Every Saturday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., the Princeton University Wind Ensemble (PUWE) gathers in the Lee Rehearsal Room. With the lively sounds of woodwinds, brass, and percussion filling the air, this group is more than just music—it’s a tight-knit community. They practice for their flagship concert each semester, showcasing a mix of classical works and popular scores from movies and Broadway. Their aim is to share their love for music with the campus and beyond.
Jacob Jackson and Wesley Sanders, both members of the Class of 2026, have been vital in bringing PUWE back to life after it struggled during the pandemic. Here’s what they had to say about their experiences.
The Journey Back to Music
Wesley plays tuba and trombone and leads the brass section. For him, music is about forging connections. Being in a brass quintet has been one of his highlights. Jacob, a clarinet and bass clarinet player, reflected on feeling a lack of wind ensemble opportunities at Princeton. Growing up in a wind-focused environment, he was eager to revive that experience for others.
Both students were surprised to discover that Princeton had no official wind ensemble when they arrived. Past attempts had not gained much traction, and they were determined to make a change.
Building from Scratch
The revival process was not easy. There were no formal ties to the music department or student organizations, meaning they had to write a constitution and register the group as a student organization—a task that took hours of work each week.
Despite the challenges, they noticed immediate interest among fellow students. Initial casual rehearsals attracted a strong turnout, with a notable presence of classical saxophone players, a group often overlooked at Princeton.
Leadership and Community
As the Brass Section leader, Wesley focuses on fostering a sense of community. His section has weekly gatherings that include both practice sessions and social events like movie nights. This camaraderie strengthens their bond and enhances the ensemble’s spirit.
Jacob shared that inclusivity is key to PUWE’s mission. They’re not just aiming to create a music experience for themselves but also to engage the wider Princeton and New Jersey communities. Their concerts have already attracted positive feedback, with attendees expressing appreciation for their performances.
Looking Ahead
For both Jacob and Wesley, the transformation of PUWE has been a rewarding experience. They hope to further establish a consistent rehearsal and performance schedule, and ideally, integrate the group more formally into the university’s music program. Their long-term vision includes gaining faculty support to ensure PUWE’s stability and growth, so future generations of students can share in this musical community.
As they look forward, Jacob and Wesley remain excited about the path ahead for PUWE and its evolving role on campus.
The commitment these students have shown reflects a growing trend in university arts programs. According to a 2022 survey by the National Association for Music Education, student involvement in school music programs contributes positively to social and emotional well-being. The revival of groups like PUWE can be seen as part of a broader movement to enhance musical opportunities and community engagement in academic settings.
If you want to learn more about the importance of university music programs, check out resources like the National Association for Music Education.
This initiative is a beautiful reminder of how passion for music can unite individuals and enrich their college experience. Stay tuned for future performances from PUWE, and witness the vibrant community they’re building.
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