History

The West Michigan Concert WINDS was founded in the fall of 1979 as a volunteer organization, dedicated to performing quality instrumental music in the community. In 1986, the band, formerly known as the Muskegon Symphonic Band (until Spring 1992), formed an affiliation with Muskegon Community College. Students and members of the community have the opportunity to participate in the band for college credit, or just for recreation.

The band draws its members from much of the West Michigan area. While many members are current or former music educators, most are not, representing a wide variety of vocations and interests. The WINDS rehearse once a week at Muskegon Community College in order to develop their specific talents, prepare for performances, and share their love of music.

Three or four concerts are offered at various auditoriums during the regular school year. Please see our season schedule.

The WINDS have had the honor of performing at Grand Haven’s Fourth of July Celebration, Muskegon’s Summer Celebration, the Montague Fine Arts Summer Series, Fremont Band Shell, Muskegon McGraft Park Band Shell, the Hackley and Hume Historic Site, Muskegon Community College and Baker College’s Graduation Ceremonies. In the summer of 1996 they participated in the Bournemouth Music Festival during a tour of England and Wales. The WINDS toured Germany, Austria and Switzerland in July, 1999.  They traveled to England and Ireland in June, 2006 and participated in the  Bournemouth Live! Music Festival.

The WINDS have performed at the Red Cedar Festival of Community Bands in Okemos, Michigan since 1997. Education is the emphasis of the Festival. Three nationally recognized clinicians critically evaluate each band's forty-minute public concert and follow up the performance with a thirty-minute clinic with one of the clinicians. Musicians and conductors alike agree that this has been a very useful tool for improving musicianship and performance techniques.

In April of 2005 the WINDS were one of six Concert Bands in the Midwest, chosen to perform at the Association of Concert Bands National Convention in Quincy, IL.  This was an honor and a season highlight for the WINDS.

Funding for the West Michigan Concert WINDS is provided through donations from businesses, individuals and foundations, as well as grant programs. Muskegon Community College is a major source of support for the WINDS. Donations are tax deductible and are accepted and appreciated throughout the year.