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.\