Crane Wind Ensemble
Conductor: Dr. Brian K. Doyle
The Crane Wind Ensemble (CWE) comprises 58 of the most outstanding wind and percussion majors in The Crane School of Music. The CWE performs as a full wind band and also in smaller chamber groups with varied instrumentation. This group is dedicated to the performance of the finest wind repertoire, regardless of period or disposition of instrumental forces. The CWE is also committed to performing music of our time and is active in working with composers in the commissioning of new works to support this goal. Recent premieres include works by Gala Flagello, Patrick Harlin, Clare Howard, Kristin Custer, Roshanne Etezady, Joel Puckett, Steven Bryant, James Mobberley, Christopher Theofanidis, and current and former Crane School faculty members Gregory Wanamaker, David Heinick, and David Heuser. In 2014, the CWE released the CD Adirondack Songs.
The CWE performs at least three performances in the fall and two in the spring. The ensemble also tours regularly. Recent off-campus performances include concerts at the NYSSMA Winter Conference and at the NYSBDA Winter Symposium.
The membership is determined by audition at the beginning of each semester. Audition material and times may be obtained by consulting the studio teacher of your instrument.
Crane Concert Band & Crane Symphony Band
Conductor, Crane Concert Band: Professor Jill Roberts
Conductor, Crane Symphony Band: Dr. Brian K. Doyle
The Crane Concert Band and Symphonic Band are co-equal wind & percussion ensembles at the Crane School of Music. The personnel in these ensembles consist primarily of music majors, although exceptionally talented non-majors have earned placement as well.
The Concert and Symphonic Band perform twice each semester, sharing their first concert. Their repertoire includes a broad variety of literature from traditional and contemporary genres. The membership is determined by audition at the beginning of each semester. Audition material and times may be obtained by consulting the studio teacher of your instrument.
Campus Community Band
Campus Community Band is a non-auditioning concert band for Crane music majors, Liberal Arts students, college faculty and staff, and community members. Community members must register or enroll as auditing students Weekly rehearsals on a variety of concert band music of different genres. The course is especially helpful for Crane music majors who wish to gain leadership experience. Community members must enroll as auditing students.
Jazz Performing Groups
Membership in these groups is determined by audition at the beginning of each semester. For audition times and material, consult the Director of Jazz Studies, Dr. SeungYoung Hong.
Both the Crane Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Band are jazz big-bands open by audition. The Crane Jazz Ensemble is the premier performance group in the Jazz Studies program at The Crane School of Music.
The Jazz Studies program at Crane also includes Small Jazz Groups, including the elite Giroux Honors Jazz Combo. In addition to performance opportunities, the program includes class offerings in improvisation, arranging, history and pedagogy, and regularly welcomes guest artists, clinicians, and performers. The Jazz Studies program also includes a fully equipped improvisation lab.
Crane Percussion Ensembles
Director: Dr. Emma Gierszal
All students with a percussion performance concentration are invited to participate in the Crane Percussion Ensemble or Crane Marimba Band.
Latin Ensemble
Director: Dr. Peter McCoy
Latin Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble of voice, percussion, piano, guitar, brass and woodwind performers. In 2017, the Latin Ensemble spent a week performing and studying in Cienfuegos, Cuba. Find them on Facebook.
West African Drum and Dance Ensemble
Director: Dr. Julie Hunter This group performs music from Ghana, Togo, and neighboring countries in West Africa featuring a combination of drumming, singing, and dancing through oral transmission rather than written scores. Open to all students regardless of previous musical background.
Mariachi Ensemble
Director: Dr. Shelly Tramposh. Newly created in 2024, this is a non-auditioned ensemble.
Chamber and Like Ensembles
Chamber Wind Groups, Woodwind Quintets, Brass Quintets (including the elite Frackenpohl Honors Brass Quintet), and other "like instrument" ensembles (e.g., trombone, horn, saxophone, flute) are formed by the applied teachers in the various studio areas at the beginning of each semester. Obtain further information from the appropriate faculty member.