The Ohio State University School of Music is proud to announce that in May 2025, the Wind Symphony will be traveling to Japan for a two-week performance and cultural excursion. Dr. Russel Mikkelson, Director of Bands, shared the news to the ensemble in early February. Joining Dr. Mikkelson on stage was David Horn, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dana Renga, Divisional Dean of Arts and Humanities, and Michael Ibrahim, Director of the School of Music.

The Wind Symphony will start their trip in Tokyo, Japan. While in Tokyo, the group will be performing in Beethoven Hall at the Musashino Academia Musicae, which is considered “Japan's Juilliard.”  Other activities in Tokyo include a Japanese Taiko Drum workshop and sightseeing, including Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple and Nakamise. The next leg of the trip takes us to the Hakone Shrine and on to Kyoto, considered Japan’s cultural capital. After some exciting sightseeing in Kyoto, we have the opportunity for a combined concert with the Osaka Hyosei High School Wind Orchestra at the Hirakata Performing and Visual Arts Center Concert Hall. The next destination is Hamamatsu for a stop at the Yamaha Innovation Road Museum and a performance at the Japan Band Clinic, Japan’s equivalent to the Midwest Clinic. We wrap up our trip with a bullet train excursion back to Tokyo before heading back to Ohio State. 

"I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to the Wind Symphony on what will be a remarkable opportunity to make meaningful international connections with musicians in Japan.  The trip exemplifies our college’s mission to bring the world to Ohio, and to take Ohio to the world."

"I couldn’t be more excited for the members of the Wind Symphony and for Dr. Mikkelson. What an incredible experience – to share music with another part of the world, to experience cultural exchange, and to bring the ensemble even closer together. I know the trip will provide for a meaningful, lifelong memory for everyone."

"The impetus for this trip stems from three exciting performance invitations. First, the Wind Symphony will perform in historic Beethoven Hall at the Musashino Acadamia Musicae in Tokyo.  Second, a shared “Friendship” performance in Osaka with the Osaka Gyosei High School, and third, a prestigious invitation to perform at the Japan Band Clinic in Hamamatsu.  These musical performances will be complemented by sightseeing, cultural/historical excursions, and experiencing authentic Japanese cuisine.  This will be a life-changing experience for our Ohio State musicians."