University Bands

Wind Symphony

The NM State Wind Symphony is a band of 50 highly qualified graduate and undergraduate students, chosen by audition, and performs a varied repertoire of the highest quality literature for winds. Members of the Wind Symphony will also perform concerts of chamber winds repertoire each semester. The Wind Symphony is dedicated to professional level performance while fostering the musical growth of its members. The ensemble has performed throughout the southwest including the New Mexico Music Educators Conference and the Southwest Division of the College Band Directors National Association. The group has been active in the commission of new works and has participated in numerous collaborative commission projects including new band works by Michael Torke, David Maslanka, David Gillingham, and Jack Stamp. Most recently, the ensemble was the first band from the United States to be featured at the National Band Festival in Paipa, Colombia. The band is under the direction of Dr. Christopher Hughes, Director of Bands at NM State University.

Symphonic Band

The NM State Symphonic Band provides a challenging musical environment for skilled performers by programming repertoire that ranges from works for chamber winds, to standards of the band literature, to brand-new works for the medium. This ensemble plays the finest of band literature and performs several times during the academic year, including commencement ceremonies in May. The band's membership is determined by audition and is under the direction of Ms. Ingrid Larragoity.

Beginning this Fall semester (2013), the Symphonic Band will be rehearsing and performing throughout the academic year.

Campus Band

Campus Band meets only each spring semester and membership is open to all students who can play a wind or percussion instrument. This is a non-auditioned band that represents a cross section of the student body at NM State and is comprised of non-music majors and music education majors who seek an opportunity to perform on secondary instruments. Campus Band performs one concert during the spring semester and is conducted by the Graduate Conducting Associates.