First Coast Wind Symphony
Composer Comments
Randall Standridge, October 2025
"Spending the weekend with the First Coast Wind Symphony was an absolute pleasure. Their level of preparation, musicality, and expressive energy made every moment of rehearsal and performance deeply rewarding. Just as impressive was the kindness and sense of community that surrounded the ensemble — it felt like being welcomed into a family. I’m grateful to have shared in their artistry."
Rob Romeyn, May 2025
"I was thrilled and very honored to have been chosen to compose "Cityscapes" in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the First Coast Wind Symphony. This is a fantastic ensemble and even nicer people. They welcomed us with open arms and warm hugs. What a thrill it was to direct this fine group! Many thanks to all!!”
Carol Brittin Chambers, Feb 2025
"Thank you, First Coast Wind Symphony, for inviting me to join you in a fantastic weekend of music-making! I was extremely honored to guest-conduct on your program and work with you on two of my works that are especially dear to my heart. The care and commitment that you showed in preparing the music, as well as the beauty and joy you expressed through your performance will not soon be forgotten. The First Coast Wind Symphony is clearly a top-notch organization, filled with incredible musicians who are also genuine, funny, and warm. Congratulations, and best wishes for continued success!"
Rossano Galante, March 2024
"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"
Brian Balmages, Feb 2023
"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!"
Lewis Buckley, Oct 2022
"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!"
Robert Sheldon, Oct 2021
"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!"
Andrew Boysen, Feb 2020
“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!”
Jack Stamp, Feb 2019
“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!”
Frank Ticheli, Feb. 2018
“It was my pleasure to work with the First Coast Wind Symphony, a superb community of musicians and a first-rate organization.”
Mark Camphouse, Feb. 2017
“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.”
Samuel Hazo, Feb. 2016
“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!”
Robert W. Smith, Feb 2015
“What a pleasure and thrill it was for me to work with the First Coast Wind Symphony! The group is comprised of highly motivated and talented musicians who share a passion for music and performance. It was an honor to conduct and compose for the group. I look forward to returning at the first opportunity! Sincere thanks and best wishes to all!”
James Curnow, Feb 2014
“An amazing musical experience…guest conducting the First Coast Wind Symphony, under the expert direction of a masterful musician like Artie Clifton, was a delightful pleasure. Conducting musicians who enjoy each other both musically and socially creates a wonderful atmosphere for excellent music making. You are FANTASTIC! Thank you!”
Robert Sheldon, Feb 2013
“My sincere thanks to Artie Clifton and the First Coast Wind Symphony for inviting me to share a concert with them in a performance of my music. As a composer, it is always gratifying to be asked to conduct my own works with a Wind Symphony, but to hear such an outstanding group of musicians performing at such a high level of musical integrity was a special treat. What a fantastic wind symphony! Their professionalism, artistry and energy certainly make this one of the premiere community bands in the country, and certainly one of the musical crown jewels of Florida. Best wishes for continued success!”
Richard L. Saucedo, Feb 2012
“Guest Conducting the First Coast Wind Symphony will go down as one of my fondest memories as a conductor, music educator and composer! The quality by which this professional sounding Symphony promotes the arts through concerts and outreach programs makes them one of the most influential and relevant wind symphonies of our time!”
David Holsinger, Feb 2011
“The First Coast Wind Symphony is a hidden gem on the verge of greatness! Marvelous musicians under marvelous leadership! Wind and Percussion fans take note. These are concerts you will NOT want to miss!”