Do you want to play in the band?

The Bay Winds Band would like to welcome you! Even if you have not played for years, we invite you to dust off your instrument and join us. Here is some information to help you become acquainted with us. 

History: The band was established in October, 1980, as a nonprofit organization to provide an outlet for adults who had musical backgrounds and to provide concerts to the public in Central Maryland. We have all levels of musical experience, and range in age from teenagers to senior citizens. Many of the section leaders and soloists are retired or previous members of military bands, the largest group from the U.S. Naval Academy Band. However, most of the members just played in high school and college bands. We have from time to time had high school and college student members as well, but we are not in competition with the fine school bands in the area, and understand that if a schedule conflict arises, the student's priority is his or her school.

Auditions are not required, and perfect attendance at either rehearsals or performances is not required. The musical level is generally at the college band level, with a mixture of marches, classical transcriptions, Broadway show music, big band jazz, Dixieland jazz and serious contemporary music. There are no dues, and the only cost is the summer uniform shirt (about $20).Contributions are tax-deductible.

Rehearsals: Rehearsals are Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Annapolis Senior High School , 2700 Riva Rd., in the band room from early September through mid-July. When the county schools are closed for weather reasons, we do not meet. You are encouraged to call the conductor or section leader if you are going to miss a rehearsal , and should notify the band if you must miss a performance. Missing instruments may affect the conductor’s choice of pieces to be performed in a given program. However, this is a unpaid volunteer group and we understand that members may have schedule conflicts.

Concert Dress: Winter: Men: White shirts, black bow ties, black or navy blue suits or tuxes. Women: Long-sleeved white blouses, long black or navy blue skirts or slacks. Summer: Bay Winds logo blue polo shirt ($20 to $22, depending on size-place order) ; light brown khaki slacks or long Bermuda shorts (very hot weather only).

Music Folders: At the start of each rehearsal, take the smaller folder only for your instrument/part/chair, leaving the larger folder in the “milk box”. After you have registered with the band, you may take the small folder home to practice, but it must be returned to the band room by the next rehearsal or performance. If you are in doubt about attending either a rehearsal or performance, do not take the folder home; place it in the large folder for the Instrument/Part/Chair marked on the folder , in the “milk box” . That way, new and temporary replacement players will be assured a part to play. When bringing a folder back from home, check the corresponding large folder for new pieces of music.

Inclement Weather Cancellations: Winter: Rehearsals or performances will be cancelled on days when Annapolis Senior High School is closed due to inclement weather or emergency.. Warm Weather: Outdoor performances may be cancelled due to rain. Call the Annapolis Senior High Music Dept. phone (410-224-4003) for a recorded message. However, rain may not automatically cause cancellation if an alternate indoor site is available, so listen carefully to the message.

Member Contacts:

Conductor: Mike Svec, work/fax: (410)224-4003 home: (410)544-2368.

President: Tim Barnum

Treasurer: Noel Patterson, Sr.

Music Librarian: George Payne

Webmaster: Craig Duerling (info@baywindsband.org)