Wakefield Orchestral Wind was founded in February 1990 after it was realised that there was a real need for an adult wind band in the area, to cater for the many instrumentalists who had left the education system and found themselves with no band to play with. There are two founder members still playing with the band: - Paul and Julia, and several who have been in the band almost as long.

 

Initially, we held rehearsals at Cliff Villa, on Balne Lane until it closed. We then moved to Thornes Park College in 1995 before settling in to our current location of Ossett War Memorial Community Centre in July 2002.

 

We have been led by several musical directors over the years, each of them bringing their own unique style.  We are currently enjoying working with Colin Cranmer who is our Musical Director.

 

In March 2020 we hosted a Play Day to celebrate our 30th anniversary. We invited instrumentalist friends and past members of the band to join us for the day, and we had great fun learning new pieces together. At the end of the day we performed all of the pieces to friends and family who had come along to listen and to join us for refreshments. You can see photos of the day in our gallery.

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We regularly play at galas and open days as well as more formal concert settings. We are always keen to find new venues to play at so please do get in touch if you would be interested in hosting a concert, or. indeed if you would like to join us.

 

We are looking forward to the next 30 years!