The ensemble performs classical and contemporary works written or transcribed for symphonic wind ensemble or concert band. The aim is to assist the musicians in continuing their musical growth, while also providing high-caliber musical entertainment for the community. Musicians interested in joining the FSW are encouraged to review the list of works previously performed to have a sense for the variety and level of difficulty of these pieces.
New members are invited to participate in the first rehearsal of each session (Fall, Winter, Spring). This is an opportunity for the new musicians to meet the other members and to sightread, with all the others, the new music for the session, before a commitment is made. Registration and payment of fees need not be completed until the second or third session. Auditions are not required, although auditions have occasionally been held mid-session for a few of the larger sections, so that the Musical Director can have an assessment of the section's skills. On rare occasions and with the approval of the Music Director, members have been allowed to join later in a session. The ability of the new musician is important, in this case, because of the reduced number of rehearsals remaining before a concert.
Rehearsals during a session are held on Wednesday
evenings in the Packard Hall at the Mountain View High School, 3535 Truman
Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94040. The first downbeat is at 7:30 PM,
so musicians are expected to arrive well in advance to pick up any new
music, get to their chairs, and warm up on their instruments. Music stands
and chairs are provided. Rehearsals usually finish around 9:30 PM.
There is a break mid-way in the rehearsal. Sections are assigned for
voluntary contributions of refreshments at the break. Typically, sessions
will include 10 to 12 rehearsals before a concert. A rehearsal is not held
on the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving. 
The Foothill Symphonic Winds does not rehearse from after the June concert until the first rehearsal of the Fall session near the end of September.
Seating within each section is typically finalized by the section leader and Music Director. Occasionally, a section will have chair-seating auditions if the Music Director deems it necessary. Some sections rotate parts; some do not.
Students who have not yet graduated from High School are accepted with the approval of the Music Director. It is expected that those students will participate in their regular school musical groups. We have welcomed home-schooled students.
Presently, we charge a fee of $110 per session. Payment is due at the beginning of each session and may be paid by cash, check, or through FSW's PayPal account. Payment may be for each session or for the full year. The fees cover our operating expenses including music purchase or rental, concert venue rental, salary of the Music Director, insurance, publicity, and general operational expenses. Income from concert ticket sales alone don't cover our operating expenses.
Black is the basic color. Men wear tuxedos or black suits. A black bow tie is worn with a white dress shirt. The women wear all-black ensembles. Black shoes complete the outfits.
The FSW concerts are presented at the Cubberley
Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94302. Concerts begin at
3:30 PM. Our schedule of upcoming concerts is published here.
The FSW strives to make our music available to a wide audience. Ticket prices are $20 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors. Parking is free at the Cubberley Theatre.
David Bruce Adams began serving as Music Director in 1993. More information on his background can be found here.
Yes. The FSW has been approved as a 501(c)(3) organization. More information can be found here.
The FSW has benefited from corporations matching donations made by their employees. FSW has received such donations from Google, Intel, Microsoft, and Yahoo. Sponsorship from other organizations would be welcomed and should be addressed to our Board of Directors.
Very likely. We need ushers for our concerts. They receive free admission to hear some great music. We can always use help with publicity. A graphic artist could assist with our poster artwork. We'd like to hear about your interest and how you might be able to assist the FSW. Please e-mail info@fswinds.org
| Last Updated: 7 June 2023 http://FSWinds.org/faq.html E-mail comments and suggestions to: info@fswinds.org Copyright © 1998 - 2023 Roy Stehle, Palo Alto, CA, USA. All rights reserved. |
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