CELEBRATING HARMONY: 50 Years of the McAllen Wind Ensemble

By Dr. Kimberly Selber | Photography by Cliff Ranson | Historical photos courtesy of the McAllen Wind Ensemble

If you’ve ever vied for first chair, tuned to B flat, or counted yourself in, you know what being part of a band is like. It takes hours of practice to reach performance-level playing, and for most of us, those days end with high school or college. Sure, you can continue to play solo in your living room, but nothing compares to the feeling of being one of many creating a symphony of sound.

For half a century, the McAllen Wind Ensemble has allowed highly talented musicians to continue their love of performance. Today, approximately 75 volunteer musicians make up the group. Many ensemble members are current band directors; some play with the Valley Symphony Orchestra, and others are Winter Texans who play seasonally, like the retired Motown trumpeter who brings incredible experience and colorful stories to the band. Others have had a decades-long tenure, like Elizabeth Pierson, who has performed continuously for 43 years; Martha Clow, who has performed for 41 years; and Jim Coleman, who has performed for 39 years.

The Birth of a Tradition

In 1973, Bill Wilson, a local businessman with a deep love for music, traveled to Mexico. There, amidst the vibrant town plazas, he was captivated by the spirited performances of local bands. Envisioning a similar musical endeavor in McAllen, particularly in Archer Park, Wilson returned with a dream. He shared his vision with fellow businessmen, band directors, and music enthusiasts in the community, igniting a shared passion that led to the ensemble’s creation.

With Paul Garrett at the helm as the conductor and the support of financial backers for instrument purchases, the ensemble began to take shape. In November 1973, the McAllen High School Band Hall buzzed with the ensemble’s first rehearsal notes. This small, dedicated group of band directors, students, and local businessmen laid the groundwork for what would become a cultural institution.

A Crescendo of Achievements

The ensemble’s inaugural concert in March 1974 at Archer Park was just the beginning. By the end of that year, the ensemble, initially known as the Town Band, established what are now cherished traditions with its first 4th of July and Christmas concerts. In 1980, the band performed for a congregation of 50,000 at the grand dedication of the newly constructed Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle. Today, the band serves as an unofficial music ambassador, providing unticketed performances for the City of McAllen. The group also performs in smaller ensembles at events such as the Holiday Tree Lighting, Posada in the Park, and the McAllen Holiday Parade.

Beyond performing, the ensemble’s mission is to provide a structure for continued musical development and performances in our community. It can only do this by supporting strong music programs in our K-12 schools. Students receive vouchers to attend concerts at no charge, and many are inspired by seeing their music directors perform professionally. In addition, the ensemble hosts an annual high school solo competition. This year’s winner will perform a solo at the 50th Anniversary concert.

Celebrating a Golden Anniversary

The ensemble’s 50th-anniversary celebration took several years to plan. To commemorate the historical event, the group commissioned Texas composer William Owens to write an original piece. The composition, titled “Ciudad de las Palmas,” will receive its world premiere by the McAllen Wind Ensemble at its 50th Anniversary concert on April 7th at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. It will then be commercially available worldwide.

In addition to the new piece, the concert will feature several arrangements from their first concert in Archer Park fifty years ago and a few that have been favorites over the years. Several former directors will be attending, and some will guest conduct. The Performing Art Center’s lobby will also display historical photos and artifacts of the band’s history.

Tickets for the McAllen Wind Ensemble’s 50th Anniversary Concert are available at ticketmaster.com, or visit McallenWindEnsemble.org for more information.