About La Crosse Wind Symphony

The La Crosse Wind Symphony is the area's newest select concert ensemble. The first performance was held January 9, 2020. About the formation of the group, Director Jeff Krauklis said there has been talk among his peers for years about the need for an adult band that focuses on the best wind literature. However a project of this scope would have been virtually impossible to organize for someone also working full-time. Fortuitously, Krauklis recently retired after 28 years as a band director in the Holmen School District and found himself with time on his hands, and the time seemed right.

Most members of the 50 + piece ensemble hail from the greater La Crosse area, though some are coming from as far away as Decorah, Winona, Tomah, and Eau Claire. Mostly adults, they are primarily professional musicians, current and retired college or public school music educators and current and past members of the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra and La Crosse Concert Band. The few students in the band come with impeccable all-state and other honors groups experience.

This year the group has planned a three concert series, with the first date being November 7, 2021. LWS is dedicated to performing 200 years' worth of wind literature of the highest level.