About

About the Band

Formed in 1975, the Salem Symphonic Winds was originally called the Salem Wind Ensemble. In 1981 it reorganized to become Salem Concert Band, a non-profit community adult band and a forum for local musicians to perform quality traditional and contemporary band literature. In 2018 it changed its name to Salem Symphonic Winds.

The band consists of 50 to 60 adults from the Salem, Oregon area. Members of the band represent diverse occupations and backgrounds, but share a passion for great music.

The group has commissioned several new works and regularly includes new literature in its programming. They also performed an annual “In the Steps of Sousa” program under the baton of Keith Weathers, maintaining our link with the roots of band tradition and history at that time.

The band typically performs four concerts in its regular season, at the Historic Elsinore Theatre in Salem. Additional concerts are also scheduled in the Salem area.

Pre-pandemic, the Salem Symphonic Winds rehearsed Monday evenings from 7:15-9:30 pm in the McNary High School band room.

Anyone interested in playing with the Salem Symphonic Winds should view our Join Us page and our Contact Us page for more information. We invite you to sit in on a future rehearsal or two at the beginning of a rehearsal series prior to scheduling an audition. New members are chosen for their musical ability and readiness to commit to the band’s schedule of rehearsals and performances.

Please visit our in-depth history in our Band Archives section.