History and Mission
Manhattan Summer Winds (formerly Columbia Summer Winds) is a community wind ensemble that performs annually in New York City public parks. As of summer 2024 we have formally merged with Manhattan Wind Ensemble and look forward to continuing our community work and presenting up to five free concerts each summer. MSW is comprised of both amateur and professional musicians from around the New York area.
MSW’s musical repertoire ranges from classic band pieces and orchestral transcriptions to Broadway show tunes and new works from our biennial Outdoor Composition Contest (currently on hiatus)
Check out our Columbia Summer Winds legacy page for the history of the group as well as pictures and videos from our prior seasons!
MSW supports lifelong learning and music appreciation not only through its public performances, but also through its commitment to providing its members with opportunities like Composer Night (founded in 2013) in which guest conductors clinic the band and the Outdoor Composition Contest.
