Who we are
The Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble is an all-volunteer, non-profit concert band, which performs approximately six concerts per year for communities in the Hampton Roads area. As a non-profit, the Ensemble tries to give more than just music to its community. Since its founding, the band has given over nine thousand dollars in scholarships to promising young musicians permitting them to further their education. The Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble is a member of the Association of Concert Bands.
For more financial information about the ensemble, please click here for our 2018 annual report.
For more financial information about the ensemble, please click here for our 2018 annual report.
our mission
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.
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.
OUR HISTORY
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. Since inception, the Ensemble has become the Peninsula’s premier community-based performing group, currently including over 80 musicians. Bill Garlette, MAJ, USA (RET), led the wind band for 15 years until his retirement in 2023.