Memorial University Bands

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Memorial University Bands

Welcome to the Memorial University Wind Ensemble’s page! The MUN Wind Ensemble is recognized as one of the finest wind bands in Atlantic Canada.

Straddling the line between tradition and innovation, the Wind Ensemble strives to provide an environment where performers, educators, and music lovers can explore wind band music of the highest caliber. Touring, recording, featured soloists, and concerts are just a few of the ways we engage with the community at large. Recent highlights include a full production of Orff’s Carmina Burana, as well

as workshops with Dr. Dale Lonis, Dr. Robert Carochan, and Pauline Oliveros. Questions? Contact Dr. Dylan Rook Maddix, Assitant Professor of Instrumental Conducting & Director of the Wind Ensemble.

08/26/2026

Only three conducting participant spots left for this year's MUN Wind Conducting Workshop!

Join Music at Memorial faculty Dr. Dylan Rook Maddix and this year’s guest faculty, Dr. Gillian MacKay, Director of Bands at the University of Toronto, for a weekend of growth in beautiful St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador!

To register visit https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLScQaoqjgID.../viewform...

To learn more visit: https://www.mun.ca/music/events/wind-conducting-workshop/

Have questions? email MUN Director of Bands, Dr. Dylan Maddix at: [email protected]

08/19/2026

Calling All Memorial University Students!

Are you passionate about music and want to continue performing in a wind band while studying at Memorial University?

Audition/Register for a Memorial University Band (Wind Ensemble or Concert Winds) and join a vibrant community of musicians. Perform exciting repertoire, develop lasting friendships, be challenged, have fun, and continue growing as a musician.

Depending on your program, you may even be eligible to earn academic credit for participating in the MUN Wind Ensemble.

Registration and auditions are now open. Complete the form below to tell us about your musical background and help us guide you to the ensemble that best fits your experience and goals. We are excited to get to know you as a musician and community member.

MUN Bands Information Form:
https://forms.gle/YnFbYnjXLF4hzxjt6

Contact Dr. Dylan Maddix, Director of Bands: [email protected]

We are grateful for your interest in MUN Bands and look forward to welcoming new and returning musicians this year!

07/20/2026

October 16 to 18, 2026, we will be hosting the 3rd annual Memorial University Wind Conducting Workshop! Join Music at Memorial faculty Dr. Dylan Rook Maddix and this year’s guest faculty, Dr. Gillian MacKay, Director of Bands at the University of Toronto, for a weekend of growth in beautiful St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador!

To register visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQaoqjgIDuN73M0DmOxRahNUhu4Oip5jWdopoGYq3UcnCJGQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=105945392853517643267

To learn more visit: https://www.mun.ca/music/events/wind-conducting-workshop/

Have questions? email MUN Director of Bands, Dr. Dylan Maddix at: [email protected]

If last year tells us anything spots fill up fast, so apply today!

05/10/2026

MUNWE is on the move, and in the air, en route to Niagara Falls, ON for MusicFest Canada 2026 🇨🇦

Lucas Upward, J. Benson, Amy Parsons, and Matthew Gabbidon (already in Ontario and missing from the photos 🚗) will be performing as members of the Jack Long Honour Band 🎶

Meanwhile, Dr. Maddix will be serving as an adjudicator at this year’s festival.

Looking forward to a week of proudly representing Music at Memorial/ Newfoundland & Labrador, connecting with musicians from across the country, and making some incredible music!

03/29/2026

Still more band to be had this semester! Join the MUN Concert Winds led by Sarah Comerford and grad conducting students Owen Switzer and Halle Forde tomorrow evening at 7:30pm to hear "something borrowed, something new" a program featuring works by James Curow, Ron Nelson, Florence Price, Alfred Reed, Donald Coakley, Robert Sheldon and Carol Brittin Chambers.

Not to be missed!

03/28/2026

A true testament to the enduring legacy of MUN Bands. Katherine Dundas Gough began her musical journey with the MUN Concert Band in 1986 at the age of 17, performing under the direction of Dr. Donald Buell and the late Dr. Kjellrun Hestkin. She remained an active member through her graduation in 1993, earning a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Music Education degree. Nearly four decades later, that legacy continues with her son, Ethan Gough, who joined the MUN Wind Ensemble in 2024 at 15 years old (beat Mom’s record!). Now under the direction of Dr. Dylan Rook Maddix, Ethan is proudly carrying forward a family tradition rooted in generations of musical excellence.

Pictured: Katherine alongside her MUN Band director Dr. Donald Buell (1981–2006), and Ethan with his MUN Band director Dr. Dylan Maddix (2023–present). A truly special full‑circle moment!

03/27/2026

A huge thank‑you to everyone who joined us for the MUN Wind Ensemble concert, “Momentum | A Celebration of 50 Years of MUN Bands” last night. It was an evening filled with incredible music making, and your presence and support made it all the more special.

A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Donald Buell for sharing a glimpse into the history of MUN Bands and helping us reflect on where our “momentum” truly began. Your passion for building this program and your continued support mean more than words can express. Community, growth, passion, and excellence have been at the heart of MUN Bands from the very beginning, and we are honoured to carry that torch forward for the next 50 years and beyond.

Congratulations as well to 2025 MUN Concerto Competition winner, and Music at Memorial alum, Jo Dashney on a stunning performance of Eric Ewazen’s Bass Trombone Concerto.

Lastly, a huge congrats to the musicians of MUNWE! Bravo!

03/25/2026

Are you a high school or Jr High student, or do you know one? We invite you to attend one of our ensemble concerts...for free! Contact us at [email protected] for a complimentary ticket!

This Thursday at 7:30pm, The Wind Ensemble will perform a program that bridges tradition and innovation, celebrating both the rich legacy and the bright future of wind bands at Memorial University. The program includes: Clutch by Andrew David Perkins (Trombones make race car sounds!), She’s Like the Swallow (Traditional), arr. Kjellrun Hestekin, Bass Trombone Concerto by Eric Ewazen, featuring Jo Dashney, bass trombone (2025 MUN Concerto Competition Winner), How to Train Your Dragon Suite, John Powell, arr. Ton van Grevenbroek, and David Maslanka's epic Give Us This Day (A Short Symphony)

A concert not to be missed!

03/23/2026

A little sneak peek for you! Here’s the MUN Wind Ensemble bringing the magic of How to Train Your Dragon to life 🐉

We’d love to see you at our upcoming concert Momentum | Celebrating 50 Years of MUN Bands!

📅 This Thursday
🕢 7:30 PM
📍 D.F. Cook Recital Hall

Get your tickets here while they last!

03/20/2026

We had a fantastic time at the 3rd Annual / Conducting Workshop! Congratulations to all the conductors who stepped up and put themselves out there. A huge thank you to The Royal Newfoundland Regiment Band, , and the for their continued support in making this event a success!

Address

Burtons Pond Road
St. John's, NL
A1C5S7

Website

https://mun.ca/music/programs/ensembles/wind-ensemble/

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