Cypress bay high school sound of thunder & color guard

Sound of Thunder Wind Ensemble

Wind Ensemble is the highest-level band in the program, requiring hard work and advanced levels of musicianship, discipline, and dedication. It is mandated that members of the top band lead by example and are role models to others. Musicians must audition in the Spring to be considered for Wind Ensemble, and because of delicate instrumentation, auditions can be very competitive.

This year’s Wind Ensemble (2023-2024) performed “Entry March of the Boyars,” “Riften Wed,” “Of Endless Miles and Empty Rafts,” and “Imaginarium” for the 2024 Spring Concert! This year’s Wind Ensemble is pictured above at the 2024 Spring Concert, in which The French Horns were named the Best Section of the Year! Several spectacular seniors are graduating, but many underclassmen are ready to fill in their shoes. Stay tuned for the 2024-2025 Wind Ensemble!

This year’s Wind Ensemble (2023-2024) earned an overall “Superior” at the district level after performing the pieces “Pageantry March,” “Excerpts from “Appalachian Spring”,” and “The Hounds of Spring” and taking part in sight reading on March 14. The Student Conductor also earned a “Superior” on stage! The Wind Ensemble advanced to perform at the State Level on April 30, and earned the prestigious Otto J. Kraushaar Award as well as STRAIGHT SUPERIORS!!! The links above are to the Wind Ensemble’s performance at states!!!

This year’s Wind Ensemble (2023-2024) performed “A Hannukah Festival,” “Minor Alterations,” “A Christmas Festival,” at the 2023 Winter Concert, and played “It’s the Holiday Season” as a joint tune with chorus! This year’s Wind Ensemble is pictured at the 2023 Winter Concert!

This past year’s Wind Ensemble (2022-2023) earned an overall “Superior” at the district level after performing the extraordinary pieces “Esprit de Corps,” “Firefly,” and “Sketches on a Tudor Psalm,” and taking part in sight reading on March 9. Our SUPERIOR Student Drum Major conducted the piece “Lindbergh Variations.” On April 22, the Wind Ensemble performed at the State MPA, where they earned an overall rating of “Excellent;” they performed the same pieces except for switching out “Esprit de Corps” with “The New Colossus March.” The clickable youtube video links are from the state performance!

Pictured below was this past year’s Wind Ensemble through both MPAs, along with a picture of the best section of the year, The Saxophones!!!

Our Wind Ensemble from the 2021-2022 school year earned an overall “Superior” at the district level after performing the extraordinary pieces “Amparito Roca,” “Symphonic Dance No. 3 “Fiesta”,” and “El Camino Real,” and taking part in sight reading on 3/10. Our SUPERIOR Student Drum Major conducted the piece “Lindbergh Variations.”  On April 30, the Wind Ensemble performed at the State MPA, where they earned an overall rating of “Superior” from every judge!!! The clickable youtube video links are from the state performance! Pictured Below is the Wind Ensemble for the 2021-2022 school year.