MISSION

To preserve the classic American wind ensemble genre in the tradition of John Philip Sousa by presenting to our audiences, music of the finest quality and variety with powerful and sensitive interpretations.

To foster an appreciation of this fine music in audiences of all ages and diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Our research provides the basis for the historical, musical and anecdotal presentations to our audiences during our programs.

To support the artistry of musicians of all ages and backgrounds by

• Inviting participation from high school and college students as youth interns as well as participation from the community at large
• Providing opportunities for local composers to premiere their work; and a forum for guest conductors, artists and collaboration with other performing groups
• Providing an example of the life-long benefits and opportunities for musicians of all backgrounds and vocations
• Providing indoor and outdoor concerts in all seasons with free admission for audiences of children and their families, senior citizens and inner-city/urban as well as suburban residents
• Raising and contributing scholarship monies for organizations that provide scholarships for young music students who would otherwise lack the financial resources to buy instruments or to study music
• Encouraging audience participation during concerts and combining efforts with other community, youth and cultural groups and professionals
• Supporting music organizations and arts advocacy groups
  

HISTORY

RIWE evolved from the Barrington College Wind Ensemble that was founded by Frank Marinaccio in 1969. In the late 1970’s, the group was renamed Barrington College Community Wind Ensemble. When Barrington College closed in 1985 the wind ensemble was offered rehearsal space at St. Andrew’s School and the name of the group was changed to The Rhode Island Wind Ensemble to reflect the expanded geographical area from which we drew our membership and the wider community we served through our concerts. RIWE was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1988 and is a member of the Association of Concert Bands.

In 1997 the group was invited to Providence College as an ensemble in residence and in addition to its regular concert schedule, RIWE offered several concerts a year for its students, faculty, parents and the surrounding Providence community.

In January of 2002, Frank Marinaccio retired and Nick Marinaccio, Principal Clarinetist and Concertmaster conducted our group for the Spring Concert Season while RIWE engaged in a conductor search. Nedo Pandolfi followed Nick and directed the group beginning with the Fall 2002 concert season, during which time he brought to RIWE the wealth of his orchestral and wind ensemble experience, both as a musician and conductor.

Mr. Pandolfi stepped down as RIWE Music Director during the summer of 2008. Assistant Conductor Kristin Voccio served as the Ensemble's Interim Director during the Fall 2008 season while the Ensemble searched for a new Music Director. Following an exhaustive search, interview, and audition process for a new conductor and artistic director, RIWE selected Dr. Robert Franzblau to lead the group beginning in 2009. RIWE moved its rehearsal site to Rhode Island College at the beginning of its 2009-10 concert season.