Capital Region Wind Ensemble

The Capital Region Wind Ensemble is the wind ensemble in residence at SUNY Schenectady County Community College.

Accepting Applications for the Spring 2025 Side-by-Side Concert

Sunday, April 6, 3 p.m.

Currently, we are accepting applications from talented students, grades 9-12, to perform with the CRWE on the 2025 Side-by-Side Concert. The concert will be held at the SUNY Schenectady County Community College on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

The selected students will perform John Barnes Chance’s Symphony No. 2 side-by-side with the musicians of CRWE and work with internationally renowned trumpet soloist, Ashley Hall-Tighe.

Apply for the Side-by-Side Concert

Deadline for submission is January 6, 2025.

CRWE History and Mission

The Capital Region Wind Ensemble (CRWE) was founded in 1994 with the intent of providing a vehicle for professional wind and percussion players to perform concert band and wind ensemble literature at a high level. The CRWE is dedicated to serving the community by providing outstanding performances of classical and contemporary band literature and by serving as role models for young student musicians.

Once a year, the CRWE invites selected high school students to perform with the ensemble and participate in master classes with guest soloists.

Many CRWE members teach or have taught in school districts throughout the Capital Region. Members also perform professionally with regional ensembles including the Albany, Schenectady, and Glens Falls Symphony Orchestras. CRWE members are often heard at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Proctor’s Theatre and other local theaters; and with groups from the area pop and jazz scene, including the Empire Jazz Orchestra.

Brett Wery is the Principal Conductor of the CRWE. He assumed the duties in 2003 when founder, Joseph Miller stepped down from the position. Mr. Wery is a retired Dean of the School of Music at SUNY Schenectady County Community College. He was a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2003, as well as the SUNY Schenectady Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching and the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities in 2017. 

He performs and records with the Empire Jazz Orchestra, and the Dogs of Desire. He is an active composer and arranger and a member of ASCAP and SCI. Mr. Wery received his M.A. from the University of Denver and his Bachelor of Music degree from the North Carolina School of the Arts.