The wind band evolution of the 1950s

This creative project discusses the significant change in instrumentation, culture, and the increase in the number of new compositions that affected the wind band culture in the 1950s. First, the pre-1950s large symphonic bands, as were in use at such academic institutions as the University of Illinois and the University of Michigan, are chronicled. Also examined relevant to this time period are the contributions of Edwin Franko Goldman, and the creation of the College Band Directors National Association and Mid-West National Band Clinic as organizations for the advocacy and advancement of the wind band. Frederick Fennell’s founding of the Eastman Wind Ensemble in 1952, which greatly diminished instrumentation while also making it flexible, serves as the catalyst for the evolution of the American wind band as it distances itself from the influence of the symphony orchestra. Despite some reluctance and resistance from many conductors, Fennell’s ideas spread, and led to the commissioning of a great deal of new original band compositions. The Eastman Wind Ensemble’s twenty-four recordings released by Mercury records helped to disseminate a great deal of new and old repertoire to band conductors in a way never before available.