The UNSW Wind Symphony was founded in 1991 (as the UNSW Wind Band) to perform works specially composed for wind ensembles with or without percussion. The Wind Symphony provides a rich experience for musicians who prefer to play this repertoire, largely dating from after 1900. Also in the repertoire of the Wind Symphony are arrangements of works from all eras and styles, including jazz, popular and art-music forms.
The Wind Symphony offers a congenial home, as well, to many of the woodwind and brass players on campus, and comprises about 50 players at any one time both from UNSW School of the Arts and Media and other departments.
The Wind Band (as it was first called) was established by two undergraduate students, David Gilfillan and Emery Schubert, and gave its first concert on 26 May 1991.
The regular conductors of the UNSW Wind Band in past years were: David Gilfillan (1991-1993), Chris Blenkinsopp (1994-1998 and 2001-2003), Gary McPherson (1999-2000), Mathias Rogala-Koczorowski (2004-2006), Steven Hillinger (2006-2012), and Dr Steven Capaldo (2013-2017). Emery Schubert has been a frequent guest conductor.
Since 2013, the UNSW Wind Band has been known as the UNSW Wind Symphony, reflecting the shift in the ensemble's repertoire over its history and all members are a part of UNSW Society of Orchestra and Pipers.
Members of the UNSW Wind Symphony are eligible for the Willgoss Instrumental Prize each year.
Rehearsals
Schedule: 4:00-6:15 pm, Tuesdays during Term
Location: Sir John Clancy Auditorium
Registrations for Term 1 2026 are closed.
If you have any questions, please email cmc@unsw.edu.au.
For academic or enrolment enquiries, please email the School of the Arts & Media sam@unsw.edu.au.
Census date for academic enrolment is Tuesday 12 March 2025.
Paul Vickers
UNSW Wind Symphony Conductor
Paul Vickers is a passionate conductor, music educator, educational leader, consultant, and coach with over 25 years of experience conducting ensembles of all ages and abilities across educational and professional settings. Since 2018, he has served as Musical Director and Conductor of the Wind Symphony at the University of New South Wales, where he has also lectured in Music Education. Previously, Paul was Assistant Conductor of the University of Victoria Wind Symphony in British Columbia, Canada, while completing a Master of Music in Conducting.
Throughout his career, Paul has played a leading role in music education across a range of schools and systems. From 2013 to 2022, he was Director of Music at The Scots College, Sydney, where he led a transformative period of growth and innovation in the music program. He continues to conduct the College’s Symphony Orchestra.
Paul’s previous appointments include Instrumental Music Coordinator and Head of Bands at Fort Street High School, Director of Jazz Ensembles at Caringbah High School, and Head of Bands at Newington College, Sydney. He has conducted premier ensembles for The Arts Unit of the NSW Department of Education and served as a core conductor with Symphony Services International's conductor training program, working with professional orchestras across Australia and New Zealand.
A respected contributor to professional journals, boards, and advisory panels, Paul is also an experienced adjudicator, speaker, clinician, and guest conductor in orchestral, wind band, and jazz genres. He is particularly passionate about mentoring emerging conductors and music educators.
Paul has also held a number of senior educational leadership positions outside of music education. He is currently the Head of Middle School at The Scots College, and has previously served as Director of College Improvement and Director of Co-Curricular Activities.
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