The UNLV Symphonic Winds is open to music and non-music majors who successfully audition into the ensemble. Students in this ensemble primarily perform standard wind band literature with an emphasis upon practical pedagogical foundations. The Symphonic Winds is directed by Prof. Anthony LaBounty. Graduate assistants from the masters and doctoral conducting degree programs also regularly conduct the group.

In addition to regularly scheduled concerts each semester, the Symphonic Winds performs for UNLV Commencement ceremonies and has also served as a special exhibition ensemble premiering the wind band transcription of Sonata for Alto Saxophone by Robert Muczynski at the North American Saxophone Alliance Conference (2011). The group has also performed with special guest soloists John McMurtery (flute), Gary Cook (percussion) and Timothy Jones (percussion). The Symphonic Winds have also recorded numerous catalogued wind band repertoire holdings of TRN Music Publisher, Inc.

The Symphonic Winds serves as an excellent laboratory ensemble for undergraduate and graduate composition students, rehearsing and recording student compositions each semester. Auditions for the Symphonic Winds take place in November with results posted before the end of the fall semester. Rehearsals are Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays from 8:30am- 9:45am. Performance in the group can satisfy requisite ensemble requirements for scholarship and non-scholarship students. Contact Anthony LaBounty at tony.labounty@unlv.edu for more information.