Foothill Symphonic Winds

Rehearsals and Concert Cancelled

In accord with social distancing and mandated shelter in place orders,
full rehearsals and concerts have been cancelled until we can proceed
in a healthy manner for all.

The Foothill Symphonic Winds (FSW) was formed in 1980. The ensemble performs classical and contemporary works written or transcribed for symphonic wind ensemble or concert band. The aim is to assist the musicians in continuing their musical growth while also providing high-caliber musical entertainment for the community. The FSW was a class offered by Foothill College in Los Altos Hills until all Music Performance classes were cancelled in the summer of 2011. The members of the FSW wanted to continue to operate in its traditional format, except as a non-profit organization. Articles of Incorporation were filed, a Board of Directors elected, and 501(c)(3) tax exempt status granted to the FSW by the IRS.

To learn more about the Foothill Symphonic Winds, click here.

When conditions allow it, the FSW will rehearse Wednesday evenings at the Mountain View High School, Packard Hall, 3535 Truman Avenue, Mountain View, CA.

Normally we've met in Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions, beginning rehearsals at 7:30 PM. While we don't have a fixed instrumentation, we do have a limit on our total membership for musical and logistical reasons. Musicians interested in joining the ensemble must receive approval from our Music Director (Contact). Existing members can register for a session or pay dues by using the following link: Register

What Are We Doing Now?

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the musicians of the Foothill Symphonic Winds (FSW) have been following state and local social distancing guidelines in an attempt to help stop the spread of the virus and flatten the curve in our communities. Although this has prevented us from rehearsing as our traditional full ensemble of 70 musicians, and bandwidth and latency limitations make it difficult to hold live virtual performances successfully, we are finding ways in which we can safely share our love of music with each other and with you.

When shelter in place restrictions were lifted in our Bay Area counties, some of our musicians were able to perform and/or record in small, distanced ensembles (e.g., duets to quintets). Others have been recording one or more parts of classic band repertoire from home for our first virtual concert videos - these individual tracks have been merged together into the cohesive recording below. As many of our musicians are multi-talented, you may see the same musician playing multiple instruments in the same video!

First Suite in E-flat, mvt. 1, Chaconne by Gustav Holst

In the spirit of the holidays, we'd like to offer recordings of two of our past concert performances that relate to seasonal celebrations. These and additional recordings can be accessed here or on our YouTube channel.

		The Eighth Candle by Steve Reisteter Subtitled "Prayer and Dance for Hanukkah", this composition celebrates the Jewish festival commemorating the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 165 BC. A revolt by a small group of Maccabees defeated the much larger force of Syrian-Greek oppressors who had defiled the temple. The menorah was required to burn within the temple at all times, but the Maccabees only found one day’s worth of uncontaminated olive oil. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, allowing time to find a fresh supply. In modern times, candles are ceremoniously lit over eight days. (7:55)

		Christmas Day by Gustav Holst Subtitled "A Fantasy on Old Carols", this compilation was written in 1910 for Gustav Holst’s students at Morley College, London. Beginning with Good Christian Men, Rejoice and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Holst weaves strains of Come Ye Lofty, Come Ye Lowly with "The First Noel. A reprise of the carols is both majestic and reverent. (6:08)