About Us

The Eastern Wind Symphony was conceived of by graduates of the music program at The College of New Jersey in the spring of 1996. The intent was to create a professional wind band for local musicians and graduates of The College of New Jersey that would be of extraordinary quality, dedicated to performing the very best wind and percussion literature. Through the combined efforts of those individuals, other local musicians, and Director Emeritus, Dr. William H. Silvester, the Eastern Wind Symphony was created.

Over the past fifteen years, EWS has experienced exceptional growth and garnered a national reputation. The Eastern Wind Symphony has presented critically acclaimed performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the Trenton War Memorial, and the Music Educators National Conference. In addition, the Eastern Wind Symphony has produced numerous commercial CDs of exceptional quality and has recorded on the prestigious Klavier Music, Curnow Music Press, and MASTERS Publishing labels. Over 200,000 band directors worldwide have heard The Eastern Wind Symphony.

Presently, the Eastern Wind Symphony membership is comprised of professional woodwind, brass and percussion players throughout the northern and central NJ/PA area including many music educators and freelance musicians. In addition, numerous members work in various fields of occupation including business, pharmacy, accounting, and parenting. Whatever their occupation or vocation, all members of The Eastern Wind Symphony are accomplished and talented musicians who volunteer their time and enjoy performing the most regarded wind band repertoire in a high-caliber ensemble. The ensemble’s reward is musical enjoyment at its highest level—Music for Music’s sake!

The Eastern Wind Symphony