Valley Wind Ensemble Making Beautiful Music

Santa Ynez Valley News (March 2007) - Pamela Dozois  By Pamela Dozois, Lifestyle Editor

The Valley Wind Ensemble is a true Valley treasure. It reflects a civility common in times gone by. Under the corporate structure of Arts Outreach Inc., they perform more than a dozen free concerts each year throughout the Valley. . . “The Valley Wind Ensemble represents the spirit of our community,” said Dave Houtz, bass clarinet. “It is rewarding to contribute to the community by performing.” . . . Tom Geran, who is 75 years old and plays the bassoon, commented that he enjoyed the camaraderie.  “Playing in a concert band is something people my age can still do. It’s an experience for one’s whole life.” . . . From one of the younger members of the Ensemble, Jessie Burnside-Clapp, 16, clarinetist said, “Everybody who is here wants to be, and that makes the energy fantastic.” . . . Trumpter David Gardner said, “My daughter urged me to play my trumpet again, and now I can’t stop. The band is my addiction.”

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