About the Bands

About the Bands
Founded in 1996, the Oxford Winds began with 12 dedicated musicians and has steadily grown to an organization of more than 40. We are a group of volunteers of all ages who enjoy playing music together. Our ensembles are dedicated to performing regularly at venues and events throughout Oxford County.

The Oxford Winds consists four bands of various skill levels. Our novice groups provide aspiring musicians of all ages with the opportunity to learn a new instrument in a concert band setting. We also offer intermediate and senior groups for those with more experience playing an instrument who enjoy performing music together.

The organization is also committed to teaching and encouraging musicians of all stripes within the community. This includes donating the trophies for Junior Brass and Woodwind (in memory of former member Nicholas Van Dyk), and for Best School Band for the Woodstock Rotary Festival of Music each year. Additionally the Oxford Winds Award is given each year to a graduating high school student from Oxford County that will be pursuing music at the post secondary level.

Our organization welcomes new members throughout the year. For more information about becoming a member of one of our groups, please visit our Join page.

Oxford Winds Community Concert Band
The Oxford Winds consists of musicians of all ages who play brass, woodwind and percussion instruments at an intermediate to advanced level. This group includes members from Oxford County and beyond including students, retirees, music teachers, professional musicians and general recreational musicians. The Oxford Winds meet for weekly rehearsals and enjoy playing a variety of music together including classical, jazz, Broadway and popular.


Oxford Breeze Community Novice Band
The Oxford Breeze was founded in 2001 for musicians of all ages to play brass, woodwinds and percussion at a beginner level. This group is perfect for less experienced musicians, musicians returning to an instrument after taking time off or those who are interested in playing a new instrument. Instructors and mentors are provided to beginner instrumentalists and musicians are given the opportunity to move up to play in the Oxford Winds when they are ready for more challenging music. It is never too early or too late to learn a new instrument in the Oxford Breeze!

Little Airs Beginner Ensemble
The Little Airs was founded in 2006 and is offered each September to anyone who has no experience playing an instrument. This ensemble offers a gentle introduction to playing brass and woodwind instruments in a group and reading music. As members of the Little Airs learn enough about music basics, they can move into the Breeze to play with a larger ensemble.
Note: The Little Airs is offered each September and run pending the number of registrations received for the group.

Summer Winds Recreational Ensemble (July-August)
The Summer Winds was formed in 2009 for members of the organization who wanted to continue to play through the summer months. Repertoire is at a level suitable for more experienced members of the Breeze and is still enjoyable for members of the Winds. This group meets weekly for informal rehearsals and performs at several small venues in Oxford County throughout the summer.