The Western Symphonic Winds is the premier wind and percussion ensemble on Missouri Western's campus. Members of this 45-60 member ensemble are selected by audition. You do not have to be a music major to become a member of this group of serious musicians. Only 70 percent of this band is made up of music majors but nearly all of our musicians have been repeat members of their high school all-district bands and most were members of their all-state bands. The Western Symponic Winds performs a wide variety of music including past masterpieces for the wind ensemble and current offerings from today's outstanding composers. The group tours to various midwest destinations to share its music. Recent destinations have included Kansas City, St. Louis, Des Moines, Iowa, Lawrence, Kansas, and Springfield. Future destinations include Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska and Chicago. The WSW performed at the 2000 and 2004 Missouri Music Educators Association convention held annually at Tan-tara in Osage Beach, Missouri.

Guest performers and conductors recently associated with this band include William Mack, Dan Peterson, Cindy Sevehla, Steve Malloy, Ronda Ford, Richard Yeager, Kevin Bobo, and Bob Harvey.

The Western Symphonic Winds is conducted by Missouri Western Director of Bands, Jeffrey Hinton.

Scholarships are available. Scholarship amounts are based on auditions where talent, background, and focus of study are factors in determining the scholarship amount. Please contact us for an audition appointment.