Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble

Celebrating Music on the Peninsula for Over 25 Years!

Make sure to give between 2 and 3 p.m. to help us race to the $757 Afternoon Sprint prize!

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, and is currently led by Music Director & Conductor, Dr. Tyler Austin. Also involved in education, the band has given over $9,000 dollars in scholarships since 1999 to promising young musicians. The Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble is a proud member of the Association of Concert Bands. 

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.

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.

For more information please visit us at www.cbwe.org
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The band operates as a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) organization and donations are tax deductible.