SWEF Focuses on Artistic Elements of Music Performance

By Richard Floyd, Music Director | Tuesday, October 02, 2012 1:18 PM

The State Wind Ensemble Contest was established in 1976 as a part of the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest.  During the years that followed this event gradually evolved into the festival format that is in place today. It is now referred to as the State Wind Ensemble Festival (SWEF) and provides an educationally rewarding and positive experience for all participants. This prestigious event is scheduled for May 4, 2013.

Much of the success of this event has been attributed to the Clinician/Commentator component of the format.  This feature allows each performing group to have a 30-minute post concert clinic/critique with a nationally recognized conductor/educator.  The focus of the event is on the subjective, artistic elements of music performance rather than the objective, technical details that tend to dominate critiques in a totally competitive setting.

With the approval of the UIL/TMEA Music Advisory Committee and the UIL Legislative Council the event was modified in 2000 to what many would term a festival format.  The intent of this revision was to build on the most successful elements of SWEF, which cultivate the positive aspects of making music for music’s sake rather than the attainment of an objective rating.  In addition a listening component has been added to emphasize the very important value of becoming good audience members as well as accomplished performers.

Participants in the 2013 State Wind Ensemble Festival can anticipate experiencing the following:

• A recorded and written critique of each band’s performance by three nationally recognized music educators and wind band conductors.  The panel will not assign ratings or pick an outstanding band in each classification. 
• In addition the audio recording of each performance will be webcast in real time so parents, relatives and friends in the local community will be able to listen to the concerts. 
• In place of ratings and outstanding band awards, the evaluator panel will honor individual performers and/or sections for exemplary musical achievements.  Appropriate awards (draped state medals) will be provided.
• In order to integrate the “listening portion” of the experience into the event, each band will be expected to structure a schedule that will enable the students to listen to the performance of two other performing groups over the course of the day.  Prior to the day of the festival the UIL State Music Office will coordinate the listening schedule.  Consideration will be given to individual band travel schedules.  It is our goal to insure that every band will perform for an audience of fellow musicians and directors from other schools.
• A 30 minute clinic with a nationally recognized collegiate wind band conductor.

Formats similar to this are being used at some of the most positive and educationally sound events in the nation.  Results have been overwhelmingly favorable.   The success of this venture is dependent on participants having an understanding of the following:

1. All participants have “made their one”.  That achievement at the UIL Region Contest earned them the privilege to perform on the Bates Recital Hall Stage, home of the University of Texas Wind Ensemble. 
2. The goal of this event is not to acquire a favorable judge’s rating, win a trophy or  “beat the other bands”.  Rather the goal is to accept the challenge of making music for the sole purpose of performing at the highest level of musical excellence possible for an appreciative, supportive audience in an optimum acoustical space.
3. A corollary to the goal is the expectation that everyone will have the opportunity to be appreciative listeners as others perform in a formal concert setting. 

Reports indicate that some of the most successful and competitive band programs in the nation have found this format to be challenging, rewarding and educational.  In fact, many say their students “try harder” in this setting than they do at a traditional contest.

Participation in the event is limited because of judge's schedules and the availability of performance sites. Hence it is likely that more schools will be submitting entries than can be accommodated. Directors of bands considering participation in the 2013 SWEF should be aware of the fact that submitting an entry does not guarantee a performance time and that the following procedure for processing entries will be followed.

1. Since many region contests do not take place until after April 1 it is not necessary to wait until after a Division One is earned to enter the contest. A letter of intent can be submitted at anytime. The letter should not include a check for the entry fee.
2. Letters of intent will be accepted via e-mail or USPS by date stamp or postmark.
3. The UIL office will hold letters of intent in the order they are received until the results of the Region Contests are known. Bands receiving a Division One will then be officially entered in the contest based on availability of performance times.
4. Official entry forms and entry fees ($225) will be due once schools are notified that they have been assigned a performance time.
5.  Additional schools with letters of intent on file will be placed on a waiting list.
   
   Questions concerning entry procedures are welcome at (512)471-5883 or music@uiltexas.org.

The evaluator/clinician panel for the 2013 SWEF is as follows:
H. ROBERT REYNOLDS is the principal conductor of the Wind Ensemble at the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California, where he holds the H. Robert Reynolds Professorship in Wind Conducting. This appointment followed his retirement, after 26 years, from the School of Music of the University of Michigan where he served as director of university bands and director of the division of instrumental studies. Professor Reynolds has spent extensive time in Texas serving as guest conductor and clinician. He is recognized as one of the premier wind band conductors in the world.

TOM LEE recently retired as professor of conducting at the University of California at Los Angeles.  Prior to his appoint at UCLA he enjoyed a successful tenure as wind ensemble conductor at the University of Texas.  Tom has been invited to guest conduct with All-State Bands and music festivals in all parts of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Western Europe and Asia.  In addition, Professor Lee has given innumerable workshops on all aspects of conducting and interpretation of music with special emphasis in the area of non-verbal communication skills.

CRAIG KIRCHHOFF is professor of conducting and director of university bands at the University of Minnesota where he conducts the Wind Ensemble. Professor Kirchhoff has appeared as guest conductor, clinician and lecturer throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, Europe and Scandinavia. Mr. Kirchhoff is a frequent guest conductor of the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra and has recorded with them on the Kosei Publishing label.

RICHARD FLOYD is completing his 28th year as UIL State Director of Music. He is a recognized authority on conducting, the art of wind band rehearsing, concert band repertoire and music advocacy.  As such, he has toured extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia and Europe as a clinician, adjudicator and conductor including appearances in 40 American states and in nine other countries. 

BRADLEY KENT was recently appointed Associate Director of Music for the University Interscholastic League at The University of Texas at Austin.  Prior to his current position he served for 20 years as an educator and administrator on both the public school and university levels in Texas.  While maintaining an active schedule as a conductor, clinician, lecturer and adjudicator throughout the U.S., Dr. Kent is a passionate advocate for the arts and arts education.   

In summary, the advantages and benefits of participation are as follows:

• The contest is a prestigious event limited only to those receiving a Division I at their region contest.
• The adjudication panel annually includes some of the outstanding wind ensemble conductors in the nation. This year will be no exception.
• Recorded critiques are provided by the judging panel for each ensemble. Musicianship, including such factors as style and interpretation, will receive a high priority in all evaluations.
• Each band will receive a personal 30-minute session with a distinguished conductor/clinician.
• All concerts take place in the dramatic setting of the Bates Recital Hall on the University of Texas campus and spacious warm-up rooms are provided within the same facility.
• A complimentary, professional-quality compact disk recording of each performance is provided at no cost.
• The entry fee is only $225 per ensemble.
• Those groups desiring to stay overnight will find a variety of competitively priced accommodations throughout the Austin area (see our website http://www.uiltexas.org/music/state-wind-ensemble-festival under “Resources” for hotel/motel recommendations).
• Educational opportunities, including the LBJ Museum, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum www.thestoryoftexas.com/ and the State Capitol are within walking distance or a short drive away.
• Recreational options include The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and I-Max Theater, water sports at Barton Springs, outdoor activities in Zilker Park and shopping throughout the city. The many recreational opportunities of San Antonio are only 90 minutes away.