The UMass Lowell New England Junior Wind Ensemble brings together talented middle school musicians from New England with college students from the UMass Lowell Department of Music. This is Junior Winds. Use the following link for Senior Winds.

NEYWE Clarinetists 2019 Image by DNHuber

Musicians perform alongside music mentors.

Not enough "play" time in school? If you enjoy playing your instrument and would like to have some fun and play more often, then this is for you! Junior Winds students in grades 5-8 who have performed on their instrument for a year or more are eligible.

Details for our current concert as well as enrollment for next year's program are found below. You can also find out more about our ensemble and our repertoire, including specially commissioned works!

We know how important music and community are, how music brings us together and unties us in a common desire to create and share art. It's a social endeavor and one which we've discovered to be even more dear to us in the absence of that connection in our current environment. Our music mentor college students will coach students -- and participants will benefit with small group work. We hope you will join us and can't wait to see you at the end of January!

Rehearsals

  • See above time and location. Enrollment will remain open through February 10
  • First Rehearsal: Monday, January 20 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) arrive 15 minutes early to the UMass Lowell Concert Hall (or we will start virtually)

Junior Ensemble

Application for Junior NEYWE (Online Registration)

Refer a Friend! Receive a $25 discount for friend referrals. Details are on our application page!

Junior (and Senior) Ensemble Concert 2025

Thursday May 1 at 7:30 p.m. Moloney Performing Arts Center.

  • On May 1, 2025 students should arrive early for warm-up (approx. 6:15 p.m. or later). Specific information (concert dress: black pants, socks, shoes, white shirt, black jacket) and exact times are provided at rehearsals.
  • Sound check and a brief rehearsal will follow until 7:05 p.m.
  • Guests may enter the hall after 7:05 p.m. for our 7:30 p.m. concert

About The Ensemble

The UMass Lowell New England Junior Youth Wind Ensemble is for students enrolled in grades 5 through 8 who have played their instrument for at least one year. The UMass Lowell Department of Music offers this ensemble to meet the growing demand for a program for younger instrumentalists. Similar to the very successful New England Youth Wind Ensemble, this new program (NEYWE Jr.) is under the baton of a conductor from the University's Department of Music, with additional instruction from college students majoring in music.

Come join us! A concert ensemble such as this provides a unique opportunity for students to perform with peers from local school systems. Working together to further their musicianship, students will have the chance to learn and grow.

Ensemble Placement

Placement occurs on two dates in early January. For dates & time choices please email: Deb_Huber@uml.edu.

We would like to have a sense as to how you play in order to seat you properly: choose a piece that you are comfortable with and that shows your skill level.

Details: All students will play for the conductor's panel so its members can determine the best seating placement. Students who have earned a seat in any junior district ensemble will be automatically accepted to the ensemble. However, they need to play for seating placement as well. A solo work or a band part will be acceptable. Students preparing for junior districts are encouraged to perform such selections.Talk with your band director or call University Music at 978-453-6488 to obtain "seating placement" pieces. 

Our Music

Repertoire is chosen from a variety of periods and styles, suited to the proficiency level of the participants. Emphasis is on the highest quality of performance and the development of ensemble technique.

In 2010 and 2011 Director Deb Huber, recipient of the University of Massachusetts Roy J. Zuckerberg Endowed Leadership Prize, commissioned works for the Junior Wind Ensemble from composers Ed Huckeby and Robert Sheldon. Supported in part by the Lowell Cultural Council and the Zuckerberg Prize, the world premiere of both works specifically written for the ensemble, took place at UMass Lowell's Moloney Performing Arts Center (then Durgin Hall).

Cost:

More Information

For more information about all the different types of bands and ensembles we have to offer visit the UMass Lowell Bands webpage.