The Mercer Wind Ensemble performs a broad and diverse range of music and often augments its programs with music incorporating small and differing instrumentation. At the onset of each semester, the Wind Ensemble divides into several small chamber ensembles such as woodwind quintets, flute choir, brass quintets, mixed instrumentations and percussion ensemble to name a few.  Each chamber ensemble is coached by faculty members in preparation for concerts throughout the semester.

By focusing on chamber music at the beginning of each semester, every member gains a new perspective on improving vital performance skills.  Faculty coaches focus on improving each member's individual intonation, tone production, balance, rhythmic security, and the improvement of their overall ensemble performing ability.  Through this chamber ensemble emphasis, the player is better able to contribute to the overall musical success of the full wind ensemble and become a more accomplished musician.

The full ensemble program offers students a chance to perform with outstanding soloists and guest conductors from around the world.  Concerts are presented in the state-of-the-art Neva Langley Fickling Recital Hall on campus, the Grand Opera House located in downtown Macon and on tours across the Southeastern United States.  The 2007-08 concert season featured performances with the Mercer Wind Ensemble by faculty soloists Jonathan Swygert, trumpet; Jo Nardolillo,violin; and Martha Malone, soprano.  Other faculty and guest soloists in past years have included Professor Bob Breithaupt, percussion; Mr. Kelly Via, flute; Dr. John N. Roberts, piano; Dr. Monty Cole, clarinet; Mr. James Thompson, trumpet; Dr. Marcus Reddick, percussion; the American Brass Quintet, Ray Mase and Kevin Cobb, trumpets; David Wakefield, horn; Michael Powell, trombone; John Rojak, bass trombone; Dr. David Johnson, violin; and Dr. Nathan Cook, cello.  Guest conductors of the Mercer Wind Ensemble have included appearances by Professor Bob Levy, Lawrence Conservatory of Music; Dr. David Johnson, University of Pugent Sound; and Maestro Adrian Gnam, Conductor and Music Director, Macon Symphony Orchestra. 

In addition to guest artists, the Wind Ensemble has participated in consortiums commissioning new works for the wind band medium.  Bandanna, by New York City composer Daren Hagen, was sponsored by the members of the College Band Directors National Association.  Mercer University is an active participant in consortiums that culminated in new works for wind ensemble by Nebojsa Zivkovic, Warren Benson, John Mackey, Eric Ewazen, Adam Gorb, and most recently Lowell Liebermann, Roger Cichy, and Peter Fischer.

The Mercer Wind Ensemble has produced two CDs featuring a wide array of literature from around the world as well as the Mercer Jazz Ensemble, Faculty Jazztet, and several student chamber ensembles.  "Bands At Mercer" features the following ensembles: Mercer Wind and Jazz Ensembles, Jazz Combo, Flute Choir, Brass Choir, Percussion Ensemble and the Mercer Singers.  "World Notes," the most recent CD, contains works by the Mercer Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and Faculty Jazztet.  Each CD can be purchased by contacting the Music Office at 478.301.2748 or crocker_pc@mercer.edu for a cost of $13.00 each.  Checks should be made payable to the Mercer University Townsend School of Music.

The conductor of the Mercer Wind Ensemble, Dr. Douglas Hill, is available for guest conducting, clinician and adjudication engagements.  He can be reached at 478.301.2752 or email:  hill_dm@mercer.edu.