The Summer Philharmonic Wind Ensemble is open by invitation to area music teachers, WYSO alum and other area musicians. Interested in participating or have questions? Contact Adam Gillespie at adam@westmorelandsymphony.org
Tuesdays, June 9, 2026 through July 14, 2026
Seton Hill University’s Performing Arts Center
Coming Soon: Rehearsal Schedule
Mark Surovchak: World Premiere: A Community-Funded Commission Celebrating the Legacy of Morrie Brand
Morrie Brand: Percussion Concerto
Frank Ticheli: Shenandoah
Carl Orff / John Krance: Carmina Burana Suite
The Summer Philharmonic Wind Ensemble is proud to commission a new work for wind ensemble in honor of Morrie Brand and his extraordinary contributions to music education and the arts in the Greensburg community. We invite you to participate as Co-Commissioners of this new piece. You can contribute below:
As we look ahead to Summer 2026, we are pleased to share that Adam Gillespie will serve as the ensemble’s next conductor beginning this summer.
Adam approaches this role with great respect for the foundation that retiring director Morrie Brand has built and with genuine excitement about the ensemble’s future. Together, we are committed to honoring the traditions that have defined this group while also exploring dynamic repertoire and new artistic opportunities.
Coming soon, we will provide additional details about the upcoming season, including rehearsal schedules, program themes, and any structural updates.
The Summer Philharmonic Wind Ensemble is an advanced adult community ensemble committed to artistic excellence and meaningful music-making in a collaborative setting. Our members include experienced community musicians, music educators, freelancers, and dedicated amateurs who value high-level repertoire and thoughtful preparation.
We perform substantial wind band literature that requires strong individual preparation, confident technique, and musical maturity. Rehearsals move at an efficient pace, and members are expected to come prepared so that ensemble time can focus on refinement and artistry.
This ensemble is best suited for players who are comfortable with exposed passages, the complete range of their instrument, complex rhythms, and stylistically varied repertoire, and who enjoy contributing to a focused and supportive musical community.
Questions to Help Gauge Fit
To help us understand your experience and ensure appropriate placement, please consider the following:
- What ensembles do you currently perform with (community band, orchestra, church ensemble, freelance work, etc.)?
- What is your primary instrument, and how long have you been playing?
- Have you previously performed advanced wind ensemble or symphonic band repertoire? If so, what are some representative works?
- Are you comfortable preparing music independently before the first rehearsal?
- How much time are you typically able to dedicate to individual practice each week?
- Have you had experience with technically demanding passages, exposed solos, or irregular meters?
- Do/did you study privately or have a background in formal music training?
- What draws you to this ensemble, and what are you hoping to gain from the experience?
