Winds, Percussion

Learn More: Placement Auditions

The Furman Bands are among the oldest college bands in the South, having been initiated in 1920. The band program consists of five major ensembles; the Symphonic Band, the Wind Ensemble, the Basketball Band, the Paladin Regiment and the Jazz Ensemble. Over 60 percent of the band members major in disciplines other than music. Supplementing these groups are various smaller ensembles in percussion, woodwind and brass. Ensemble auditions are held each fall; a grade point average of 2.0 is required for most ensembles.

The PALADIN REGIMENT MARCHING BAND is 120+ members strong and is one of the finest groups of its kind in the nation; its reputation for excellence has been nationally recognized through performances on promotional albums distributed by Jensen publications. Directed by Jay Bocook, the Paladin Regiment has entertained audiences at professional football games, Disney World shows, and numerous regional exhibitions, including state marching championships. It is the aim of the marching band, drum line, Furman Danzers and Colorguard to provide our audiences with varied and entertaining shows that also contain leading-edge drill and creative musical arrangements. Open to all interested and qualified students, rehearsals begin prior to the start of school and meet 3-5 times weekly until late October. Membership fulfills music scholarship requirements.

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Marching Band Directors: Jay Bocook and Les Hicken

The Wind Ensemble combines by audition the top fifty wind, brass, and percussion students at Furman, both majors and non-majors, and performs the most difficult repertoire for this medium. The highlights of previous seasons included guest conducting appearances by Prof. Ray Cramer, director of Bands at Indiana University, Maestro Keith Lockhart of the Boston Pops Symphony Orchestra, and nationally acclaimed composer, W. Francis McBeth. The Wind Ensemble begins rehearsals during the fall marching season, meeting twice a week. Auditions are held at the beginning of Fall term. Membership fulfills music scholarship requirements.

Faculty contact: Les Hicken

The Symphonic Band, open to all Furman students by audition, performs several times annually. Each year, the Symphonic Band tours communities in South Carolina and the regional United States. Previous extended tours have included performances in Florida, New York, Washington D.C., New Orleans, and Europe. In addition to an active performance schedule, the Furman Symphonic Band has recorded new music for Carl Fischer Music Publishers and performed for the South Carolina Music Educators Convention. The Symphonic Band provides music for the annual spring commencement services. Rehearsals are Monday and Wednesday afternoons, beginning during marching season in the fall. Membership fulfills music scholarship requirements.

Faculty contact: Les Hicken

The Paladin Basketball Band furnishes entertainment for all home basketball games during the winter semester.  Open to select marching band students, membership is based on seniority, expertise, dependability and prior experience.  Basketball band members receive a stipend per game, including the required after-season tournaments.

Faculty contact: Jay Bocook

The Jazz Ensemble performs the best big band literature in jazz, Latin and fusion, entertaining groups with concerts on campus and throughout the state. Membership is by audition and open to all interested students, music major and non-major alike. Outstanding guitar, bass, drum set and jazz piano students team up with saxophone, trombone and trumpet musicians to prepare several performances throughout the year. As part of the jazz program, quartets and small combos branch out to explore literature for smaller ensembles.

Faculty contact: Matt Olson

The Chamber Winds are comprised of several smaller ensembles which rehearse during the early portions of Winter Term, and give a concert late in January. The different ensembles, which are mainly divided according to instrument quality (brass or woodwind), are composed of Furman's finest wind and percussion players, and are directed by various wind faculty from the Music Department.

Faculty contact: Les Hicken

The Furman Symphony Orchestra is one of the few all-undergraduate full symphony orchestras in the country; select wind and percussion players may earn placement through audition and teacher recommendation.  Learn more about the Furman Symphony Orchestra and Dr. Thomas Joiner, conductor.

FACULTY

Leslie W. Hicken, Area Coordinator, Director of Bands
John S. Beckford, Percussion
Jay Bocook, Director of Athletic Bands
Mark Britt, Trombone and Low Brass
Robert Chesebro, Clarinet, WdWd Coord.
Cynthia Hopkins, Flute
Ann Shoemaker, Bassoon
Gary Malvern, Trumpet
Matt Olson, Saxophone, Jazz Studies
Paula Riddle, Horn
Ron Schwartz, Drum Set
Petrea Warneck, Oboe

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