Enjoy an afternoon filled with toe-tapping tunes from the Piedmont Wind Symphony German Band, paired with the festive flavors of traditional German beers and brats. This performance blends spirited symphonic music with the fun and flavor of Oktoberfest, creating a perfect afternoon of music, food, and community cheer. Don’t miss out on this unique fusion of great music and classic Oktoberfest treats!

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Oktoberfest Lewisville

Incendiary Brewing & Winery

Oktoberfest Greensboro

Incendiary Brewing Greensboro

Experience the charm and vitality of American music in an intimate new chamber series at Piedmont Pops in Lewisville, featuring the American Music Ensemble. Drawing on the rich traditions of ragtime, marches, and early Americana, this distinctive group brings to life the sounds of composers like Scott Joplin and John Philip Sousa with an authentic and engaging style. From the syncopated rhythms of The Entertainer and Maple Leaf Rag to the bold spirit of The Stars and Stripes Forever, the program is filled with energy, nostalgia, and irresistible toe-tapping moments. Performed by faculty and alumni of the UNC School of the Arts, the ensemble offers a vibrant and inviting musical experience that celebrates the roots of American popular music.

Ragtime

Venture Cafe Winston-Salem - Bailey Power Plant

Prepare to journey to a galaxy far, far away as Piedmont Wind Symphony presents The Music of Star Wars, an immersive evening of music, characters, costumes, lights, and fun, all in support of a great cause!​

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Experience the excitement and adventure of John Williams’ legendary Star Wars music performed live by the Piedmont Wind Symphony. From soaring heroic themes to the unmistakable sounds of the Dark Side, we’ll bring the music of this beloved galaxy to life with a concert experience designed for Star Wars fans of all ages.

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And this won’t be your ordinary symphony concert! The venue will come alive with special lighting and familiar characters from the Star Wars universe, and even our musicians are joining in the fun by dressing as their favorite characters. Audience members are encouraged to get into the spirit, too, so dust off your Jedi robes, channel your inner princess, droid, Wookiee, or Sith Lord, and come in costume!

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The Force doesn’t stop there. Guests will also have the opportunity to enter to win four exciting raffle baskets filled with goodies donated by supporters and local businesses.

The Music of Star Wars

Celebrate 250 years of the American spirit with Piedmont Wind Symphony at a spectacular twilight concert under the summer sky. This special Piedmont Pops performance brings together a vibrant mix of patriotic favorites, iconic American music, and high-energy pops selections that capture the sound of a nation across generations.

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As daylight fades into evening, audiences will experience a musical journey that is both reflective and celebratory, honoring the past while looking ahead to the future. From beloved classics to contemporary favorites, this program is designed to engage, entertain, and bring the community together.

 

Perfect for all ages, this free outdoor concert invites you to bring a chair, gather with friends and family, and enjoy an unforgettable night of music under the stars as we celebrate America at 250.

Labor Day Weekend

A powerful program that bridges sound, imagery, and urgent storytelling. Mussorgsky’s iconic Pictures at an Exhibition is brought to life with film, transforming this classic suite into a multi-sensory journey through music and art.

Paired with it is The Bird-While by Gala Flagello, a 2024 Sousa-ABA Ostwald Composition Contest finalist. This striking concerto for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and winds—based on Keith Taylor’s poem “Acolytes in the Bird-While”—explores the beauty of Michigan’s ecosystems and the human struggle to persist in the face of climate change. Featuring guest soloists from "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, this performance brings extraordinary artistry to a message of environmental urgency.

Pictures at an Exhibition

Wake Forest University

Get ready to dance at Disco Inferno—a high-energy concert experience that brings the glittering grooves of the '70s to life with a symphonic twist! Featuring iconic hits from disco legends like Donna Summer, Crystal Gayle, KC and the Sunshine Band, and Ohio Players, this electrifying evening will have you dancing in your seat—or on the dance floor.

Attendees are encouraged to dress to impress in their best disco getup—think bell bottoms, sequins, platform shoes, and plenty of sparkle. It’s more than a concert—it’s a party. Come ready to move, sing, and strut your stuff under the disco ball with PWS!

Disco Inferno

The Ramkat

A bold fusion of music and metaphor, James Syler’s Symphony No. 1 “Blue” is a deeply moving work for soprano, chorus, and wind ensemble—part symphony, part oratorio, and wholly transformative. Structured in five movements and rooted in a narrative text, this choral symphony explores the spiritual arc of a modern soul navigating despair, stillness, revelation, and ultimately, renewal.

Inspired by literary figures such as Joseph Conrad’s Kurtz and the poetic voice of T.S. Eliot, Syler constructs a powerful meditation on inner emptiness and the mysterious process of change. The symphony follows a chiastic form (ABCBA), mirroring a descent into hopelessness and an ascent toward spiritual awakening. Each movement—Impending Blue, Dark Blue, Fading Blue, Still Point Blue, and True Blue—marks a stage in this emotional and philosophical journey.

The world premiere of Rivers Ascending by James Syler is a striking new concerto that reimagines the tuba as a vessel of transformation. Inspired by the metaphor of water rising against gravity, the work explores the tuba’s surprising lyrical and virtuosic range—challenging expectations and defying limitations. Like rivers ascending into steam, the tuba emerges from the depths to soar, sing, and tell a story of renewal and possibility.

Syler Symphony  No.1 "Blue"

Spice up your holiday season with the Piedmont Wind Symphony's "Boogie Winter Wonderland"—the ultimate date night for music lovers and boogie connoisseurs! This electrifying evening transforms holiday hits and timeless classics into a funky, soul-filled celebration perfect for those looking to shake up their seasonal traditions.

From the smooth grooves of Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September/December” and “Boogie Wonderland” to the festive charm of “Winter Wonderland” and “Sleigh Ride” reimagined with a bold, brass-driven twist, this concert delivers an unforgettable experience. Add in the sultry vibe of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” and the powerhouse energy of “What Is Hip,” and you’ve got the perfect soundtrack for a festive night out.

Whether you're a funk fanatic or just looking for a unique way to celebrate, this is the holiday date night you’ve been waiting for. Grab your partner, friends, and family, hit the dance floor, and let Piedmont Wind Symphony bring the groove to your holidays!

Boogie Winter Wonderland Returns

Step into Middle-earth as Piedmont Wind Symphony brings to life Johan de Meij’s Symphony No. 1 The Lord of the Rings, a powerful musical journey inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic fantasy epic. Composed in 1988 and winner of the prestigious Sudler Composition Award in 1989, this groundbreaking work was the first symphony ever written specifically for concert band by de Meij.

Structured in five evocative movements, de Meij’s symphony captures the spirit and mystery of Tolkien’s world—from the commanding presence of Gandalf to the shimmering beauty of Lothlórien, the tragic duality of Gollum, the perilous Journey in the Dark, and the warm-hearted resilience of the Hobbits. With vivid orchestration and dramatic storytelling, this performance promises an unforgettable adventure for Tolkien fans and symphonic music lovers alike.

The Lord of the Rings

Oktoberfest

The high-energy, family-friendly concert series lighting up Downtown Winston-Salem and Lewisville is back! These free-to-the-public performances bring the magic of live music right to the heart of the community, featuring everything from iconic movie scores and toe-tapping Broadway hits to patriotic favorites and crowd-pleasing live music trivia. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time listener, there's something for everyone at Piedmont Pops. Bring a chair, bring a friend, and experience the soundtrack of your summer!

Mark A. Norman

Events

Past events

Oct 4, 2026

Oktoberfest Lewisville · Piedmont Wind Symphony

Oct 3, 2026

Oktoberfest Greensboro · Piedmont Wind Symphony

Future and recently performed repertoire

Conductor in Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky

Piedmont Wind Symphony

Conductor in Fanfare Ritmico by Higdon

Piedmont Wind Symphony

Conductor in Rivers Ascending by Syler

Piedmont Wind Symphony

Conductor in Symphony No. 1 by Syler

Piedmont Wind Symphony

Conductor in The Bird-While by Flagello

Piedmont Wind Symphony

About

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