Junior Wind Ensemble

This 70-member ensemble for woodwind, brass and percussion players is open to students in grades 6 through 9 and plays high level wind ensemble literature.  Some of the more advanced JWE players may be invited to work with MYSO's Sinfonia ensemble during the second half of the season, to rehearse and perform full orchestra repertoire in the Junior Symphony Orchestra.  This is an excellent opportunity for young wind, brass and percussion players to broaden their musical exposure, gain playing time and more!

Music Director

Thomas Dvorak

Mr. Dvorak was the Professor of Music and Director of University Bands at UW-Milwaukee from 1979—2007. He has appeared with the UWM Bands throughout the United States, Europe and Australia. He also served as long-time director of the UW-Milwaukee Youth Wind Ensemble Program. Professor Dvorak maintains an active guest conducting and lecturing schedule; he has appeared at all-state bands, universities and intercollegiate bands in the United States, England, Belgium, France, Japan, Canada and Australia. He has received numerous awards, including the “Outstanding Secondary Educator of America” in 1974, and has five times been presented the “Citation of Excellence” by the National Band Association. He has authored many articles about repertoire, composers and conducting; he also served as the principal author of a series entitled Best Music for High School Bands/Wind Ensembles, Best Music for Middle School Bands, Best Music for Beginning Bands. He was co-editor and author of Teaching Music Through Performance in Beginning Band, for which he also recorded the accompanying repertoire, as well as a series entitled Classics for Wind Ensemble/Symphony Band.

Assistant Conductor

Nick Carlson

Nicholas J. Carlson is a graduate associate for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee band department. He is pursuing a Master of Music with dual concentration in instrumental conducting and clarinet performance under the direction of John Climer and Todd Levy respectively. Mr. Carlson serves as a graduate conducting associate with the University Band and UWM Youth Wind Ensembles, and assists with the overall administration of the university band program. He is an active educator and freelance clarinetist in the Midwest and performs regularly throughout the Milwaukee area. In April of 2009 he performed the Artie Shaw Clarinet Concert with the UW-Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Prior to moving to Milwaukee, Mr. Carlson attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where he earned his bachelor's degree in music education. Mr. Carlson taught instrumental music in the La Crosse Area School District and maintained a sizable private woodwind studio.