Mission

The mission of The Plainville Wind Ensemble is to provide an educational, social and performing environment for local musicians in the tradition of the community band idiom, as ambassadors of music.

About Us

Since 1987, the Plainville Wind Ensemble has been performing for audiences as ambassadors of Wind Ensemble and Jazz music. Under the direction of Ken Bagley,  the Plainville Wind Ensemble is an all-volunteer adult ensemble and the musicians hail from many of the towns and cities throughout Connecticut. The wind ensemble performs throughout CT and New York. Past guest artists and conductors include Greg Caputo, Fran Wall, Mark McNally, Dr. Daniel D'Addio, Keith Brion, Lewis J. Buckley, Rick Lawrence, Chris Dresko and special guest performer and honorary board member John Philip Sousa IV.

The Plainville Wind Ensemble founded The John Philip Sousa Festival of Bands in 2005, 2007 and 2010, with guest host John Philip Sousa IV. We have performed in numerous locations throughout Connecticut, such as Walnut Hill Park in New Britain, Lake Compounce in Bristol, Central Connecticut State University Welte Hall in New Britain, Southington Off The Green, Bristol Mums Concert, Plymouth Green, Westfield Works Wonders Night, and we even took a trip to the Lake George Festival in New York in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014!

Awards received include the William T. Sloper Trust for Andrew J. Sloper Musical Fund (Bank of America, 2012 & 2013), Greater Hartford Arts Council Grant (2010 & 2011), Greater New Britain Arts Alliance Grant (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014), Elizabeth Harding Norton Trust Grant (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012), Aetna Employee Grant (2011, 2012, 2013,2014), recognition from Jodi Rell, Governor of CT: declared June 12, 2010 as John Philip Sousa Day in Connecticut.