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 the band.

About Us: 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. Some of the section leaders and soloists are retired or previous members of military bands. However, most of the members just played in high school and college bands. We do occasionally have high school and college student members as well, but we are not in competition with the fine school bands in the area. If a schedule conflict arises the student's priority is always to their school.

The musical level is generally at the college band level. Our repertoire includes a mixture of marches, classical transcriptions, Broadway show music, big band jazz, Dixieland jazz and serious contemporary music.

Auditions are not required, and perfect attendance at either rehearsals or performances is not required. This is an unpaid volunteer group, and we understand that members may have schedule conflicts. There are no dues, and the only cost is the summer uniform shirt (about $25).

Rehearsals: Rehearsals are from early September through early July on Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m., in the bandroom of Annapolis High School, 2700 Riva Rd. (view map). When the county schools are closed for weather reasons we do not meet. You are encouraged to notify the director or section leader if you are going to miss a rehearsal.

Concerts: About 12 concerts a year are given in various community facilities in the greater Annapolis area. Typical locations are the Ginger Cove and Bay Woods retirement communities, Anne Arundel Community College, Heritage Harbor Community Lodge, Oak Crest Village in White Marsh, Allen Pond Park in Bowie and Captain Salem Avery Museum in Shady Side. Performances are generally Tuesday evenings and Sunday afternoons as well as July 4th afternoon. You should notify the director if you must miss a performance, as missing instruments may affect the choice of pieces to be performed in a given program.

Concert Dress: Winter: Men wear white shirts, black bow ties, black or navy blue suits or tuxes. Women wear long-sleeved white blouses, long black or navy blue skirts or slacks.
Summer: Bay Winds light blue, button down, short sleeve shirt ($25 - place order at rehearsal), beige slacks or beige long Bermuda shorts (very hot weather only), black or dark brown shoes with appropriate color belt. If wearing a hat: Bay Winds ball cap (light blue or beige) or any hat (including full brim) preferably beige or a neutral color.

Music Folders: At the start of each rehearsal, find the large folder for your instrument/part/chair in the “milk box” and remove the smaller folder, leaving the large folder in the 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.” New and temporary replacement players will then be assured a part to play. When bringing a folder back from home, check the corresponding large folder for new pieces of music.

Weather Cancellations: Rehearsals or performances will be cancelled on days when Annapolis High School is closed due to weather or emergency. Performances may be cancelled due to weather. Notice of changes will be sent by email when possible, or call the contacts below. Bad weather may not automatically cause cancellation of an outdoor performance if an alternate indoor site is available, so listen carefully to the message.

Member Contacts:

Director: Russ DeVilbiss - cell: (410) 570-5417, home: (410) 757-1461

President: Tim Barnum - (410) 421-9522

Vice President: Karen Cook

Treasurer: Rick Fogarty

Music Librarian: George Payne

Webmanager: Jim Kahler

Email: info@baywindsband.org