WASBE International Band Festival

16 November, 2023

Hello readers, today I'd like to explain a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that's taking place next summer. Last year, the Central Washington University Wind Ensemble was selected to perform at the WASBE International Band Festival in South Korea in July 2024. However, in order to go, we need some addiional funding that the University is unable to provide. So, if you would like to help, please continue reading.

What is WASBE?

WASBE is the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. This is an international organisation that puts together an international band festival every other year in various locations around the world. WASBE is the only international organisation of band conductors, composers, performers, publishers, teachers, and other band related positions. It is dedicated to enhancing the quality of wind band by exposing its members to new cultures and ideas.

What is the significance of this?

To put it mildly, this is kind of a big deal, especially to a (relativly) small school like CWU. Of around 15 Schools internationally, and 3 schools nationally, CWU was selected to perform at the world convention in South Korea. In a nutshell, the CWU Wind Ensemble was selected out of an incredibly large group of ensembles, and is considered by WASBE to be one of the best wind bands in the whole world.

That's great! But what do you need my help for?

Simply put, the University cannot afford to send all of us to South Korea by itself. While the University would certainly like to (as this trip looks very good for admissions), it currently is running a $9 Million deficit. So to help with this, we are setting up a fundraiser to help students not pay these costs out-of-pocket. From now until we leave in July, we will be putting on events to raise funds for the trip. These range from simple fundraising by asking for donations, to a 24-hour rehearse-athon where we all lock ourselves in the music building and rehearse for 24 hours straight.

I want to help! Where can I donate?

We are currently needing around $225,000 in order to completly fund our trip. We are currently, at the time of writing, at $14,911. If you would like to donate, you can donate online securely though the CWU fundraising site. Every little bit helps. If you are in a financial position where you can donate, we really, truly appriciate it. If you have donated, thank you so much! This trip is the culmination of 2 years of hard work by all of the members of the CWU Wind Ensemble.

Thank you for reading!

Thanks for reading this. If you donated, thank you again. If you are not in a state where you can donate, consider sharing this message. Every little bit helps! Thank you for all your support. More information will be coming soon about future fundraising events.