Community Outreach

We believe that appreciation for the arts begins with accessibility for all. We perform a series of five to six concerts each year, open to the public with free admission. These concerts blend beloved classics with new pieces paving the way in wind-band literature, highlighting the full range of the wind-ensemble sound. As advocates of the Hampton Roads performing-arts community, we nurture creativity among our volunteer members — performers and staff volunteers alike — so the community gains a creative and engaged group of musicians.

Scholarship Program

Student involvement is a key aspect of our community outreach and mission. As one of the foremost arts organizations in the Tidewater area, the Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble recognizes its responsibility to shape the future of young people. The band is proud of its community partnership with the public schools, providing scholarships to graduating high-school seniors to help further their musical interests. Since 1999, the scholarship has been awarded to students who perform and rehearse with the ensemble.

Recent scholarship recipients

• 2025 — Tommy Crossley (Percussion)
• 2025 — Christian Wennin (Flute)
• 2024 — Cade Franklin (Percussion)
• 2023 — Madison Dryden (Horn & Trumpet)
• 2018 — Andrew Parker (Horn)
• 2017 — Tyler Smith
• 2012 — Rachael Stadler (Horn)
• 2011 — Erin Crow
• 2011 — Elizabeth Lamarsh
• 2011 — Sally Taylor
• 2011 — Patrick Watson
• 2010 — Carrie Sheeler (Flute)
• 2009 — Cutter Snyder

Williamsburg Youth Orchestra Partnership

In addition to our large-ensemble work, the Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble has a thriving partnership with the Williamsburg Youth Orchestra. We assist in performing with their wind ensembles annually each May and love getting to work with the future of the wind-band world.