For 165 years the letters “WCB” have stood for the names of wind bands in the Windham and Willimantic region. From the first Willimantic Cornet Band through Wheeler’s Cadet Band, to the Willimantic City Band after World War II, to the present Windham Concert Band, this combination of letters has stood for quality band music across the generations.
An original Willimantic Cornet Band was organized in 1858. In 1878 the Cornet Band was disbanded and Charles C. N. Wheeler founded his own band. The bulk of music played by these groups found its way into the Windham Concert Band library which includes music as early as 1838. Beginning in 1945, Edward Gerry conducted the newly reorganized Willimantic City Band for 32 years.
Timothy Quinn took over in 1977 and in 1984 the band was incorporated as the Windham Concert Band. The band has since been led by Peter Morse (1987-88), Lloyd Schmidt (1989-2004), Kathryn Niemasik (2005-2008), and Peter Lillpopp (2009-2011), David Vaughan (2012-2018), Dr. Daniel D’Addio (2019-2022), Dr. Kristin Mozeiko. Our current director is Kathryn Niemasik.
The Windham Concert Band performs summer concerts in the parks and on the greens of Eastern Connecticut. These concerts are typically scheduled between the last week of June and the first week of August.
Programs are designed to interest the whole family and include a wide variety of traditional band music such as marches, overtures, musical theater selections and light concert classics.
Concerts often feature soloists and small ensembles.
Audiences are invited to bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets to enjoy summer outdoor band music at its best.
ABOUT THE BAND
The musicians of the Windham Concert Band come from all walks of life and span an age range from teenager to octogenarian. We welcome motivated band students from area high schools and also enjoy the experienced musicianship of seasoned performers.
Our group represents quality musical training from numerous institutions of higher learning and many years of public performance. We delight in the fact that WCB cultivates a sense of community within the musical and the social context.
Rehearsals of the Windham Concert Band are held on Wednesday evenings beginning in mid-May and continuing through mid to late July. Any interested musicians are welcome to contact us for more information.
Videos:
Holst: Chaconne from First Suite in E-flat for Military Band
Ward: America, The Beautiful
Holst: Song Without Words from Second Suite in F
Grainger: Irish Tune from County Derry
Sousa: Stars and Stripes Forever
Bernstein: West Side Story
Galleries:
Windham Center Green concert, July 24, 2021
