William “Bill” Richardson's Retirement
Since its inception 20 years ago, the podium leadership of the Arizona Wind Symphony has been held by Bill Richardson. Recently he announced his retirement to the band and board. The AWS so appreciates the years of leadership and dedication to the development of the ensemble.
In Memory of Bill's wife, Karen Helen Richardson
Karen Helen Richardson
Fierce, Brave, Kind, Loving. Perfect.
Karen Helen Richardson - Daughter, Sister, Friend, Wife, Mother, Grandmother. Karen lived a joy-filled life finding her purpose in the service of others. One was always greeted with kindness in interacting with her – a common reflection when those who knew her talk about her passing. Ironically, her sweet and humble demeanor was an equal match to her strong conviction and strength that those closest to her came to know. These traits served her well when her symptoms for PSP surfaced in 2017. Thriving longer than most expected, she kept us smiling and laughing until she left us on Monday, June 16, 2025.
She is survived by her champion husband Bill, her siblings Mike and Denise, her two children Becky & Mark, five grandchildren, and a village of friends and family who loved her dearly.
Karen Helen Richardson – Fierce, Brave, Kind, Loving. Perfect.
In lieu of gifts and flowers, we encourage those who have the capacity to donate here in Karen's name, so that someday there will be a cure. Thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness.
Cure PSP
Because Hope MATTERS
Guest Conductor - Scott Burgener
Please join us for the season finale as we welcome to the stage guest conductor, Scott Burgener, and professional juggler, James Reid. The performance will feature amazing circus melodies with rapid fire tempos and showy displays of leaps, runs and fanfares! Our musicians will have to be on their toes for this concert, so hang on to your hats, the music will be fun, fast and entertaining!
Guest Conductor - Jennifer Hamilton
The concert theme is “Mother Earth”.
Guest Conductor - Thursday January 26, 2023
Come join the AZ Wind Symphony for a special concert featuring music by composers of African Descent! We are joined by guest conductor Dr. Jamal Duncan from ASU. Highlights include: Shenandoah (with the imagery of rain, incl. rain sounds!) by Omar Thomas, Alegre (a joyful Cuban selection) by Tania Leon, Stevie Wonder in Concert (popular "feel-good" favorites), American Hymnsong Suite (featuring unique and beautiful settings of well-known American hymns) by Dwayne Milburn, When Heaven Cries (an emotional reaction to the loss of George Floyd) by Katahj Copley, and much more! Come support local musicians and enjoy an evening of great music
Guest Conductor - Thursday December 1, 2022
Join the Arizona Wind Symphony as we usher in the holiday season with Winter Winds and Whispers. The band will welcome guest conductor, Dr. Bruce Ammann to the stage, along with AWS favorite, vocalist, Sarah Vanell. This festive performance will entertain you with some of your favorite holiday selections and promises to be a very merry evening.
Guest Conductor - October 20, 2022
Mark your calendars for October 20, 2022, and join the Arizona Wind Symphony for our season opener at the beautiful Tempe Center for the Arts! "Autumn Delights and Chilling Nights" will feature selections for the fall season including Tam O'Shanter Overture by Malcolm Arnold, October by Eric Whitacre, Phantom of the Opera, arranged by Paul Murtha, and Autumn Leaves, arranged by Reed and Rogers. The AWS will welcome guest conductor, Jon Gomez to the stage for this fall performance. Pull on your best fall sweater and join us for a wonderful musical evening full of seasonal chilling music!!
