"I was immediately welcomed with open arms by the First Coast Wind Symphony. As we began rehearsals, I quickly noticed how beautifully prepared they were for me and the ensuing concert event. They performed my music exactly the way I envisioned it. While running through my piece, Red Rock Mountain, I was overwhelmed by how passionately the group plays. This caused me to become emotional while rehearsing. Luckily, I composed myself quickly and continued to work on the music. Thank you Artie, Paul, Ted, Larry, Jeff and the First Coast Wind Symphony for welcoming me into your musical family. I feel I will always have a home in Jacksonville, Florida. Wishing you all continued health, happiness and great success! Much love, Rossano"

-Rossano Galante, March 2024

"What a wonderful weekend spent with the FCWS! I was absolutely stunned by the powerful connection we were able to make in such a short time, the responsiveness of the musicians, and the incredible emotional journey we experienced throughout the course of the rehearsal and concert. It was certainly a treat to work with the group and I look forward to the opportunity to be with you again in the future!"

-Brian Balmages, Feb 2023

"It was my immense pleasure to spend a wonderful weekend with the superbly musical members of the First Coast Wind Symphony. They are one of the finest community wind bands in our country, and conducting them, particularly given that they asked me to conduct my own compositions, was a rare privilege. They approach music-making with energy, joy, wonderful musicianship, and remarkable technical expertise. And the icing on the cake is that they are warm, welcoming people as well. Flourishing wonderfully under Artie Clifton's expert leadership, this is an exceptional wind band by any standard — congratulations to them all!"

-Lewis Buckley, Oct 2022

"What a joy it was to make a return visit and share the stage with the FCWS again. The honor of conducting this incredible group of friends and colleagues was a wonderful treat, especially after a long pandemic-driven lapse in the ability to perform live music with any large ensemble. And of course, this event was made all the more special for me to finally participate in the premiere of Incandescent Sky, which was necessarily delayed several times. Many thanks to Artie Clifton and the FCWS for inviting me to compose for and conduct this terrific wind symphony!"

-Robert Sheldon, Oct 2021

“What a thrill to stand in front of so many fine musicians and hear them bring my music to life just as I had imagined it! Truly, everything about the First Coast Wind Symphony is first-rate, from their astounding musicianship to their focused rehearsal, to their thorough preparation, and to the warm and inviting atmosphere they create. Thank you, thank you, thank you for a wonderful weekend. And a special thank you to Artie and Paul for their excellent leadership....I hope to come back again sometime soon!” 

–Andrew Boysen, Feb 2020

 

“The First Coast Wind Symphony is one of the finest community music organizations in this country. Their dedication to the ensemble is only surpassed by their love of making music. It was an honor and a privilege to conduct them in a concert of my music!”

–Jack Stamp, Feb 2019

“It was my pleasure to work with the First Coast Wind Symphony, a superb community of musicians and a first-rate organization.”

–Frank Ticheli, Feb. 2018

“If one had the opportunity to attend a round-table discussion with composers Sam Hazo, Robert W. Smith, James Curnow, Robert Sheldon, Richard Saucedo, David Holsinger, and Mark Camphouse, it would most likely prove to be a very spirited exchange of seven decidedly different points of view regarding virtually all aspects of the creative process. But there would, most assuredly, be unanimous agreement on this important point: recognizing and saluting the significant musical achievements and educationally enriching activities of the First Coast Wind Symphony ... a first-rate ensemble that is clearly emerging as a key player in the American community band movement. And to Artie Clifton: bravo sir, on your artistic vision, superb musicianship, and dedication to enhancing the cultural vibrancy of the greater Jacksonville community.”

-Mark Camphouse, Feb. 2017

“Guest conducting the First Coast Wind Symphony was such a genuine pleasure. This group of fine musicians are as warm and friendly as they are musically talented. I truly hope I have another chance to share the stage with them!”

–Samuel Hazo, Feb. 2016

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