239
Concert Performances
60254
Audience Members
6
International Tours
34950
Scholarship Dollars Awarded
28
Featured Area High School Bands
Our Mission
Community
Make a substantial contribution to the music and artistic life of our community by providing audiences with the highest level of wind music performances representing a wide range of musical styles, periods, and composers
Performance
Provide the members of the New Jersey Wind Symphony an opportunity for individual and collective musical expression and artistic growth
Music Commissions
Produce recorded works and commissions designed to showcase talented, contemporary composers and their works
Music Education
Assist in the musical education of young people and to that end providing students significant opportunities to hear, experience, and participate in live performances
Our History
Early Beginnings
The Ridgewood Concert Band (RCB) was founded in 1983 by Dr. Chris Wilhjelm, along with community leaders and passionate musicians, to create a high-level performance outlet for talented wind and percussion players across the New York Metropolitan area. After more than three decades of growth and achievement, the organization officially adopted a new name on July 1, 2017—the New Jersey Wind Symphony. The change better reflected the ensemble’s mission and expanding geographic reach, underscoring its role as a premier wind symphony serving audiences throughout New Jersey.
Achievements and Awards
Through the years, consistently high level performances have led to the production of two commercially released CDs, performances on the East coast, and peer recognition through the awarding of the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s coveted Sudler Silver Scroll Award in 1996.
Concert Series
The NJWS performs an annual series of concerts presenting the very finest in wind band literature for capacity audiences. Ranging from light classics and famous marches, to cutting edge compositions by today’s brilliant composers, the band’s programming has drawn critical attention for its variety and depth. Originally launched as the Ridgewood Community Concert Band, an early review praising the band’s fine performance proclaimed this is no “Community” band. The Board of Directors decided to incorporate as The Ridgewood Concert Band.
Membership
The members of the New Jersey Wind Symphony come from all walks of life. The musicians and board members are drawn together by a common dedication to the study, performance, and support of great music.
Soloists and Guest Ensembles
The quality of NJWS performances has attracted world class soloists from the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, radio and television personalities and other nationally renowned performers and conductors. The New Jersey Wind Symphony has also been active in the commission and performance of new works.
Music Education in the Community
The New Jersey Wind Symphony has actively fostered community engagement, particularly with area schools, by offering opportunities for talented young musicians to perform alongside the band. In 2006, the NJWS initiated a scholarship program aimed at high school musicians aspiring to pursue a career in music. This program reaches numerous high schools across the region, inviting participants to compete for scholarship funds.
Winners of the scholarship competition are given the prestigious opportunity to showcase their musical abilities as featured soloists at the final concert of the season. This event has become a highly anticipated highlight of each concert season, celebrating and supporting the next generation of musical talent in the community.