Hodgson Wind Ensemble to perform at band directors’ national conference

The Hodgson Wind Ensemble, one of the UGA Hugh Hodgson School of Music’s premier large ensembles, recently won a performance spot at the 2017 College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) national conference.

The Ensemble, directed by Cynthia Johnston Turner, director of bands and wind ensembles at the School of Music, submitted several recordings from concerts last fall. After a blind audition, they were selected, along with eight other prestigious bands, to perform at the conference in Kansas City on March 15-18.

“This is a big recognition, from peers, of excellence and accomplishment,” said Johnston Turner.

The Wind Ensemble previously performed at the CBDNA conference in 2009, and this is the first time they have been invited to perform since Johnston Turner arrived at UGA in 2014. 

Competition is fierce for performance spots at the conference. Thirty-two applicants submitted recordings for nine available spots this year, resulting in a slate of performances from some of the best ensembles in the country.

“The other ensembles selected are from great schools, with immensely talented conductors,” said Johnston Turner.

The trip will also serve as an opportunity for the ensemble to meet and mingle with colleagues and leaders from far and wide.

“It's a huge event,” said Johnston Turner. “All of the conductors from around the country (and many international conductors) attend the conference.”

The College Band Directors National Association is devoted to the teaching, performance, study and cultivation of music, with particular focus on the wind band medium. For more information, visit their website at www.cbdna.org.