HISTORY OF THE KNIGHTWIND ENSEMBLE
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The Knightwind Ensemble has been performing for Milwaukee (WI) audiences for over five decades. Beginning in 1956 as a youth activity sponsored by the Milwaukee Elks Lodge No. 46, the group has evolved into Milwaukee's premiere adult wind band. Presenting substantive and challenging programs, the Knightwind Ensemble continually strives to bring high quality concert experiences to its audiences at reasonable prices. In 1988, the Ensemble moved its concert home to Vogel Hall of Milwaukee's Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, giving the group a venue that reflected the quality of the musicians and the programs. During these seasons at Vogel Hall, the Knightwind Ensemble commissioned two significant works. "Imprints" was given its world premiere by the Ensemble in 1989. More recently, the Ensemble participated with other groups to commission David Maslanka's powerful musical statement "Tears". In the fall of 2001, the Ensemble moved its concert location to the Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center. In the fall of 2004, the Ensemble moved to its current home, the Schwan Concert Hall on the campus of Wisconsin Lutheran College. The seating is very comfortable, the hall is beautiful, and the acoustics are amazing. A great place for great music! |
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In 2005, the John Phillip Sousa Foundation recognized the Knightwind Ensemble as one of the nations best community bands when it awarded the Sudler Silver Scroll to the Ensemble. The goal of the award is "to identify, recognize and honor those community bands that have demonstrated particularly high standards of excellence in concert activities over a period of several years, and which have played a significant and leading role in the cultural and musical environment in their respective communities". In 2006, the Ensemble celebrated 50 years as a community organization. It
is truly amazing that in the 50 year history, the organization has known only
four musical directors in this order: George Zoske, Jim Walker, Wayne Becker,
and John Steinke. Along with the conductor of the Cadet Band, Nic Contorno,
all five were in attendance at the 50th Reunion Party in August of 2006.
Shown below are Mssrs. Steinke, Zoske, Walker, Contorno, and Becker. The current Knightwind Ensemble, comprised of about 55 musicians representing a variety of backgrounds, continues to play a diverse musical repertoire, ranging from classic chamber pieces to contemporary full wind band literature. The Ensemble typically performs three concerts per year: one in the fall (usually November), one in the spring (late March or early April), and a Memorial Day "Pops" concert. Watch the web site for details on dates, times, and locations. |
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