Arizona Wind Symphony

The Arizona Wind Symphony (AWS) is a prominent musical ensemble based in Tempe, Arizona, currently celebrating its 23rd season. The symphony is dedicated to providing the local community with an array of musical performances, primarily held at the esteemed Tempe Center for the Arts. The AWS was established under the leadership of conductor William J. Richardson and has grown to feature a 90-member concert band. Although the ensemble experienced a temporary hiatus due to COVID-19, it has since resumed its regular rehearsal and performance schedule, now under the direction of Jon Gomez. The Arizona Wind Symphony is composed of a diverse group of musicians, including professionals, non-professionals, and students, all united by their passion for music and commitment to artistic excellence. As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the AWS receives partial support from the City of Tempe, the Arizona Commission of the Arts, and generous contributions from donors. Conductor Jon Gomez, a National Educational Clinician with over three decades of experience in the music profession, leads the AWS. His career has been marked by significant achievements, including directing bands that have performed at prestigious venues and events such as the World Expo in Shanghai, Carnegie Hall, and the Music for All National Concert Band Festival. Gomez is also an active clinician for Conn-Selmer and adjudicator for Bands of America, and he has served on various committees and associations within the music education community. The founding conductor, William J. "Bill" Richardson, is a revered music educator with more than 30 years of experience in Arizona. His career has been distinguished by his work with several high schools and his involvement as a trombonist with orchestras such as the Tucson Symphony and the Tempe Symphony Orchestra. Richardson has also been instrumental in developing community music programs in Tempe and has been recognized with numerous awards for his contributions to music education. The AWS's home venue, the Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA), is a state-of-the-art facility completed in 2007. It serves as a central hub for the performing and visual arts in the region and is designed to accommodate a variety of audiences, including children's performance groups. The TCA's architecture is a reflection of Tempe's desert landscape and history, offering modern performance spaces that foster intimate interactions between performers and audiences. The Arizona Wind Symphony continues to enrich the cultural fabric of Tempe and its surrounding areas, offering high-caliber musical experiences and fostering a love for the arts within the community.