Mountain Arts Center
Wind Orchestra

The Mountain Arts Center Wind Orchestra promotes the rich cultural heritage and artistic expressions of the Appalachian region through high-quality concerts that deepen the connections within our community. Through our commitment to artistic innovation and community engagement, we seek to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts, celebrate cultural diversity, and empower individuals to embrace their unique qualities. We strive to be a beacon of musical excellence, fostering creativity, unity, and inspire generations to come, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Kentucky and beyond.

Guiding Principles

Slade Presley Denman
Founder, Artistic Director & Principal Conductor

Mountain Arts Center Wind Orchestra

Craft unforgettable musical journeys that leave a lasting impression on both our audience and the wider community, enriching lives with both knowledge and inspiration.
Empower gifted musicians to showcase their talents, driving forward our mission while actively shaping the organization’s evolution.
Embrace a steadfast dedication to excellence in performance, embracing diversity, fostering creativity, and upholding unwavering integrity.
Commission the creation of groundbreaking compositions and produce benchmark recordings of unparalleled quality, elevating the wind band genre to new heights.
Curate a rich tapestry of repertoire, spanning genres and eras, to captivate a broad spectrum of listeners and uphold the legacy of this uniquely American art form.
Nurture the musical development of future performers and advocates by offering concerts, scholarships, and educational sessions, shaping the future of our art form.
Extend the transformative power of music to those facing economic challenges and underprivileged circumstances, granting access to exceptional performances and educational resources.

Founders Statement

As the founding member of the Mountain Arts Center Wind Orchestra, I stand proud at the inception of this musical endeavor. Rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of Prestonsburg, Kentucky, our wind band emerges as a beacon of artistic excellence within the Mountain Arts Center.

In partnership with the visionary leadership of Joe Campbell, the Executive Director at the MAC, we have forged a partnership built on mutual respect and a shared vision for the power of music to uplift and inspire. Joe’s unwavering commitment to fostering artistic expression and nurturing talent has laid the foundation for our ensemble’s journey.

With our inaugural concert on June 29th, 2024, we embark on a journey fueled by passion, dedication, and a shared commitment to musical innovation. Our mission is clear: to weave melodies that resonate through the hills and hollers of Appalachia, enriching the lives of all who listen.

The Mountain Arts Center Wind Orchestra is a community of professional musicians, educators, and arts advocates that are united by a common love for the wind band tradition. Through our performances, we strive to transcend boundaries, bridging generations and cultures to create transformative musical experiences.

At our core lies a dedication to excellence, integrity, and inclusivity. We pledge to nurture talent, inspire creativity, and foster a deep appreciation for the arts among all members of our community.

As we embark on this musical odyssey, I extend my deepest gratitude to my musical colleagues, my family, Joe Campbell, and all who have supported and believed in our vision. Together, we will soar to new heights, carrying the spirit of the Mountain Arts Center Wind Orchestra across the wondrous landscape of Eastern Kentucky and beyond.

Slade Presley Denman
Founder, Artistic Director & Principal Conductor

Mountain Arts Center Wind Orchestra

Videos

Auditions

MACWO Audition Process

Review our vision statement and guiding principles. Requesting an audition represents your acceptance of the aforementioned.
The Mountain Arts Center Wind Orchestra audition process consists of two rounds:

Submission of application and audition materials for screening
Live audition

Round One:

Complete, attach requested files, and submit the MACWO Audition Application Form provided online.
Attachments requested:

Performance Vita (PDF format only; 10 MB max; 2 pages max)
Audio Demonstrating Technical Proficiency (*mp3 format only; 10 MB max) / **Percussion: see below
Audio Demonstrating Lyrical Proficiency (*mp3 format only; 10 MB max)**Percussion: see below
*Note: A 2 MB mp3 equates to about 1–1/2 minutes of recorded music. Recorded music must be “unedited” recordings. Your excerpts should not contain etudes. It is suggested that your excerpts consist of solos with piano, orchestra, or wind band excerpts. Submitting a recorded performance with live accompaniment is encouraged, but not required.
**Percussion Note: Instead of a technical and lyrical excerpt, one excerpt should be performed on marimba and another excerpt performed on snare drum.

Click Here to Fill out the Application for Round One

A panel of MACWO musicians and staff will review your materials in March and a decision will be rendered of which applicants were passed through to round two as concert subs and which applicants will be invited to the final live audition round. Passing the first round guarantees a spot on the concert substitute list, but it does not guarantee a spot at the final live audition round to vie for an active spot. All applicants will be notified via e-mail of the results and any necessary details.

Round Two:

If invited to the final live audition round, you will be given the audition date and time.

Each audition will last 10 minutes.

Final round audition applicants will be sent a three (3) minute sheet music PDF packet approximately two (2) weeks out of the final round audition date. These materials will need to be prepared for the audition.

In addition, you may be asked to sight-read several passages and participate in a question-and-answer session.

In some circumstances, applicants will be asked to play with current MACWO section members at the live audition or be asked to play a concert before a final decision is reached.

Be on time for your appointment. A room will be provided for you to warm-up before your audition.

You will be notified via E-mail of the results of your final live round audition.

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Mountain Arts Center
Wind Orchestra