Symphonic Wind Orchestra
Rehearsals take place every Wednesday between 07:15 pm – 09:30 pm at the School of Music Rehearsal Hall (term time only).
For any queries, reach out to us at swo.luums@gmail.com.
About Symphonic Wind Orchestra
Symphonic Wind Orchestra (better known as SWO) is one of LUUMS’s four auditioned ensembles, providing challenging and rewarding performance opportunities to the finest woodwind, brass & percussion players across all Leeds universities. We rehearse weekly in preparation for our three termly concerts as part of the LUUMS concert series!
Previously, SWO have performed a variety of exciting repertoire, including music by Alfred Reed and arrangements of works by Bernstein and Gershwin. Recently, we have also explored more contemporary composers like Frank Ticheli, Samuel Hazo and Julie Giroux. (All concerts are livestreamed on the “LUUMS Live” Youtube channel so head there to see more clips.) This year we are excited to perform a range of musical genres, including majestic film-score style pieces, musicals and more!
We also hold a variety of ensemble socials (SWO-cials), with plans for laser tag, bowling and film nights as well as our weekly post-rehearsal pub trip! To round off the year, we venture off on our annual tour with the Symphony Orchestra and Strings, to locations such as Scotland, Germany and the Netherlands!
Meet the SWO team
Conductor
Ruby Nunns
Ruby is a third year Civil and Structural Engineering student from Brighton who plays the trumpet and drums, since the ages of 10 and 12 respectively. She has played in many ensembles, including NYO, county youth band and orchestras as well as amateur adult orchestras. Through this, Ruby has gained lots of experience and enthusiasm about wind orchestra repertoire – ready for the year!
During her past 2 years of LUUMS, she has absolutely loved playing in the auditioned and un-auditioned wind bands and orchestras. Particular highlights have been performing with SWO in the beautiful All Souls Church, playing ‘The Planets’ with the Symphony Orchestra, and going on tour to Edinburgh with SWO, Symph and Strings.
Having immediately loved the vibes of SWO as a fresher, and then managing the ensemble last year, she is so excited to continue being on the SWO team. She is really looking forward to working with this year’s managers Sophie and Bethan to welcome both new and old members into this lovely ensemble!
Managers
Bethan Cole
Bethan is a 3rd year music student from Newport, South Wales. Prior to joining LUUMS, they took part in multiple ensembles, on both a local and national level, from choirs to orchestras.
Since joining SWO in their first year, Bethan has really enjoyed playing piccolo in the ensemble, and their favourite moments have been going on tour wiht SWO- to The Netherlands in 2025, and Edinburgh in 2026! They’re really looking forward to be taking on the role of SWO Manager this year, and all the challenges and fun that this role will bring!
Outside of music, Bethan can often been found reading with an iced latte!
Sophie Langton
Sophie is a second-year BA Music student originally from Norfolk. A lifelong woodwind player, she has spent most of her life in bands, orchestras and choirs, and currently sings with the Clothworkers Consort of Leeds. From rehearsals and performances to listening and recording, music is at the heart of almost everything Sophie does!
In her first year, Sophie played bass clarinet and second clarinet with the Symphonic Wind Orchestra, as well as getting involved with the Jazz and Blues Society. As this year’s SWO Manager, she’s excited to welcome new faces, help to continue the ensemble’s fun and supportive environment, and to be a part of another unforgettable tour. Outside of music, Sophie can usually be found adding to her ever-growing vinyl collection, crocheting, or watching live sport!
