??Westchester ?? ?? ?? ?? Symphonic Winds

Westchester Symphonic Winds, an adult community-based 60-piece wind and percussion ensemble (formerly known as the Hudson Valley Wind Symphony), celebrating its 25th season in 2012-2013.??We exist to promote music in our area, instill pride in our nation and heritage, provide opportunities for personal expression and growth within our membership, and nurture the love of music by offering an exceptional musical experience for people of all ages.??

The ensemble was founded by Rachel Eckhaus, Robert LaPorta, and the group???s first conductor, James D. Wayne, who conducted the band from 1988-2004. Dr. Luis Fernando Jimenez was conductor from 2005-2008. Curt Ebersole was invited to conduct the 20th Anniversary Gala Concert in 2008, and was subsequently invited to stay on permanently as Conductor/Music Director. Since 2008, guest conductors and clinicians have included Dr. Mallory Thompson, Dr. John Lynch, Dr. Tom McCauley, Dr. Shelley Axelson, Travis Cross, and Joseph Greco.

Over the years, we have given benefit concerts for many groups, including the Food Bank for Westchester, Student Assistance Services, Children???s Brain Tumor Foundation, Irvington Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Rotary Club of Briarcliff Manor, Emergency Ecumenical Food Pantry, Family Services of Westchester, Yonkers Arts Education, and others.??

The ensemble made its New York City debut at Lincoln Center???s Avery Fisher Hall in March, 2010, and its national debut at the 2012 Association of Concert Bands National Convention. The organization is an Ensemble-in-Residence at the historic Tarrytown Music Hall in Tarrytown, New York, and rehearses there on Monday evenings from September through May.