|
Arizona Wind
History
John Thrasher, Director of Bands at
Glendale College Community, founded the band in 1974. It was formed to offer
an experience for adults to further continue with their instruments after
high school and college. They soon matured into a high level-performing
ensemble thrilling its audiences with fine music. Throughout their
existence, many wonderful guest conductors have appeared in front of this
group and include such renown individuals as Geoffrey Brand of the London
Wind Ensemble, A.S.C.A.P. composer William H. Hill, Arizona State University
Director of Bands Dr. Richard Strange (ret.), past Northern Arizona
University Director of Bands Dr. Patricia Hoy (currently School of Music
Dean at University of Tennessee -Memphis, retired Northern Arizona
University Director of Bands Dr. Donald Wolf and Col. John R. Bourgeois
(ret.) of the world renown ‘Presidents Own’ US Marine Corp Band from
Washington D.C.
The band performs throughout Arizona
in such places as Prescott, Chandler, Carefree, Sun City and Glendale to
name a few. They have been invited to perform at Arizona Central College,
Northern Arizona University and numerous high schools and elementary schools
throughout the valley, including travel out-of-state to school campuses in
southern California.
At the retirement of John Thrasher in
1999 from Glendale Community College, the band chose to leave the school
with its founder. Together they embarked on a new musical experience at a
new location and with a new name, the Arizona Winds. The 'premier'
adult community band never looked back. They continue the tradition of fine
musical performances, sharing their musical talents and enriching the lives
of the wonderful communities that make up Arizona.
|
