We strive to provide quality American Wind Music and promote adult bands in Hampton Roads and neighboring communities. We endeavor to accomplish this by offering high quality performances that engage and inspire all our listeners.

We engage the members of The Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble in an opportunity for individual and collective musical expression, artistic growth, and camaraderie.

We are strongly committed to the musical education of young people by providing the opportunity to hear, experience, and participate in live performances. We also award grants and other financial assistance to promising young musicians who have participated in the ensemble and indicate a desire to continue in music or the performing arts fields.
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In 1998, local Virginia musicians Robert Arledge and (the late) Jim Paschall formed the Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble. This allowed many exceptional local amateur, professional and semi-professional musicians to perform and share their musical expertise with the local community. Bill Garlette, MAJ, USA (RET), led the wind band for 15 years until his retirement in 2023. Since it's inception, the Ensemble has become the Peninsula’s premier community-based performing group, currently including over 80 musicians.