Last edited: 06/20/2008

The Symphonic Winds

Membership Fee:  $300

Conducted by: Nathan Johnstion

Symphonic Winds, primarily junior and senior high woodwind, brass and percussion students, helps members develop solo and ensemble skills and tone quality necessary for advanced symphonic band or orchestra.  Limited enrollment allows for more individualized training, as well as performance opportunities.  Chair auditions, judged by professional instrumentalists, recognize individual progress.  Nathan JohnstonPrior performances include Patriots Park in Phoenix, Disneyland, a spring concert tour to San Francisco and the Heritage Festival in British Columbia.  Season plans include sectionals and a weekend retreat.

Nathan Johnston has been a musician for nearly 20 years and is proud to return to the Phoenix Symphony Guild in his new role as the conductor of the Symphonic Winds. Previously, Mr. Johnston was a student within the Guild organization, working from Symphonic Winds during its initial years, through Youth Orchestra, even touring through New Zealand.

After completing his B.M. degree at Arizona State University, Mr. Johnston spent the past two years completing his Masters in Music Education degree at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. Working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant there, he served as an instructor, conductor, as well as a guest clinician on behalf of the university.

Mr. Johnston is the new Director of Bands at McClintock High School in the Tempe Union High School District. He continues to work actively as a clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator around the valley. During his tenure with the Symphonic Winds, Mr. Johnston hopes to instill the value of musical experiences in the individual student and share in the development of the opportunities that the Guild can provide young musicians.