San Antonio Youth Wind Ensembles (SAYWE)

Welcome to SEASON 15!

St. Philip’s College is home to the San Antonio Youth Wind Ensemble (SAYWE). The ensemble was founded in 2010 as the premier Wind Ensemble for youth in San Antonio and surrounding areas. The ensemble’s mission is to provide a positive musical experience, in an artistic environment, for advanced wind and percussion players. SAYWE is a supplemental program for music education in public and private schools in the region. SAYWE rehearses and performs grade five and six (collegiate and professional) wind ensemble literature. As an ensemble, SAYWE serves as an ambassador of culture and youth performance for the city of San Antonio and the surrounding area. The SAYWE season runs from November-June.

Mr. Roderick Leonard is the Principal Conductor for the SAWYE program.

Rod Leonard: Music Leadership Interview 

Audition Guidelines and Requirements

Woodwind and Brass: Will prepare the SAYWE Audition music for their instrument.  There will be scales and an attached etude.  The auditionee will also need to prepare a selection of their choice, that shows their versatility as a musician.

Percussionists: should prepare an excerpt from the following: snare, mallets (2 or 4 mallets), and timpani. Rudiments and scales will also be demonstrated.

Piano, String Bass and Harp:  Will need to prepare two contrasting pieces of their own choice.  One fast technical piece to demonstrate their technique, and one contrasting lyrical piece to show their versatility as a musician. 

Audition Music

Bass Clarinet
Bb Clarinet
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Bb Trumpet
Eb Alto Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone
Flute
Horn in F
Oboe

Register for an audition below.

Audition Registration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the San Antonio Youth Wind Ensemble

What is SAYWE?

The San Antonio Youth Wind Ensemble (SAYWE) was founded in 2010 as the premier honor wind ensemble for youth in the San Antonio and surrounding areas. Its mission is to provide a positive musical experience for advanced instrumentalists in wind and percussion performance. The program serves as a supplement to the outstanding music education programs in the public and private schools in the region.

When was SAYWE founded?

In January 2010, SAYWE began with 35 members.

How many ensembles are there?

Currently, we have one performing ensemble.

How long is the season?

The season runs from early November through the end of June.

Who can audition for SAYWE?

Any band instrumentalist (woodwind, brass, and percussion) who is between the ages of 12 through 20 as of September 1.

When will we find out our audition results?

Audition results will be emailed/posted on November 6, 2024.

What if I can’t make the scheduled audition dates?

You can schedule an audition by contacting the Resident Conductor, Mr. Roderick Leonard.

His contact information is: rleonard1108@gmail.com or rleonard11@alamo.edu

Office phone is 210/486-2326; Cell phone is: 210/385-3148

Is there tuition for the program?

Similar programs of this caliber charge in excess of $750 a season, plus an audition fee and a down payment. The tuition for the San Antonio Youth Wind Ensemble is only $200.00 for the season.

  • $200.00 NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT is due November 16th.
When are rehearsals?

Saturdays: SAYWE meets mostly on Saturday Mornings.

An official Calendar will be posted by November 6, 2024.

What happens if I have to miss a rehearsal due to conflict? (EX. School function…)

SAYWE administration is supportive of the primary music programs in San Antonio. If a conflict exists between the students’ primary program and SAYWE, we support the choice of the primary program event. We need the support of our region’s band directors. We do ask that you notify us once you are aware of a conflict.

SAYWE VIP Guest Conductors

SAYWE is proud to share our Spring Spectacular VIP guest conductors.

This list includes:

Contact Information

Director:
Joshua Frilling
jfrilling@alamo.edu
210-486-2326
MLK Watson Fine Arts Center, (WFAC), 214C

Conductor:
Roderick Leonard
rleonard11@alamo.edu or rleonard1108@gmail.com
210-385-3148
MLK Watson Fine Arts Center, (WFAC), 214C