SEMO Wind Ensemble Performs at Cincinnati’s WindFest

Hosted by the Cincinnati Wind Band, WindFest brings together select ensembles to perform in one of the nation's premier concert venues, offering students the opportunity to share their work with a broad audience while experiencing music-making at a high level.

For SEMO students, the invitation-only performance marked another milestone in a year of national-level opportunities.

"Performing on a stage like this raises the level of everything we do," said Dr. Jim Daughters, associate professor of music and director of bands at SEMO. "It challenges students, excites them and gives them a real sense of what it means to perform at a high level beyond the University setting."

"The music that we performed was some of the hardest literature I have experienced playing," said Molly Bauer, a music education student and clarinetist. "It pushed me, and those around me, to a new level of musicianship. After the trip, I was able to reflect on how far I had come since the start of the semester, while admiring the ensemble's determination throughout the concert cycle. I look forward to one day sharing these memories with my own students, and I am incredibly grateful for this wonderful opportunity."

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Participation in WindFest is by invitation, with ensembles selected for their performance quality and consistency. Daughters, who also serves as conductor and artistic director of the Cincinnati Wind Band, said the SEMO ensemble was chosen following a strong track record of collaboration, including a performance at Carnegie Hall last year.

"More than 15 of our students performed with the Cincinnati Wind Band at Carnegie Hall," Daughters said. "Because of that experience and the level of trust they demonstrated, it made sense to continue that partnership and provide them with another major performance opportunity."

Preparation for the performance included not only refining repertoire for the concert stage but also planning additional performances for schools along the way. Daughters said the ensemble is intentional in selecting music that connects with a wide range of audiences, particularly prospective students.

"We want high school students to see themselves here," he said. "Experiences like this show what's possible and raise expectations for what students can achieve."

While performances at venues like Cincinnati Music Hall can strengthen a student's resume, Daughters emphasized the deeper impact of the experience.

"We perform for music's sake," Daughers said. "But students leave with confidence, knowing they've been part of something meaningful at a high level."

"Playing in Music Hall itself was monumental," said Bauer. "As someone who loves music history, I was positively overwhelmed by the rich history that surrounded us and I was in awe to be performing on the same stage as many of my favorite composers and musicians."

For many students, opportunities like WindFest play a defining role in their development as musicians, shaping how they prepare, perform and pursue their careers.

"These are the moments that stay with you," Daughters said. "They influence how you practice, how you think and ultimately the path you choose."

At SEMO, performance opportunities both on- and off-campus are central to the student experience, connecting classroom learning with real-world application and professional growth. By performing on national stages and engaging with audiences beyond campus, SEMO music students continue to build the skills, confidence and perspective needed for careers in music and related fields.

For students ready to grow as performers and educators, SEMO's music programs provide opportunities to learn, perform and connect with audiences from the start. Visit semo.edu/music.

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