Coulee Winds is an advanced wind ensemble, which is a part of the Southern Alberta Music Society.
The program showcases what a smaller, more flexible wind ensemble can do.
The concert also features four chamber groups from within the ensemble. A clarinet quartet, a saxophone quartet, a trombone choir, and a tuba quartet.
Artistic Director Holly DeCaigny said Lethbridge has a deep pool of experienced wind and brass players, and Coulee Winds gives them a place to take on challenging chamber repertoire not often heard live. “We wanted our first concert to feel like an introduction to the ensemble and to how much range these instruments have.”
Coulee Winds rehearses on a project-based model, coming together for focused rehearsal periods ahead of each performance.
According to DeCaigny, Lethbridge has a lot of musicians and a rich history of community music.
“A lot of people who play music for a living or for their passion. We felt there were a lot of people who are looking for an ensemble that fits their life a little bit more,” DeCaigny explained. “Coulee Winds is filling that gap.”
For full band concerts, DeCaigny noted there will be between 30 to 40 musicians. “The concert we’re doing Sunday, is a maximum of 15 people. It’ll kind of rotate players, as people have availability and room for the ensemble.”
“It should be a lot of fun and entertaining for the audience and for the musicians,” added DeCaigny.
The ensemble’s debut concert is Sunday at 2 p.m. at Casa. Its second concert is scheduled for Feb. 7, 2027, at Southminster Church.
