Wind Orchestra on stage

Upcoming Events

Stage and Screen

Cal Poly Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble

Saturday, October 10 - 7:30 p.m.

Miossi Hall, Performing Arts Center

Join the Cal Poly Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble for an evening of unforgettable music from the stage and screen. This exciting concert celebrates some of the most beloved cinematic scores ever written, featuring selections from the legendary John Williams catalogue, including music from Star Wars, The Cowboys, Far and Away and Harry Potter. Audiences will also experience the grandeur and brilliance of Gustav Holst’s iconic Jupiter from The Planets, a masterpiece that has inspired generations of composers and film scorers alike. From sweeping adventures and magical worlds to majestic symphonic traditions, this program promises an inspiring journey through music that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.

Details and Tickets

Mustang Band on stage

Bandfest!

Cal Poly Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Mustang Marching Band

Friday, November 13 - 7:30 p.m.

Miossi Hall, Performing Arts Center

The Cal Poly Bands continue the season with works that have served as a foundation for the medium of concert band music along with new music that highlights the agility of the modern wind band. Among the works on the program are selections from Igor Stravinsky’s music for The Firebird and Tyler Harrison’s Concerto for Soprano Saxophone, featuring guest artist Nick May.

The powerful Pride of the Pacific Mustang Marching Band will make an appearance and fill the hall with highlights from their appearances in support of Cal Poly Athletics.

Details and Tickets


Band and Orchestra Festival

Festival: Day 2

Cal Poly Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble

Saturday, April 3 - 7:30 p.m.

Miossi Hall, Performing Arts Center

The Cal Poly Band and Orchestra Festival brings together outstanding student musicians from across the region for two days of inspiring performances, collaboration, and musical excellence. The festival culminates each evening with featured concerts by Cal Poly’s premier instrumental ensembles. On April 2, the celebration concludes with an exciting performance by Cal Poly Jazz in Spanos Theater. The second day, April 3, features a grand finale concert showcasing the Cal Poly Symphony and Bands in a program spanning beloved classics and cinematic favorites. Audiences will enjoy music by Sergei Rachmaninoff and John Williams, highlighting the artistry, versatility, and energy of Cal Poly’s distinguished music ensembles. Join us for this dynamic festival experience celebrating the power of music and performance.

Details and Tickets

 


Mustang Band on stage

Open House Collage

Cal Poly Ensembles

Saturday, April 10 - 7:30 p.m.

Miossi Hall, Performing Arts Center

Experience the vibrant musical community of Cal Poly at the annual Open House Collage Concert, featuring performances by a diverse array of Music Department student ensembles. This fast-paced showcase highlights the talent and creativity of Cal Poly musicians through performances by the Choirs, Symphony, Wind Bands, Arab Music Ensemble, and Jazz ensembles. Designed especially for prospective students and their families, the concert offers a glimpse into the many opportunities available to student musicians from every academic major. Whether performing classical masterworks, jazz standards, global traditions, or contemporary repertoire, Cal Poly students demonstrate how music remains an integral part of the university experience. Join us for an inspiring celebration of artistic excellence, collaboration, and the unique ways students can stay engaged in music while pursuing any field of study.

Details and Tickets

band on stage

Song and Dance

Cal Poly Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble

Sunday, May 16 - 3:00 p.m.

Miossi Hall, Performing Arts Center

Celebrate the conclusion of the Cal Poly Wind Bands’ 2026–27 season with Song and Dance, a program exploring music’s power to move both body and spirit. The concert features selections from Chris Holmquist’s A New Orleans Symphony, a vibrant tribute to the rhythms, colors, and cultural traditions of one of America’s most musical cities. The evening culminates with Maurice Ravel’s electrifying La Valse, a dazzling and ferocious masterpiece that transforms the elegance of the Viennese waltz into a whirlwind of sound and spectacle. Joining the Wind Bands for this special performance, the Cal Poly Choirs will present Johannes Brahms’s deeply expressive Begräbnisgesang, a lush and moving work that offers moments of reflection and beauty. Together, these powerful works create a fitting finale to a season of artistry, collaboration, and musical discovery.

Details and Tickets

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.