MUNWE is on the move, and in the air, en route to Niagara Falls, ON for @musicfestcanada 2026 🇨🇦
Lucas Upward, J. Benson, Amy Parsons, and Matthew Gabbidon (already in Ontario and missing from the photos 🚗) will be performing as members of the Jack Long Honour Band 🎶
Meanwhile, Dr. Maddix will be serving as an adjudicator at this year’s festival.
Looking forward to a week of proudly representing @musicatmemorial / Newfoundland & Labrador, connecting with musicians from across the country, and making some incredible music!
Still more band to be had this semester! Join the MUN Concert Winds led by Sarah Comerford and grad conducting students Owen Switzer and Halle Forde tomorrow evening at 7:30pm to hear “something borrowed, something new” a program featuring works by James Curow, Ron Nelson, Florence Price, Alfred Reed, Donald Coakley, Robert Sheldon and Carol Brittin Chambers.
Not to be missed!
A true testament to the enduring legacy of MUN Bands. Katherine Dundas Gough began her musical journey with the MUN Concert Band in 1986 at the age of 17, performing under the direction of Dr. Donald Buell and the late Dr. Kjellrun Hestkin. She remained an active member through her graduation in 1993, earning a Bachelor of Music and Music Education. Nearly four decades later, that legacy continues with her son, Ethan Gough, who joined the MUN Wind Ensemble in 2024 at 15 years old (beat Mom’s record!). Now under the direction of Dr. Dylan Maddix, Ethan is proudly carrying forward a family tradition rooted in generations of musical excellence.
Pictured: Katherine alongside her MUN Band director Dr. Donald Buell (1981–2006), and Ethan with his MUN Band director Dr. Dylan Maddix (2023–present). A truly special full‑circle moment!
A huge thank‑you to everyone who joined us for the MUN Wind Ensemble concert, “Momentum | A Celebration of 50 Years of MUN Bands” last night. It was an evening filled with incredible music making, and your presence and support made it all the more special.
A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Donald Buell for sharing a glimpse into the history of MUN Bands and helping us reflect on where our “momentum” truly began. Your passion for building this program and your continued support mean more than words can express. Community, growth, passion, and excellence have been at the heart of MUN Bands from the very beginning, and we are honoured to carry that torch forward for the next 50 years and beyond.
Congratulations as well to 2025 MUN Concerto Competition winner, and @musicatmemorial alum, @j_dashney on a stunning performance of Eric Ewazen’s Bass Trombone Concerto.
Lastly, a huge congrats to the musicians of MUNWE! Bravo!
Are you a high school or Jr High student, or do you know one? We invite you to attend one of our ensemble concerts...for free! Contact us at [email protected] for a complimentary ticket!
This Thursday at 7:30pm, The MUN Wind Ensemble will perform a program that bridges tradition and innovation, celebrating both the rich legacy and the bright future of wind bands at Memorial University. The program includes: Clutch by Andrew David Perkins (Trombones make race car sounds!), She’s Like the Swallow (Traditional), arr. Kjellrun Hestekin, Bass Trombone Concerto by Eric Ewazen, featuring Jo Dashney, bass trombone (2025 MUN Concerto Competition Winner), How to Train Your Dragon Suite, John Powell, arr. Ton van Grevenbroek, and David Maslanka's epic Give Us This Day (A Short Symphony)
A concert not to be missed!
A little sneak peek for you! Here’s the MUN Wind Ensemble bringing the magic of How to Train Your Dragon to life 🐉
We’d love to see you at our upcoming concert Momentum | Celebrating 50 Years of MUN Bands!
📅 This Thursday
🕢 7:30 PM
📍 D.F. Cook Recital Hall
Get your tickets here while they last!
We had a fantastic time at the 3rd Annual @rnfldr / @memorialubands Conducting Workshop! Congratulations to all the conductors who stepped up and put themselves out there. A huge thank you to The Royal Newfoundland Regiment Band, @musicatmemorial , and the @nlbandassociation for their continued support in making this event a success!
Here’s the MUN Wind Ensemble performing David Maslanka’s “Give Us This Day (Mov. 2)”. This piece was last led on this stage 11 years ago by former director Dr. @jasoncaslor , a fitting nod as we celebrate 50 years of MUN Bands!
Join us next Thursday at 7:30pm in the D.F. Cook Recital Hall for Momentum, a celebration of 50 years of MUN Bands, featuring a special appearance by another former director Dr. Donald Buell.
We’d love to have you with us as we celebrate the past, present, and future of MUN Bands!
Congratulations to @memorialubands members @matt_gabbidon (Trumpet), @jab.mp3 (Percussion), @_lucasjosh_ (Clarinet), and @amyyparsonss (Percussion) on their acceptance into the 2026 @jlhbcanada Jack Long Honour Band!
These outstanding students will join some of the nation’s top young musicians for a week of intensive rehearsals, and performances as part of this year’s @musicfestcanada in Niagara Falls, ON!
Bravo to Matthew, J, Lucas, and Amy!
Today was our “sit wherever you want” rehearsal while working on Maslanka’s Give Us This Day. Trombones in the front row, a flute in the middle of the band, clarinets in the back, and a bass hanging out with the percussion section!
It always feels a little goofy at first, but it’s one of the best ways to open our ears. Sitting in a different spot lets us hear the ensemble from a whole new perspective and gives us a greater appreciation for the players outside our own sections.
