Oxford Wind Orchestra

OWO is the university's foremost wind ensemble and so select from only the best instruments. We explore a range of repertoire both originally written for wind orchestras and pieces which have been re-arranged for our novel instrumentation, offering a fresh perspective on some classic works such as Finlandia and Lord of the Rings. OWO's distinct texture of instruments enables us to delve into diverse musical styles, ranging from Birdland to Chen Yi to Vaughan Williams. Our lead and assistant conductors, who are students auditioned and voted in by the orchestra, are also passionate about showcasing the works of underrepresented composers and therefore aim to allow players the experience of performing works outside the Western canon, as well as a number of world premiers! We pay special attention to honing players' musical abilities and communication skills via sectional rehearsals throughout the term as well as separate wind and brass features in our last concert.

We have a concert every term in different venues across the city, such as the Christ Church Cathedral and New Road Baptist Church, and sometimes even across the country! Our annual varsity concerts mean that we join forces with the Cambridge University Wind Orchestra to perform together. This year CUWO will be coming to Oxford- a great opportunity to get to know students from "the other place", as well as to grow artistically under different conducting styles and musical interpretations. 

In Michaelmas 2024, we will be competing in the National Concert Band Festival in Warwick, so wish us luck!

We are a very friendly orchestra and organise socials each term, such as our punting social last Trinity and mini-golf in Michaelmas. Our rehearsals are a lot of fun too, having successfully brought our conductor to the floor in tears (of laughter, I promise).