All students interested in a wonderful musical experience as either a music major or non music major are welcome to join our program. Please use our website to investigate our offerings and if you have any further questions, please contact one of our ensemble directors.

Kevin Tutt 
Conductor, Wind Symphony & Concert Band
Chair, Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance
[email protected] | (616) 331-8067

John T. Martin
Director of Athletic Bands & Conductor, University Band
[email protected] I (616) 331-3484

Livestream https://www.gvsu.edu/mtd/live-stream-72.htm

We do not post videos or audio files of performances in accordance with GVSU copyright adherence policies. We do encourage you to watch our concerts via livestream. 

Event Calendar https://www.gvsu.edu/mtd/events-31.htm

GVSU Owned instruments can be checked out (free of charge) by e-mailing Sean Schafianski ([email protected]).

Concert Bands

The concert bands, the anchor of our program, consist of The Wind Symphony, Concert Band, and University Band. All ensembles offer, to both music and non-music majors, an opportunity to continue music at the collegiate level. Concerts occur throughout the year in the Haas Center for the Performing Arts on the Allendale campus, with performances off-campus at selected high schools and conferences.

Audition Information for Concert Bands

Wind Symphony 
MUS 112 (1 credit)
T, Th 1:00-2:50 p.m. 

Concert Band
MUS 102 (1 credit) - Fall Only
W 6-8:50 pm

University Band
MUS 121 (1 credit) - Winter Only
Tuesday 6:00pm-8:50pm

Conducted by Dr. Kevin Tutt the Grand Valley State University Wind Symphony is an outstanding undergraduate-only wind ensemble open to all students Committed to the performance of the finest band literature, the Wind Symphony has performed such works as Karl Husa's Music for Prague 1968, Grainger's Lincolnshire Posy, Leonard Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, Grantham’s Southern Harmony, Mackey's The Frozen Cathedral, and Barnes' Symphony No. 3. These performances allow our best undergraduates to shine in solo performances and leadership positions in the compositions, preparing them for graduate study or successful professional careers in education. Sample repertoire is below and ranges from early 20th century standards to contemporary works by living composers. We are dedicated to an inclusive and welcoming performing arts experience that engages in music from a wide variety of genres, composers, and cultures. 

In 2016, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble released a CD, titled "Under Western Skies". Directed by Kevin Tutt, "Under Western Skies" features newly composed music for trumpet and wind ensemble. The CD not only spotlights this undergraduate student ensemble, but also guest conductor Lowell Graham, retired U.S. Air Force Band commander and conductor, and trumpet soloists Richard Stoelzel and Rex Richardson. The CD can be purchased on iTunes or Amazon. The ensemble will continue to provide students with opportunities to perform commissioned works and world premieres, recording new albums, and work with guest conductors from around the country.

Questions should be directed to Professor Kevin Tutt by email  [email protected]

Recent Wind Symphony repertoire.

Concert Band (MUS 102) 

The Grand Valley State University Concert Band is comprised of music majors and talented non-music majors at Grand Valley State University. This ensemble is dedicated to broadening the artistic level and interest of its members while performing music of artistic and historical significance. Such works include: H. Owen Reed's La Fiesta Mexicana, Frank Ticheli's Vesuvius, David Maslanka's Give Us This Day, Rolf Rudin's Der Traum des Oenghus, and Symphony No. 6 For Band by Vincent Persichetti. The GVSU Concert Band has also been featured at the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Membership is open to all Grand Valley State University students after completion of a successful audition. Audition information can be found at https://www.gvsu.edu/mtd/band-orchestra-and-choir-auditions-48.htm. Please contact Professor Kevin Tutt at [email protected] if you have any further questions.

University Band (MUS 121); Winter semester only

In keeping with the great tradition of university bands, the GVSU University Band performs quality standard band literature. Designed specifically for the non-major, the University Band meets during the winter semester only and is open to all students. No audition is required for participation in this band, but there is an audition for chair placement. The University Band presents a concert at the end of the semester. All GVSU students are encouraged to continue music-making in this musically rewarding environment. 

Interested students should contact Dr. John Martin [email protected]

University Band class page: university-band-59.htm