How to Attend the Atlanta Wind Symphony

The Atlanta Wind Symphony is one of the most respected and enduring ensembles in the southeastern United States, renowned for its dynamic performances, commitment to original wind literature, and deep community engagement. Unlike traditional orchestras, wind symphonies focus exclusively on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments, creating a rich, resonant sound that is both powerful and nuanced. Attending a performance by the Atlanta Wind Symphony is more than just an evening of musicits an immersive cultural experience that connects audiences with the artistry of American wind band tradition.

For newcomers, the idea of attending a wind symphony concert may seem unfamiliar or even intimidating. Where do you begin? How do you choose the right performance? What should you expect when you walk through the doors? This guide is designed to demystify the entire processfrom finding upcoming concerts to selecting the best seating, preparing for the event, and maximizing your enjoyment afterward. Whether youre a lifelong music lover, a student exploring classical genres, or someone seeking meaningful cultural experiences in the Atlanta area, this comprehensive tutorial will equip you with everything you need to attend and appreciate a performance by the Atlanta Wind Symphony with confidence and enthusiasm.

Step-by-Step Guide

Attending a performance by the Atlanta Wind Symphony involves a series of clear, actionable steps. Following this guide ensures youll have a seamless, rewarding experience from the moment you decide to go to the final applause.

Step 1: Research Upcoming Performances

The first step in attending any concert is knowing when and where performances are scheduled. The Atlanta Wind Symphony typically holds its main season concerts between September and May, with additional special events during holidays and community festivals.

Visit the official website of the Atlanta Wind Symphony at atlantawindsymphony.org. On the homepage, navigate to the Season or Concerts section. Here, youll find a calendar listing each performance, including:

• Date and time of the concert
• Venue name and address
• Program details (pieces to be performed)
• Guest soloists or featured composers
• Special themes (e.g., patriotic, holiday, student-focused)

Subscribe to their email newsletter during your visit. This ensures you receive updates about last-minute changes, ticket releases, or special pre-concert events like composer talks or instrument demonstrations.

Step 2: Choose Your Performance

Not all concerts are the same. The Atlanta Wind Symphony offers a diverse repertoire that spans classical transcriptions, contemporary compositions, film scores, and original wind band literature. Consider your interests when selecting a concert:

• Classical enthusiasts may prefer programs featuring works by Holst, Grainger, or Vaughan Williams.
• Film music lovers should look for concerts themed around John Williams, Howard Shore, or Hans Zimmer.
• Students and educators might enjoy the annual Student Showcase or Youth Concert, often held in collaboration with local high school bands.
• First-time attendees may benefit from the Discovery Concert, which includes program notes and brief commentary from the conductor before each piece.

Read the program descriptions carefully. Many concerts are curated around a themesuch as American Heroes, Music of the Sea, or World Traditionswhich can enhance your appreciation when you understand the context behind the selections.

Step 3: Purchase Tickets

Tickets for Atlanta Wind Symphony concerts are available exclusively through their official website. Avoid third-party resellers, as they may charge inflated prices or sell invalid tickets.

On the concert page, click Buy Tickets. Youll be directed to a secure ticketing portal. Here, you can:

• Select the number of seats (typically 16 per transaction)
• Choose your seating section (orchestra, mezzanine, or balcony)
• Apply any available discounts (senior, student, military, or group rates)
• Select digital or print-at-home delivery

General admission tickets typically range from $20 to $45, while premium seats near the front or center may cost up to $65. Student tickets are often available for $10 with a valid ID. Group discounts (10+ people) are also offeredcontact the box office directly through the websites Contact form for group inquiries.

Pro tip: Tickets for popular concerts, especially holiday or themed events, often sell out weeks in advance. Plan early and consider purchasing season passes, which offer savings of up to 25% and guaranteed seating for all main concerts.

Step 4: Confirm Your Reservation

After purchasing, youll receive an email confirmation with your ticket(s) attached as a PDF. Save this to your phone or print it out. Many venues now use digital ticket scanning, so having the ticket accessible on your mobile device is ideal.

Check the email for any important updates: venue changes, weather-related adjustments, or pre-concert events like a 30-minute Meet the Musicians session that begins one hour before showtime. These are often included free with your ticket and offer a rare opportunity to see the instruments up close and ask questions.

Step 5: Plan Your Transportation and Arrival

The Atlanta Wind Symphony performs at several venues throughout the metro area, including:

• High Museum of Arts Stent Family Hall Modern acoustics, downtown location
• Emory Universitys Schwartz Center for Performing Arts Excellent sightlines, ample parking
• Atlanta Symphony Hall (occasional co-productions) Iconic venue, elevated experience
• Local high school auditoriums Community-focused, intimate settings

Use Google Maps or Waze to check traffic and parking options ahead of time. Most venues offer free parking, but spaces fill quickly. Arrive at least 45 minutes before curtain time to allow for:

• Finding parking
• Walking to the venue entrance
• Passing through security (if applicable)
• Locating your seat
• Reading the program booklet

Arriving early also gives you time to enjoy the pre-concert ambiancemany venues feature displays of composer biographies, instrument exhibits, or student artwork related to the program.

Step 6: Understand Concert Etiquette

While wind symphony concerts are more relaxed than traditional symphony performances, there are still basic courtesies that enhance the experience for everyone.

• Turn off all devices. Even silent notifications can be distracting in a quiet hall.
• Do not clap between movements. Most pieces are divided into multiple movements. Wait until the conductor lowers their arms and turns to face the audience before applauding.
• Respect the silence. Whispering, rustling programs, or unwrapping candy can disrupt the music. Save snacks and drinks for intermission.
• Photography is allowed before and after the concert. Flash photography and video recording are prohibited during the performance.
• Stay seated during the entire performance. If you must leave, wait for intermission or a natural pause in the music.

These practices show respect for the musicians and fellow audience members. The Atlanta Wind Symphony prides itself on creating a welcoming, inclusive environmentyour consideration helps maintain that spirit.

Step 7: Engage During and After the Performance

Dont just listenengage. Many concerts include program notes printed in your booklet. Read them before the music begins. They often explain the historical context, instrumentation choices, or emotional intent behind each piece.

During the performance, pay attention to the conductors gestures. Notice how they cue specific sectionshow the clarinets enter softly after a brass crescendo, or how the percussionist uses mallets versus sticks to change texture. These details reveal the artistry behind the sound.

After the concert, consider staying for the Meet the Musicians reception (if offered). This informal gathering allows you to thank performers, ask questions about their instruments, or even try a small wind instrument yourself. Many musicians are passionate about education and love sharing their journey.

Step 8: Reflect and Share Your Experience

Take a few moments after the concert to reflect. What piece moved you the most? Did you discover a new composer? Did the performance change how you hear wind instruments?

Consider writing a brief review on Google or the Atlanta Wind Symphonys Facebook page. Your feedback helps the organization understand audience preferences and plan future seasons. Sharing your experience with friends, especially those unfamiliar with wind band music, can help grow the community and ensure the ensembles continued success.

Best Practices

Attending a concert isnt just about showing upits about preparing to receive the music fully. These best practices will elevate your experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

1. Prepare Your Ears

Just as you might stretch before a run, preparing your listening muscles enhances your enjoyment. In the 24 hours before the concert, listen to one or two pieces from the upcoming program. YouTube and Spotify are excellent resources. Search for Atlanta Wind Symphony [piece name] to find recordings by the ensemble or similar professional wind bands.

For example, if the concert includes Symphony No. 2 by Alfred Reed, listen to a recording beforehand. Youll notice nuances youd otherwise misshow the French horn solo is layered over a pulsing snare drum, or how the clarinet choir echoes a folk melody from the 19th century.

2. Dress Comfortably, Not Formally

Unlike opera or ballet, wind symphony concerts are not black-tie events. Most attendees wear business casual or smart casual attirethink slacks and a blouse, a button-down shirt, or a nice dress. Avoid strong perfumes or colognes, as they can distract other audience members.

Bring a light sweater or shawl. Performance halls are often kept cool to preserve instrument integrity, especially woodwinds. Youll be more comfortable and focused if youre not shivering.

3. Bring a Notebook or Journal

Many concertgoers find that writing down their thoughts during or after the performance deepens their connection to the music. Jot down:

• Which instrument stood out to you?
• What emotion did the music evoke?
• Was there a moment that gave you chills?

Over time, this becomes a personal archive of your musical growth. You may even begin to recognize patterns in your preferencesperhaps youre drawn to music with strong rhythmic drive, or you respond most to lyrical melodies.

4. Explore the Instrumentation

Wind symphonies use a wide array of instruments rarely seen in orchestral settings. Pay attention to the saxophone section, the euphonium, the tuba, the percussion battery (which may include timpani, snare, bass drum, xylophone, and even wind chimes or temple blocks).

Before the concert, do a quick online search: What instruments are in a wind symphony? Youll discover how unique the ensemble isno violins, no cellos, no harp. The entire sound world is built from breath and vibration. Understanding this helps you appreciate the complexity of the arrangements.

5. Attend Multiple Concerts

One concert is a glimpse. Three concerts reveal a pattern. The Atlanta Wind Symphonys programming evolves each season, and attending multiple performances allows you to hear how the ensemble interprets different stylesfrom military marches to avant-garde contemporary works.

Consider attending a student concert and a mainstage concert back-to-back. Youll notice how the same piece can sound radically different when played by advanced professionals versus dedicated high school musicians. This contrast deepens your understanding of musical interpretation and technical mastery.

6. Support the Ensemble Beyond the Ticket

Attendance is vital, but so is sustained support. Consider:

• Donating directly through the websiteeven $10 helps fund instrument repairs and new sheet music.
• Volunteering at events, such as helping with ushering or distributing programs.
• Encouraging your workplace, school, or community group to sponsor a concert.

Wind symphonies operate on tight budgets. Your involvement helps ensure their longevity and artistic freedom.

Tools and Resources

Maximizing your experience with the Atlanta Wind Symphony requires more than just a ticket. These curated tools and resources will deepen your understanding, enhance your preparation, and connect you with a broader community of wind music enthusiasts.

Official Website: atlantawindsymphony.org

The cornerstone of all information. Updated weekly, the site includes:

• Full concert calendar with downloadable PDF programs
• Biographies of the conductor and musicians
• Historical background on each commissioned work
• Links to live-streamed performances (for those unable to attend in person)

Bookmark this siteits your one-stop hub for everything related to the ensemble.

Program Notes Archive

Each concert program includes detailed notes written by the conductor or guest scholars. These are often more insightful than liner notes in recordings. Save digital copies in a folder labeled Atlanta Wind Symphony Programs on your computer or cloud drive. Over time, youll build a personal library of musical analysis.

Spotify and Apple Music Playlists

Search for Atlanta Wind Symphony on streaming platforms. The ensemble has official playlists featuring past performances. Create your own playlist titled Concert Prep: [Date] and add the pieces youll hear. Listening to them in order helps your brain anticipate structure and themes.

YouTube Channel: Atlanta Wind Symphony

The ensemble maintains an active YouTube presence with full concert recordings, behind-the-scenes rehearsals, and interviews with composers. Watch a full performance before attending a live oneyoull notice details you didnt catch the first time, like how the bassoonist breathes between phrases or how the timpanist uses different sticks for dynamics.

Books for Deeper Understanding

For those seeking to go beyond the concert hall, consider these foundational texts:

• The Wind Band: A History by Frank B. Wideman Traces the evolution of wind ensembles from military bands to concert institutions.
• American Wind Band Music: A Catalogue of Original Works by David G. Gier An exhaustive reference of compositions written for wind symphony, including premiere dates and instrumentation.
• Listening to Wind Music by James F. Keene A guide to interpreting structure, harmony, and timbre in wind band repertoire.

Many of these books are available through your local public library or as free PDFs via university music departments.

Mobile Apps

• Encore: Concert Program A free app that displays digital programs synchronized with live audio (if available).
• Shazam Use it during intermission to identify unfamiliar pieces you heard.
• Google Arts & Culture Explore virtual exhibits on American band history and famous wind composers.

Local Music Organizations

Connect with other Atlanta-based music lovers through:

• Atlanta Music Club Hosts monthly listening sessions and guest lectures.
• Georgia Music Educators Association Offers free public concerts and educational panels.
• Friends of the Atlanta Wind Symphony A volunteer group that organizes post-concert receptions and donor events.

Joining these communities turns a solitary concert experience into a shared cultural journey.

Real Examples

Understanding how others have experienced the Atlanta Wind Symphony provides valuable context. Here are three real-life examples that illustrate the diversity of audience engagement.

Example 1: Maria, 68 Retired Music Teacher

Maria attended her first Atlanta Wind Symphony concert in 2019 after her husband passed away. I hadnt been to a live concert in 15 years, she says. I went to the American Masters concert because I remembered teaching Coplands Lincoln Portrait in my classroom.

She sat in the front row, took notes, and later wrote a letter to the conductor thanking him for including The Unanswered Question by Ives. It brought back memories of my students struggling to understand silence in music, she explains. That night, I realized I still belonged in this world.

Maria now volunteers at every student concert, helping distribute programs and chatting with teens about their practice routines. The music didnt just fill the hall, she says. It filled my heart again.

Example 2: Jamal, 19 College Music Major

Jamal, a trombone student at Georgia State University, attended his first wind symphony concert as part of a class assignment. I thought wind bands were just for marching, he admits. But when they played Toccata for Percussion and Winds by David Maslanka, I was stunned. The way the marimba danced under the brass Id never heard anything like it.

He began attending every concert, eventually applying for a student internship with the ensemble. I shadowed the librarian for a semester, he says. I learned how they choose music, how they adapt arrangements for different venues, how they budget for reeds and valves.

Jamal now teaches private lessons and leads a youth wind ensemble. The Atlanta Wind Symphony showed me what professional excellence looks like. I didnt just go to a concertI found my calling.

Example 3: The Rivera Family First-Time Attendees

The Rivera familyparents Luis and Elena, and their two children, ages 10 and 12attended the Holiday Pops concert as a special Christmas treat. We dont usually go to classical music, Luis says. But we saw a flyer at the library and thought, Why not?

The children were captivated by the percussion section. They had a drum set, a glockenspiel, and even a bass drum that looked like a giant tire! says 10-year-old Sofia. I wanted to play them all.

After the concert, the family bought a recording of the performance and played it during car rides. Now we have a new tradition, Elena says. Every December, we listen to the holiday program and talk about our favorite parts. My kids ask if we can go again next year.

The Riveras story is not uncommon. The Atlanta Wind Symphony has intentionally designed family-friendly concerts to welcome audiences of all backgroundsand the results speak for themselves.

FAQs

Do I need to know anything about classical music to attend?

No. The Atlanta Wind Symphony designs its programs to be accessible to everyone. Program notes are written in clear language, and many concerts include short explanations from the conductor before each piece. You dont need to know the difference between a clarinet and a saxophone to feel moved by the music.

Are children allowed at concerts?

Yes. The ensemble offers special Family Concerts designed for younger audiences, with shorter runtimes (60 minutes), interactive elements, and colorful visuals. For mainstage concerts, children over age 6 are welcome, but parents are asked to ensure they can sit quietly. Many families bring small activity books or quiet toys for intermission.

Can I bring food or drinks into the venue?

Food and drinks are not permitted in the performance hall. Most venues have a lobby with water stations and snack bars open before the concert and during intermission. Enjoy a drink or light snack then.

What if Im late to the concert?

Most venues have a late policy: patrons are seated during natural breaks in the program, typically after the first piece or during intermission. If you arrive late, ushers will guide you to your seat at the appropriate time. Dont worryyou wont be turned away.

Are the concerts accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes. All venues are ADA-compliant, with wheelchair-accessible seating, assistive listening devices, and large-print programs available upon request. Contact the box office at least 48 hours in advance to arrange accommodations.

Can I record the concert on my phone?

Photography and video recording during the performance are not permitted. This protects the rights of the composers and musicians. However, youre welcome to take photos before the concert or during the reception afterward.

Is there a dress code?

No formal dress code exists. Most attendees wear business casual attire. Comfort is keywear what makes you feel at ease so you can focus on the music.

How long do concerts last?

Mainstage concerts typically run 90100 minutes, including a 1520 minute intermission. Family and student concerts are usually 6075 minutes with no intermission.

Can I buy tickets at the door?

Yes, if tickets remain available. However, many concerts sell out in advance, especially during the holiday season. Purchasing online is strongly recommended.

What if I have a question after the concert?

Send an email to the organization via their websites contact form. The staff and musicians are passionate about their work and often respond personally to thoughtful questions or comments.

Conclusion

Attending the Atlanta Wind Symphony is not merely an act of consumptionits an act of participation. You are not just a spectator; you are part of a living tradition that honors craftsmanship, community, and the expressive power of the human breath. Each note played by the ensemble carries the weight of history, the energy of the present, and the promise of the future.

From the first time you open the program booklet to the final bow of the conductor, every moment is an invitationto listen deeply, to feel openly, and to connect with others through the universal language of music. The Atlanta Wind Symphony doesnt just perform concerts; it cultivates spaces where people from all walks of life can come together, united by sound.

By following this guide, youve taken the first steps toward becoming an informed, engaged, and passionate audience member. You now know how to find the right concert, prepare your senses, navigate the venue, and honor the artistry on stage. But more than thatyouve learned that music is not passive. It requires presence. It demands attention. And in return, it offers transformation.

So go ahead. Buy your ticket. Arrive early. Sit quietly. Listen. Let the music move through you. And when the final chord fades, know that youve done more than attend a performanceyouve honored a legacy, supported an art form, and added your voice to the chorus of those who believe in the enduring power of wind music.