Thank You, Dr. John N. Culvahouse
The May 19, 2025 concert served as the last for Dr. John N. Culvahouse as conductor of the Tennessee Wind Symphony.
John gracefully led TWS through a period of transition in 2017-18 and had elevated the ensemble to perhaps its greatest heights when COVID-19 stopped the music in early 2020. During that pause, John still gave back to the ensemble, including personal funding of the first TWS Rising Star Scholarship in Spring 2020. Upon the group’s post-pandemic return in 2021, John led efforts to continually grow the organization in both membership and sound quality. Our organization celebrated our 30th Anniversary with a concert on August 22, 2021.
As membership grew under John’s baton, TWS has graduated to larger venues. A monumental relationship was formed in 2021 with the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, to house TWS for weekly rehearsals, with the ensemble becoming “artists in residence”. This partnership with Sacred Heart has allowed TWS to have a dedicated rehearsal home and ended a 30 year period of the band sharing local high school facilities, borrowing equipment, and utilizing storage units. The Cathedral’s Concert Series has routinely provided crowds of 800-1100. TWS began performing at the Tennessee Amphitheater at World’s Fair Park in 2022, and began partnering with the University of Tennessee Wind Ensemble for combined concerts there in 2023. The May 19 event with Knox Area Rescue Ministries was John’s third appearance with TWS at the historic Tennessee Theatre.
The Tennessee Wind Symphony performed for several high-profile events under John’s leadership. TWS performed at the 2023 Tennessee Music Education Conference in Nashville which featured our state’s top student musicians and music educators. TWS also provided music for the Installation of Bishop Mark Beckman by the Catholic Diocese of Knoxville in July 2024.
Throughout his tenure, John introduced TWS musicians and audiences to iconic figures and exceptional educators of symphonic music. Some of our most esteemed guest conductors have included Col. John R. Bourgeois, Col. Don Schofield, Wayne Dorothy, Joseph Hermann, Scott Tobias, John Zastoupil, and Ashby Goldstein. Col. Bourgeois even returned to Knoxville in 2024 as TWS hosted the John Philip Sousa Foundation National Community Band. TWS members have cherished these enriching experiences.
As Dr. Culvahouse steps away from the podium, we honor a legacy defined not only by great performances in spectacular venues, but by his leadership and generosity. We extend our deepest gratitude and warmest congratulations on a well-earned retirement.
Past Conductors
Dr. John N. Culvahouse
2018-2025
Dr. Ric Best
2002-2017
Dr. A. Wayne Tipps
1997-2002
Mike Thomas
Joe Ray
Ray Brooks
