Come join The Hornell Area Wind Ensemble (HAWE!) They are always looking for new talent, both young and old!
From HAWE,
Formed in 1986, the musical group was formed to provide an outlet for adult musicians to express their musical talent and to provide live concert band music to the surrounding community. It was the brainchild of a core of dedicated musicians and has been under the watchful eyes of a small board of directors for its entirety. HAWE currently consists of nearly sixty musicians ranging in age from their late teens to retirees. Although some of its members are current or former music educators, many others are from fields including health care, retail, education, aviation, banking, and civil service. The members travel from a large area including Allegany, Steuben, and Livingston Counties and even Pennsylvania! Each Tuesday evening they meet at the Hornell High School to practice and prepare for their concerts. Many long-term friendships have been formed including a few marriages!
Presently, the group has two conductors leading the ensemble. Edward Belin, from Wellsville, began conducting HAWE in 2001. He is retired from teaching music in several capacities for the Hornell City School District. Co-Conducting is Chris Lynn from Dansville, who has shared the conducting duties since 2013. He is currently a music educator at Wayland-Cohocton Central School. Both Ed and Chris are also involved in several other musical groups and activities outside of HAWE.
The Hornell Area Wind Ensemble’s concert season runs from September through early June. Its repertoire consists of a wide variety of music ranging from classical arrangements, music from the stage, as well as a broad range of marches and contemporary pieces written specifically for concert bands. Five of the seven concerts are held at the Hornell High School auditorium. The ensemble also performs two out-door concerts held in June on the Broadway Mall in Hornell and at the Pavilion on Loon Lake. Several hundred loyal and enthusiastic concert goers attend each of their concerts. All of the concerts are free and open to the public.
In early spring, the band provides an opportunity for high school musicians to audition and participate in their Young Artist Concert. Two finalists are chosen and given the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the ensemble. This concert focuses attention on music being a part in a young person’s life, and as the musicians in the band all believe, Music is for Life.
Each year during their Memorial Day Weekend concert, HAWE’s performance is dedicated to honoring all United States veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. All veterans, past and present, are honored as well. Exceptional active and retired conductors from the premier United States service bands have been invited to conduct this concert. Along with the guest conductors, gifted soloists from the service branches also perform. Each and every branch of service has been represented.
If you are interested in pulling your instrument out of the closet and dusting it off, no matter how long it has been since you’ve played, please consider joining! The Hornell Area Wind Ensemble is constantly looking for new talent remembering that “Music is For Life!”
For concert schedule or more information visit hornellareawindensemble.org, or feel free to Call Jim and Donna Caneen at 607-725-1282
