History of the Kenyon College Symphonic Wind Ensemble

The Kenyon College Symphonic Wind Ensemble was established in 1994 under the direction of Dr. Jane Ellsworth. From August, 1995 the ensemble has been directed by Dr. Dane Heuchemer, Assistant Professor of Music.

During the ensemble's initial years of growth and development, the Kenyon College Symphonic Wind Ensemble joined forces with the Mt. Vernon Nazarene College Symphonic Wind Ensemble. This relationship constituted the bulk of the group's activity from 1995 until the spring of 1998, when the Kenyon ensemble was large enough to begin performing independently. By the fall of 1999, with its enrollment reaching 55 members, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble began working solely as a Kenyon College ensemble. During the spring 2000 semester, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble included 58 students and two members of the Gambier community.

Kenyon College has been a member of the Ohio Private College Instrumental Conductors Association (OPCICA) since 1996. Kenyon College Symphonic Wind Ensemble members have since participated in the OPCICA Honor Concert Band on an annual basis.