The Eastern Wind Symphony was conceived in the spring of 1996 when a
number of former students and professional musicians approached Dr.
William H. Silvester about establishing an ensemble of extraordinary
rank dedicated to the performance of the very best wind and percussion
literature. With their combined efforts, The Eastern Wind Symphony was
inaugurated.
Within an extraordinarily short period, this ensemble has experienced
exceptional growth in reputation. This may be attributed to its highly
publicized performances at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the
Trenton War Memorial, and various other high profile venues such as the
Music Educators National Conference. Additionally, The Eastern Wind
Symphony has produced some exceptional commercial CDs and been engaged
to perform on CDs recorded and produced by Klavier Music. Through
Curnow Music Press and MASTERS Publishing companies, over 200,000 band
directors worldwide have heard The Eastern Wind Symphony. In a recent
issue of the international BandWorld Magazine, Ira Novoselsky, renowned
critic, reviewed the most recent EWS contribution to this list of
superb recordings–Symphonic Collage. “There is something for every
musical taste on this excellent recording. Dr. Silvester and The
Eastern Wind Symphony offer masterful interpretation and unparalleled
musicianship. Rhapsody in Blue never sounded this good, especially in
this edition by Donald Hunsberger. A very fine performance of
Symphonic Concert March (Bonelli/Falcone) gets this magnificent
recording off to a solid start.” BandWorld’s review of The Eastern
Wind Symphony’s most recent release, Symphonic Season shows the
flexibility and artistry of the ensemble. “Here is a Christmas
recording that gives the listener something different...This is
definitely a Christmas recording that stands out above any others.”
As a result of the ensemble’s unprecedented acclaim, Klavier
Recordings, the most distinguished name in wind/percussion recording,
commissioned The Eastern Wind Symphony to record on their prestigious
label. The initial recording was released in 2002 and features
premiers of three new works by Alfred Reed and one by Clark McAlister
as well as several other works by composers of renown. The second
album was released in the fall of 2004 and features the world renowned
composer Alfred Reed conducting his “Shakespeare” works. This was Dr.
Reed’s final recording prior to his passing in the fall of 2005.
The Eastern Wind Symphony membership consists primarily of music
educators, but also includes freelance performers and many who work in
the fields of business and science. Whatever their occupations or
fields of endeavor, all members of The Eastern Wind Symphony are
accomplished and talented musicians who enjoy performing in such a
high-caliber ensemble without consideration of monetary remuneration.
Their reward is musical enjoyment at its highest level—Music for
Music’s sake.