The West Winds Big Band

Finding Inspiration in Every Note!

The West Winds Big Band was started on a whim

and has been humming along for over 20 years!

Our Story

Several High School, Middle School, and Elementary School Music teachers were performing in the Orchestra for a local high school musical in 2001. At the very first rehearsal there was a break, and we all stood up and started talking about how much fun we were having! One director said the most fun about this was all he had to do was show up and play! What he meant was that he didn't have to plan anything, he didn't have to hire the musicians, he didn't have to make a playlist, etc.

All of the others were in agreement.

All of a sudden another person said "I wish there was a big band (Jazz Orchestra) on the westside of Indianapolis that we all could play in!

It was about that moment when Thomas Ewigleben decided to leave the orchestra pit to use the facilities, and lo and behold, when he returned he had been voted in as the new Director of The West Winds Big Band!

Moral of the story?

Don't drink so much coffee!