In the materials we collected for ACWE's history book, we found an ACWE newsletter from around 1999. In it is the following article from Rick Glascock, who was ACWE's Musical Director from 1997 to 2003.
From the Podium
by Conductor Rick Glascock
The experience of playing music in a large ensemble setting is something that infects you for life. Six months after leaving my position as principal percussionist with the Guadalajara Philharmonic to move to Austin, I began to miss the excitement that is created when large groups of people join together to make music. It is a truly communal experience. That’s why I wanted to be a part of the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble. Many of our members performed in high school or college, got involved in the demands of a career or family and then, later discovered that they missed playing in a music ensemble. They joined the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble.
In the two years I have led ACWE as musical director, I have seen our membership consistently grow and improve as new members, sometimes tentatively at first, break out their instruments and once again discover the satisfaction of performing great concert band literature. What is especially rewarding is seeing the group identity strengthen as individual members become involved with each other through social and musical opportunities.
The future of ACWE is bright as more members discover, once again, how exciting performing in a concert band can be. We are strengthening our commitment to the Austin community with frequent public performances in conjunction with city-sponsored events such as the Zilker Park Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and the Concert in the Park series at the Zilker Hillside Theater. I am excited that this year, for the first time, we will participate in the City of Austin’s annual Cinco de Mayo Festival at Fiesta Gardens. In order to ensure that the group can afford to keep up with this growth, our board of directors has made a commitment to actively seek out funding for the group through individual and corporate donations in addition to annual membership dues.
Directing ACWE has been a rewarding opportunity to create great music with wonderful people who happen to be fine musicians.
I hope you enjoy the group and the music as much as I do. As always, thank you for your support, and if by some chance you are ready to rekindle your joy in making music, you’re always welcome in ACWE.
-- so few words would change if we published this today! -Ed