The Sugar Land Winds is a community wind ensemble in Sugar Land, Texas. It was formed in the fall of 2016 by co-founders, Larry Matysiak and Rick Yancey.  The ensemble is comprised of band directors, music educators, private teachers, and other professionals from the Houston area. They have been recognized by the City of Sugar Land City Council.

The purpose of the ensemble is to perform the highest level of band/wind literature. They endeavor to inspire students, directors, and the public with their performances.

The ensemble gives two to three concerts a year which are free to the public. They perform regularly at Houston Christian University.  The group is completely non-profit. The performers and conductors receive no compensation. The group relies on donations and gifts to purchase music, pay for facility rentals and recording services.

The Sugar Land Winds have performed with guest conductors Dr. Matthew McInturf, Director of Bands at Sam Houston State University, Jason  K.Fettig, Director of Bands at Michigan University, Dr. Frank Ticheli, from the University of Southern California and Dr. Matthew Lamm, Director of Bands at Housotn Christian University.

In 2018, the ensemble performed at the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention. In 2023, the group performed the Texas premier of “Desert Sage” by composer Michael Markowski.  This past May, the Sugar Land Winds with the Austin Symphonic Band and the Mansfield Winds, performed at the Round Top Festival Hall in Round Top, Texas. It featured the music of Sousa and featured Loras Schissel as conductor and lecturer.

The Sugar Land Winds are honored to perform at the 2024 Texas Bandmasters Association’s Annual Convention.  We dedicate this concert to all the band directors and music educators who make a difference each day in the lives of students.  We hope you enjoy this performance by these dedicated musicians.