University Bands

If you have experience on a wind instrument, we hope you will consider performing in one of our fine wind bands. The Radford University Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Campus & Community Band and Chamber Winds, under the direction of Dr. Shelley Axelson, provide music majors and non-majors with wonderful performance opportunities throughout the academic year. The Davis Performance Hall in the Douglas and Bea Covington Center for Visual and Performing Arts serves as home for the Radford University Bands, featuring rehearsal halls and a state of the art performance spaces.

The Radford University Wind Ensemble has performed throughout the Southeastern United States at various universities, conferences, high schools, and community events. Most recently, the University Wind Ensemble toured Ireland and collaborated with the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin. Numerous compositions have been commissioned and/or premiered by the Radford University Wind Bands including new works by; Michael Burritt, Mark Camphouse, John Dupuis, Wayne Gallops, Jeffrey Midkiff, David Phillips, Alfred Reed, and Adam Silverman.

Band members also perform in mixed Chamber Wind and Percussion ensembles, jazz ensembles, and enjoy encouraging our division I Big South athletic teams through participation in the RU “Red Alert” Pep Band.

Placement in the Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band is through audition during the first week of classes.

Wind Symphony

The University Wind Symphony is a large wind band conducted by Dr. Shelley Axelson and is comprised of fine wind and percussion players on campus. The wind symphony programs standard band works and transcriptions. Membership is through audition. MUSC 310 (1): Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 3-4:00 p.m in the Fall and Spring Semester. Seating Auditions take plase during the first week of classes each semester.

Wind Ensemble

The University Wind Ensemble is conducted by Dr. Shelley Axelson and is comprised of the finest wind and percussion players on campus. The wind ensemble programs substantial band works and transcriptions. Membership is through audition. MUSC 310 (1): Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 3-4:00 p.m in the Fall Semester. Seating Auditions take plase during the first week of classes each semester.

Symphonic Band

Membership in the Symphonic Band is through informal audition. Any music major or non-major may seek a position in this fine ensemble. The symphonic band is under the direction of Dr. Axelson and graduate and undergraduate conducting assistants. Concerts are scheduled in the Fall semester. MUSC 310 (2): Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4:00 to 5 p.m in the Fall Semester. Seating Auditions take plase during the first week of classes each semester.

Campus & Community Band

Membership in the Campus Band requires no audition. Any music major or non-major and some community members may seek a position in this ensemble. The Campus Band is under the direction of Dr. Axelson, graduate and undergraduate conducting assistants, and other music faculty. A Concert is scheduled each Spring semester. MUSC 310 (2): Wednesday 6:30pm - 8pm in the Spring Semester. interested musicians should contact Dr. Axelson's office before or at the beginning of the Spring Semester at saxelson1@radford.edu

Pep Band

Radford students enjoy encouraging our Division I Big South athletic teams through participation in the "Red Alert" Pep Band. The pep band performs for a number of home games and some postseason tournaments. Volunteer positions in the pep band are open to all Radford University students. Contact Dr. Dayl Burnett (Director of Pep Band) for more information.

Chamber Wind Ensembles

Music majors are assigned to various chamber wind ensembles that meet and perform in conjunction with wind ensemble rehearsals and performances.

Band Staff

Dr. Shelley Axelson  Interim Director of University Bands

CJ Rader - Graduate Conducting Assistant

Carlissa Martin – Library

Briggs Robinson – Equipment