About Us
The Wind Ensemble of Western CT began as the Tribury Community Band over 30 years ago. During its lifetime, the band has played under different names and conductors, with many area musicians having played with the group continually or at some time. It was the decision of the WEWC board of directors, with the unanimous support of its members, to make an effort to grow and develop the group beyond a purely local community recreational band toward a true regional wind ensemble that would attract serious community and student musicians. With a shared interest in the development of music opportunities in the regional community, The Wind Ensemble entered into a partnership with Naugatuck Valley Community College beginning in January of 2006 for the purpose of mutually beneficial development of the Wind Ensemble and the music program of the college.
We are now a community partner with Naugatuck Valley Community College and serve as their concert band. Beginning in January 2006 the group expanded to include college students, adding to its current membership of volunteer musicians, both professional and amateur. We welcome everyone from students to senior citizens - anyone who is interested in playing great music in a friendly atmosphere. Diverse backgrounds are represented in our membership, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and community members from throughout Western Connecticut. Students do not have to be music majors. Musical backgrounds are varied. Many of our members have played extensively with other groups, and others have simply welcomed the opportunity to again enjoy an instrument they hadn’t touched since high school. Some of our student members are pursuing careers in the music field. Length of membership ranges from one semester to over 20 years.
The band rehearses on Tuesday evenings in Woodbury at the Mattatuck Unitarian Universalist Society as well as on the Mainstage Theatre at NVCC where concerts are often performed. Rehearsal time is 7:15-9:30. Seasons run on a semester schedule that coincides with the college. Summer band is offered when there is sufficient interest from members. The band performs approximately 2 concerts per semester, one at the college and one elsewhere in the area.