The Strafford Wind Symphony
Sharing A Passion for Performance
2007 – 2008

The fifty-five-member ensemble meets weekly to rehearse at the Rochester Middle School. While many members are professional music educators, the majority of the musicians hold traditional nine to five jobs ranging from small business owners to engineers. They perform with the Symphony for the experience of playing with others who share their passion for music. Our musicians come from New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts to rehearse and perform with the group.

The Strafford Wind Symphony continues to perform patriotic crowd pleasers as well as a mix of traditional music for wind ensemble.  The group enjoys sharing these favorites with young and old. It released its second Holiday Music CD in 2003 to an overwhelming response.

In 2007, the Wind Symphony collaborated with the Rochester Opera House to offer a concert series that spans the 2007-2008 calendar year.   These performances included guest narrators, student musicians, and featured soloists.  Due to the wonderful audience responses to these concerts, six new dates have been scheduled for the 2008-2009 season at the Opera House.  The group also performs at a variety of venues that cross the New Hampshire borders into southern ME and as far south as Fall River, MA.  These engagements include private functions, concert hall and summer park programs, music and holiday festivals, music workshops and seminars, and more!  Contact us to book your event today.

2008 will mark the eleventh time that the group has been chosen as a participant in the Boston Festival of Bands held annually at Faneuil Hall Marketplace in June. Each year, the Wind Symphony supports the National "Music in our Schools" month.  The group performs concerts that are specifically geared toward young musicianship and always include sharing the stage with the young musicians.  For more information on Music in Our Schools Month, go to http://www.menc.org/guides/miosm/MIOSMFront.html

Membership in the group by talented high school students is always encouraged. The Strafford Wind Symphony's Summer Music Camp Scholarship program in memory of former Musical Director Stan Hettinger helped two high school students further their musicianship by attending music camp at UNH in 2007.

Music is a gift, which can enlighten, educate and bring joy to all. The Strafford Wind Symphony believes in the power of music and shares their commitment to it with the audience. Please join them in their efforts to keep the music alive for another eighteen years.