Symphony Band

The University of Akron Symphony Band, conducted by Dr. Michelle Bell, Assistant Director of Bands, performs the finest in traditional and contemporary wind band literature. Under the direction of former Assistant Director of Bands, Dr. Galen S. Karriker, the Symphony Band appeared twice (2002 & 2004) as a clinic performing ensemble at the Ohio Music Education Association State Convention.

The Symphony Band performs annually at the Ohio Band Directors Conference in December, and as part of The University of Akron Concert Band Clinic Festival each spring. The ensemble has performed under the direction of notable guest composers including, Robert Sheldon, James Curnow, Mark Camphouse, Brian Balmages, Ralph Hultgren, John O’Reilly, Jared Spears, Larry Daehn, Pierre LaPlante, David Gillingham, and conductors, John R. Bourgeois, Frank B. Wickes, Stanley F. Michalski, Gary Smith, Thomas Fraschillo, John Whitwell, Robert E. Fleming, Joseph W. Hermann, William Sylvester, Mark S. Kelly, Kenneth G. Bloomquist, James Keene, Timothy Rhea, Ken Van Winkle, and John T. Madden.

Audition information

Auditions for the Symphony Band are held each year during the first week of the fall semester. Further auditions are held in the semester only if openings should occur. The Symphony Band rehearses three times a week, 12:55 - 2:50 p.m. Monday & Wednesday and 2:00 - 2:50 p.m. on Friday.