Northwinds Past and Present

Northwinds Community Band is the community band for the North East of Winnipeg, Manitoba.  In 2000, Northwinds was formed through the amalgamation of River East Concert Band (1982) and Kildonan East Community Band (1981).  Circa 2005, Joyce McLeod, one of the founding band members, wrote a four-part history of Northwinds.  Northwinds first conductor was John Martens, followed by Michael Scholfield from 2001-2013, currently Jim Warner (2013-2019), followed by Elizabeth Frenette (2022-2023).  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Northwinds practices and performances were cancelled from March 2020 until 2022.  Practices resumed in September 2022.

The current membership of Northwinds is approximately 40 members, ranging in age from 15 to 85, and starting in January 2023, is under the direction of Jim Warner.

All are welcome.

Rehearsals

Until 2015, Northwinds rehearsed at River East Collegiate (295 Sutton Ave.).  In September 2015, Northwinds began rehearsing at Salisbury Morse Place School (795 Prince Rupert Ave.), which was where the Kildonan East Community Band originally rehearsed.

Rehearsals take place on Wednesday nights at 19h30 and are always open to new members.  There are no auditions and everyone is welcome.

Community Performances

Northwinds is always looking for opportunities to share its music in the community! We frequently perform at retirement homes, long term care homes, in schools, and at community events. Visit our Events page for our upcoming schedule!

Public Performances

Every other year, Northwinds participates as part of the Mass Band in Pinawa, where community bands from all over Manitoba come together to share music in the community.

Every year in June, Northwinds participates as part of a weekend-long community band concert at The Forks.

Music Festivals

In the 1990's the band participated in the Optimist Band Festival.  Some of the members featured in this picture are still with our band today!