Wind Orchestra on stage

Support the Wind Bands

We greatly appreciate any donations made to the University Band program. For information on Employer Matching Gifts, please contact the University Advancement Office at (805) 756-2713.

General Wind Bands Giving

The purpose of the Wind Orchestras Instructionally Related Activities fund is to facilitate the annual operational expenses of our concert band program, comprised of both the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. The University is able to provide limited funds to support student learning experiences in our large ensembles. The funding provides for some individual student lessons, purchasing sheet music, commissioning new works for wind bands, guest artist fees, and performance expenses (hall rental and staffing) in the Performing Arts Center.

Specific Needs

Additional funding is needed for

  • New instruments and supplies (mallets, reeds, mouthpieces, etc.)
  • Expenses when performances require special lighting, projection, and effects
  • Guest artist travel and accommodations
  • Local run-out performances travel (biennial)
  • International performance travel (quadrennial)

To support general Wind Bands needs, use the link below.

William V. Johnson Composition Commission

Iota Pi chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi initiated a commission a a new work for wind band. Across the three years of the project, the initiative was led by Kappa Kappa Psi Brother Elizabeth Grulikowski (MU), engaging with alumni of Cal Poly Bands to honor the 44 years of service by Bill "J" Johnson, Cal Poly's Professor Emeritus and Director of Bands from 1966 to 2010.

Iota Pi's efforts resulted in commissioning Dr. Laura M. Kramer to produce a work for symphonic band entitled Imprints That Shine.

In spring 2026, the work was premired by the combined forces of the Cal Poly Wind Bands and the Alumni Symphonic Band, with the Dr. Kramer and Professor Johnson in attendance.

Other Opportunities to Support Music at Cal Poly


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Upcoming Events

  • Fall Auditions

    August 20 - 31.

    General information linked above.

  • Wind Bands Orientation

    7:00PM August 24, Room 216

    Learn about the Wind Bands and Chamber Ensembles

  • Band and Orchestra Festival

    April 2 and 3, 2027

    Guest Ensembles Friday and Saturday beginning at 9AM

    Friday Concert with Cal Poly Jazz 7:30PM

    Saturday Concert with Cal Poly Wind Bands and Symphony

Other events & ticketing

Student Spotlight

Would you like to know more?

All prospective and current Cal Poly students interested in joining the Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band should fill out our Online Interest Form.

We enjoy meeting new students and encourage you to send an email if you have any questions or plan to visit campus. Contact information for directors and all band faculty and staff can be found on our contacts page.