UNLV Bands Performing Ensembles
The Division of Wind Band Studies at UNLV takes pride in our international reputation for musical excellence and our fresh, interpretative approach. Our repertoire includes standard wind band literature, new works for wind orchestra, and numerous commissions from today’s leading composers. The Wind Band program has collaborated with numerous artists including Colonel John R. Bourgeois, Director Emeritus, United States Marine Band “The President’s Own”; Grammy Award winning saxophonist Eric Marienthal; International Violin soloist Wei Wei Le; Bernie Dresel, Gordon Goodwin’s “Phat Band” Drummer; Ted Atkatz, former Principle Percussionist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; and acclaimed composer Bruce Broughton.
Feel free to browse our discography of nineteen recordings and learn more about the bands at UNLV. We invite students to audition for one of our bands and become part of our continued pursuit of excellence and music making as we help to prepare our students for careers in performance and education. We also want to extend an invitation to the public to join us at one of many performances offered each academic year found on our 2017-2018 concert schedule .
On behalf of the Division of Wind Band Studies, I look forward to another wonderful season of music.
Thomas G. Leslie,
Director of Wind Band Studies
Professor of Conducting
The UNLV WIND ORCHESTRA has received international acclaim for its fresh and creative approach to music making. Performing contemporary repertoire in addition to classical masterworks, the Wind Orchestra has been responsible for commissioning and premiering numerous significant new works by America’s finest young contemporary composers including: Eric Whitacre, Wendell Yuponce, Jonathon Newman, Steven Bryant, Jim Bonney, Corey Hirsch, Paul Seitz, Nathan Tanouye, and Wataru Hokoyama... more
The UNLV SYMPHONIC WINDS is open to music and non-music majors who successfully audition into the ensemble. Students in this ensemble primarily perform standard wind band literature with an emphasis upon practical pedagogical foundations. The Symphonic Winds is directed by Prof. Anthony LaBounty. Graduate assistants from the masters and doctoral conducting degree programs also regularly conduct the group... more
The UNLV STAR OF NEVADA Marching Band is composed of undergraduate and graduate students representing 11 colleges at the university. All members of the UNLV Marching Band receive scholarship for their participation in the ensemble! The band performs at all UNLV Rebel home football games, university-sponsored events, and special-performance engagements on the Las Vegas Strip. The goal for the marching band is to be a leader in quality, commitment, and esprit de corps in all its performances... more
Runnin' Rebel
Basketball Pep Band
The Runnin' Rebel Basketball Pep Band performs at all home Men's and Women's Basketball games and travels with the teams to the NCAA tournament in March. This popular band is offered to all UNLV students who desire to perform in a collegiate basketball pep band and scholarships are awarded to students who participate in the Pep Band. The band is directed by Prof. Anthony LaBounty and Dr. David Coyner. Prof. LaBounty and graduate assistants from the masters and doctoral conducting degree programs.
Community
Concert Band
Formed in January of 1987, the UNLV COMMUNITY CONCERT BAND is under the aegis of the UNLV Bands and is offered as a non-credit course through the UNLV Department of Educational Outreach. UNLV Students may also receive academic credit at the regular per-credit rate. The band is comprised of local Las Vegans and Clark County residents representing every professional field of endeavor and has performed numerous concerts in the past twenty years both on and off the UNLV campus, many of which have helped benefit local charities such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southern Nevada.
New Horizons
Band
The NEW HORIZONS music program originated at the Eastman School of Music (Rochester, N.Y.) in 1991 by then Chair of the Department of Music Education, Dr. Roy Ernst. Today, there are over 120 New Horizons bands, orchestras, and choral groups across the United States, Canada, and Australia. Ernst notes that, "Older adults have the time and motivation to develop musical skills rapidly. In addition, performing music - especially in large groups - can improve health and quality of life."