Eastern Wind Symphony

The 10th Anniversary Season
The Eastern Wind Symphony
The Eastern Wind Symphony was conceived in the spring of 1996 when former students from The College of New Jersey approached Dr. William H. Silvester about the possibility of establishing a special ensemble dedicated to the performance of the very best wind and percussion literature. With their combined efforts The Eastern Wind Symphony was born. Subsequently The Eastern Wind Symphony has become one of the most widely recognized bands in the country. As a reflection of its roots, The Eastern Wind Symphony became an official College of New Jersey Alumni Organization in the spring of 2003. This exciting collaboration has ensured the promotion of great wind music for years to come. The phenomenal growth in the reputation of The Eastern Wind Symphony has drawn members from a large geographic area including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. Most members of the ensemble are freelance performers and music educators but also include many who work in the fields of business and science. Whatever their occupation or field of endeavor, all members of The Eastern Wind Symphony are accomplished and talented musicians who enjoy performing in such a high-caliber ensemble.
In addition to its many performances, The Eastern Wind Symphony has produced several exceptional commercial CDs and has been engaged to perform on numerous CDs including recording contracts with the prestigious Klavier label. Through Curnow Music, de Haske Music, and MASTERS Publishing recordings, over 30,000 band directors worldwide have been introduced to the EWS. Among the many reviews is this one from the January issue of the international BandWorld Magazine. Ira Novoselsky reviewed one of the recent EWS contributions to its long list of superb recordings–Symphonic Collage. “There is something for every musical taste on this excellent recording. Dr. Silvester and The Eastern Wind Symphony offer masterful interpretation and unparalleled musicianship. Rhapsody in Blue never sounded this good, especially in this edition by Donald Hunsberger. A very fine performance of Symphonic Concert March (Bonelli/Falcone) gets this magnificent recording off to a solid start.”
In addition The Eastern Wind Symphony is heard on radio broadcasts worldwide via German, Austrian and Japanese radio plus classical and PBS stations in the United States. The following is an example of the success of these EWS performances. “As you may have recently read, I am the host and writer for a radio show on band music called "No Strings Attached" which is broadcast through the public radio station in Oklahoma City (KCSC/KBCW); the show is also available worldwide through internet streaming. I have been producing one show a week since April 2004, and play an average of 5-6 different pieces for winds and percussion. The Eastern Wind Symphony receives regular performances on my show. Keep up the excellent work. Dr. Matthew Mailman”
It is the ensemble’s desire to continue to grow and provide exceptional performances to all those who enjoy good concert music and especially music for winds and percussion. It is also our honor to be one of the co-sponsors of the New Jersey Band Conference. This is just another of the many ways in which we hope to further bands and band music.