Capital Wind Symphony 35th Anniversary Giving Campaign

Sustain the Sound.

Capital Wind Symphony 35th Anniversary Giving Campaign image

A Giving Story for the Capital Wind Symphony

For 35 years, the Capital Wind Symphony has stood as a beacon of artistic excellence, musical community, and educational outreach. Founded in 1991 by George Etheridge, the ensemble was born of a simple yet powerful idea: bring together the finest musicians in the Washington, D.C. region to perform the best of wind band literature—and share it freely with the public.

From that inaugural season to today, our mission has remained steadfast: to celebrate and preserve the great American band tradition by presenting diverse and artistic performances of contemporary and classic works, and by working closely with music educators to nurture and inspire student involvement within their school music programs.

Led by Music and Artistic Director Dr. William L. Lake, Jr., the Capital Wind Symphony is now recognized as one of the nation’s premier wind symphonies. Our roster features the region’s top talent—military musicians, freelance performers, music educators, and dedicated studio teachers—who come together weekly from September to June, driven not by a paycheck, but by a shared passion for music and service.

As we celebrate our 35th Anniversary, we invite you to invest in this extraordinary legacy—and help us shape the next chapter.

Your contribution will support:

  • Exceptional Performances that reach audiences across the DMV region with transformative, artistically ambitious concerts.
  • Educational Outreach through Capital Wind Workshops™, where young musicians from elementary to high school rehearse side-by-side with seasoned professionals.
  • Access and Inclusion, ensuring our concerts remain open and affordable to all members of our community.
  • Our Musicians, whose artistry and volunteer spirit define what’s best about music-making in America.

From our historic performance at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic to our newest collaborations with students and schools, we remain committed to uplifting the musical soul of our region.

35 years is just the beginning. With your support, the Capital Wind Symphony will continue to serve, inspire, and perform with excellence for generations to come.

Join us. Give boldly. And be a part of our sound.