A brief history of the orchestra ...

Back in the mists of time ...

The Isle of Man Wind Orchestra was formed in 1997 when three musicians decided that there was a lack of opportunity for wind instrumentalists to continue playing once they were out of the education system.

After much cajoling 15 players turned up to the first rehearsal at Marown school. Over the years they have grown to the current band averaging 35. Players in the band range from school children to the retired and come from all walks of life. The wide ranging repertoire of the band includes traditional marches through to Holst suites, to music from the shows and films, to arrangements of popular music.

What we've got up to...

Our repertoire is selected from the wide range available to wind bands and we aim for variety to suit both players and audiences alike.

Since 1997 IOMWO has performed many concerts, some in the usual setting of many of the Island schools, others including the open air performances on Tynwald Day are a less formal affair.

In January 1999 we held our first Weekend Workshop, bringing conductor Colin Touchin to the Island from the UK. Colin was known to a couple of members of the band and proved an ideal choice to provide a valuable weekend of coaching, culminating in a concert where the band tackled music they didn’t know they were capable of!

In November 1999 the Isle of Man Wind Orchestra participated in the Yorkshire Regional area Wind Orchestra festival held by the British Association of Symphonic Wind Bands and Ensembles (BASBWE), in association with Boosey & Hawkes.

After gaining a Gold Award there, we were invited to attend the British event in Manchester, where a Silver Award was gained. As far as we are aware, this was the first time that any Wind Orchestra from the Isle of Man had taken part in this type of event.

Unlike Brass Band contests, the BASBWE festival concentrates on each ensemble as an individual and each performance is marked on: Musicality, Intonation, Choice of programme, Dynamics, and Entertainment Value. There is no competition aspect, because the bands are not compared with each other, only the criteria.

We are the only community Wind Orchestra on the island!  We feature woodwind as well as brass, and a greater array of percussion. In that respect, we are unique :-)