Windham Orchestra Information

The Windham Orchestra serves four important roles in the musical community: 1) Performing live orchestral music in Brattleboro and surrounding towns; 2) Providing a performance outlet for local amateur, student and professional musicians; 3) Educating local school children; and 4) Providing an orchestral ensemble for performance of music by local composers. Under the direction of Hugh Keelan, the orchestra begins its 45th Season in November 2014. We actively seek new members and supporters. If you are interested in joining the orchestra, visit our "Member Info" section for rehearsal schedule, rules & regulations, directions and more. The orchestra's founder and first conductor was Joseph Schor, faculty member at the now-defunct Windham College in Putney, Vermont. He was followed by Robert Marks, Jan Swafford and Joe Schaaf. From 1983 until 2006 the orchestra was led by Zon Eastes. During the 2006-2007 season the orchestra played under guest conductors including Phyllis Isaacson, Peter Szep, David Runnion, Stephen Rice and Michael Finckel. David Runnion led the orchestra from 2007 until 2009. Maestro Hugh Keelan, a guest conductor in March of 2010, took the podium for Season 41 in November, 2010. Listen Local Day: January 25, 2009 was proclaimed LISTEN LOCAL DAY by the Brattleboro Town Selectboard in recognition of and valuing the role of music, and the Windham Orchestra, to inspire, stimulate and support the physical, emotional and financial health of our community. Our members include amateur and professional musicians. We are teachers, doctors, artists, physical therapists, and writers. We also have among our members a veterinarian, a mediator, a violinmaker and a caterer. Each year we are joined by local high school aged students for some or all of our performances. Many local professional musicians donate their services to the orchestra. The orchestra performs every season in a variety of venues throughout the region, from the Latchis Theatre in Brattleboro to gymnasiums, churches and dining halls in the smaller villages. Each year we present at least one fine instrumental or vocal soloist with the orchestra. For more than 20 years, one concert has featured the winner or winners of the orchestra's annual Concerto Competition for High School Students, sponsored by Douglas Cox of Cox Violins.