FBA CONCERT: University of South Florida Wind Ensemble

The USF Wind Ensemble is the premier wind band at the University of South Florida. Comprising the most outstanding undergraduate and graduate wind and percussion majors in the School of Music, its 50 members are highly skilled and versatile musicians. The ensemble is dedicated to the performance of the finest wind repertoire and aims to present concerts that are artistically significant, emotionally rich, and aesthetically pleasing. As a flexible and inclusive medium that honors its rich history, while also championing living composers, the USF Wind Ensemble provides an ideal laboratory for students to encounter a wide range of musical viewpoints. Innovative programing, interaction with faculty artists, and a commitment to commissioning new works are of core importance to this ensemble. Over its 61-year history, the band has been led by a virtual “Who’s Who” of esteemed directors including Gale Sperry, James Croft, Richard “Dick” Floyd, Jerry Junkin, Michael Votta, Mallory Thompson, Wi

Dr. Matthew McCutchen 

Univ of South Florida
Director of Bands

Matthew McCutchen has served on USF’s Music Faculty since 2009, first as the Director of Athletic Bands for nine years, and then as the Director of Bands since 2018. His responsibilities at USF include conducting the Wind Ensemble and teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in Conducting, Wind Band Literature, and Music Education.

McCutchen earned a Ph.D in Music Education with an emphasis in Instrumental Conducting from Florida State University, a Master of Music in Conducting from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Furman University. Prior to coming to USF he taught middle school in Georgia, high school in Virginia, and served as an adjunct instructor at Virginia Commonwealth University for several semesters

The FMEA Professional Development Conference and All-State Ensembles receive support in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.