April 14, 2025
On a warm spring day at the University of Texas at Austin, the founder of the University of Texas Wind Ensemble, Dr. Thomas Lee, made a historic return to the Forty Acres. His visit marked a celebration five decades in the making, commemorating the 50th anniversary of one of the most prestigious wind ensembles in the world.
Dr. Lee, who founded the ensemble in 1974 during his first year on the faculty, joined Director Jerry Junkin and current conducting teaching assistants for a heartfelt conversation about the ensemble's beginnings and the evolution of wind band music. Lee reflected on the pioneers of the genre—names like Bob Reynolds, Frederick Fennell, and of course, a young and passionate Jerry Junkin. He fondly referred to them as the “greatest generation” of wind conductors.
Thomas Lee talks to graduate students at the Butler School of Music
Later in the day, Dr. Lee addressed several hundred visiting high school students, fielding questions about his time with the Wind Ensemble and what it was like to create an ensemble that would become internationally renowned. He also sat in on a rehearsal and attended a that evening’s anniversary concert.
A Night to Remember
The evening concert was a sweeping celebration of the Wind Ensemble’s anniversary. The program opened with Warren Benson’s Wings, followed by Caroline Shaw’s and the swallow, and Donald Hunsberger’s Carmen Fantasy, featuring trumpet virtuosos Ole Edvard Antonsen and Caleb Hudson.
Jerry Junkin and Thomas Lee talk to high school students at Bates Recital Hall
After intermission, the ensemble honored graduating students and paid special tribute to Dr. Lee. The night concluded with a stirring performance of Ottorino Respighi’s Church Windows. A reception followed, allowing audience members the rare chance to meet and speak with Dr. Lee personally.
A Legacy of Vision and Passion
Earlier that day, Dr. Lee expressed his admiration for the current state of the ensemble and its leadership. He recalled meeting Jerry Junkin as an undergraduate: “He had so much energy and looked at music with a scholarly lens I hadn’t seen before.” Many of Lee’s fondest memories from his time in Austin involved a young Junkin.
“I took several students sailing on Lake Travis,” he laughed. “Jerry stepped in, went straight to the rudder, and sat down like he was going to captain all day… and honestly, he did.”
Thomas Lee talking about his respect for Jerry Junkin
While Junkin picked up sailing quickly, Lee noted he mastered conducting even faster. “We used to drive around Texas giving clinics, and for six hours straight, all Jerry talked about was wind music.” Lee remembered handing the baton to Junkin in a rehearsal: “He conducted a difficult piece entirely from memory. I was stunned. Even I couldn’t do that at the time.”
Lee also spoke candidly about the challenges he faced founding the ensemble in the 1970s. “This is Texas,” he said with a smile. “I had to learn how to wear chaps, get on the bull, and go get what I wanted, it made me tough.” At the time, much of the faculty were retired members of the Boston Philharmonic who were resistant to the idea of a dedicated wind ensemble. “They were stuck in a rut” he said. “And being stuck in a rut is just a grave with the ends kicked out.”
Despite those early battles, Dr. Lee persevered. “Texas has the greatest bands in the world,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “And the greatest wind conductor alive, Jerry Junkin, is here, leading this program to places I never could have.”
Thomas Lee and Jerry Junkin joke about the early days of the Wind Ensemble
Though Jerry Junkin wasn’t interviewed for this piece, he has often spoken with equal reverence for Dr. Lee, highlighting a deep, mutual respect that has defined their decades-long friendship and shared love of wind music.
A Lasting Standard
From the very beginning, Dr. Thomas Lee set a standard of excellence that continues to define the University of Texas Wind Ensemble. His return to Austin wasn’t just a reunion—it was a celebration of a visionary legacy, a powerful mentor-mentee bond, and a musical tradition that will carry forward for generations to come.
Thomas Lee showing his Texas pride