About the Group

The Wind Ensemble at Lehigh University is a select group of students dedicated to the performance of original music written for woodwinds, brass and percussion. Drawn from various colleges of the University, these students represent many diverse majors including engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical and chemical), computer science, physics, biology and business, as well as many fields of the liberal arts. Under Mr. Digg's direction, the Wind Ensemble was honored by Downbeat magazine, receiving the award for the most outstanding college symphonic band in its 22nd Annual Student Music Awards.

The Wind Ensemble has recorded several CDs including Echoes of Glory (Music of the Civil War Era) and the acclaimed Rhaspody with pianist Eugene Albulescu. One CD, Jamestown Jubilee 1607 - 2007, the official commemorative CD for the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, is available at Amazon.com.

The Director

David Diggs joined the Lehigh University faculty in 1998, following a distinguished career as a freelance woodwind specialist in New York City. Mr. Diggs has performed with the NYC Ballet Orchestra, the NY Philharmonic, and the Moiseyev Russian Ballet and in numerous Broadway shows. As a recording musician, he has made more than 1,000 recordings for radio and TV jingles, soundtracks for movies and TV shows, and records.

Mr. Diggs has been internationally recognized for his research of the band music of the American Civil War era and the music to the English Foot Guards band of the late eighteenth century. He is credited with numerous premiere performances and recordings, and is included in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World. At Lehigh, Mr. Diggs teaches harmony classes and oboe, performs with the East Winds Quintet, and directs the Wind Ensemble.

Prof. Diggs can be reached via e-mail at dbd2@lehigh.edu.

Joining

Auditions for incoming students are held during Freshmen Orientation. Each prospective is asked to play:

— a piece of his/her choosing that demonstrates his/her ability
— a few scales of the committee's choosing, and
— a short sight-reading example.

If you are a current student, or would like more information about the Wind Ensemble, please contact Prof. David B. Diggs (dbd2@lehigh.edu), director.

Several scholarship opportunities exist for instrumentalists (including non-music majors). Please visit the Music Department website for more information.