind Ensemble on several compact disc recordings.
Auditions & Membership
Symphony Band is open to all UWM students following an audition at the start of fall semester. Audition requirements include a standard solo of your choice (approx. 3 minutes). For music majors and minors, additional excerpts and sight-reading may be required.
Panther Pep Band
The Panther Pep Band performs at each home Men’s and Women’s Basketball games. Membership is open to any student by audition, and who is also enrolled in any Department of Music large ensemble. Panther Band regularly travels for the Horizon League and NCAA National Basketball Championships. In addition to performing at games, students earn a stipend for each service they perform with Panther Band!
Auditions & Membership
Panther Pep Band is open to all UWM students enrolled in ensembles. First-year woodwind/brass students are required to audition. Audition information is distributed through ensemble class meetings. Rhythm section positions are appointed and previous member positions are annually re-affirmed by the director.
University Community Band
University Community Band is open to UWM students and community members of all skill levels. Performances take place each semester and the repertoire include both standard and contemporary band literature.
Auditions & Membership
Open to UWM students and community members of all skill levels (musicians under 18 accepted with instructor permission). There is no formal audition, however participants perform a placement reading each semester to determine part assignments. Previous experience on a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument is required. Enrollment is on a first come first served basis with an opportunity to be placed on a waiting list.
Students seeking college credit should register via PAWS in one of the following: MUS 30 (non-music majors for 1 unit), MUS 334 (music majors or non-music majors for 3 units), MUS 730 (grad students). First-year and transfer students should register with their advisor during New Student Orientation. Music majors cannot take this in place of their assigned ensemble.
Non-credit students and community members should register through the School of Continuing Education.
Music Programs
Music studios and ensembles are connected to a variety of academic programs, including majors, minors, certificates and graduate programs. This is a full list of programs offered by the Department of Music.
Faculty & Directors
Which faculty you have within this program is dependent upon your chosen courses or interests. For a list of all Music faculty and staff please click the button below.
- Teaching Professor, Instrumental Music Education & Conducting
- Director, Symphony Band, Panther Pep Band
- Music Director/Conductor, Youth Wind Ensemble (UWAY)
- scorley@uwm.edu
- 414-229-5641
- Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts 342
- Assistant Professor, Instrumental Conducting
- Director, Wind Ensemble, New Music Ensemble, University Community Band
- gamboa@uwm.edu
- 414-251-6182
- Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts 348
Undergraduate Entrance Auditions
Music BA/BFA enrollment for Spring & Fall 2026.
• Friday, December 5, 2025
• Monday, February 16, 2026
• Friday, March 6, 2026
• Friday, April 3, 2026
• Or by video submission
Graduate Applications
Fall: March 1 | Spring: December 1
Applications submitted after these dates will be reviewed on a rolling basis and may not be processed in time for the intended semester.
Undergraduate Programs
Scotlyn Haverkorn, music-admission@uwm.edu
Graduate Programs
Tim Noonan, music-grad-admission@uwm.edu
General Info & Questions
Contact Form | 414-229-4763
