OUR HISTORY

Founder
After retiring from a long, successful career in instrumental music, Thomas S. Murphy founded the Catskill Valley Wind Ensemble (CVWE) in 2001. Tom wanted to provide an opportunity for music educators and other trained musicians to rehearse and perform the great works for band and to present high-quality concerts. The initial group of 16 musicians has grown to today's ensemble of over 50.

Former Conductors

From 2002 until 2022, the ensemble was led by Scott Rabeler. Scott holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Ithaca Collegeand a Certificate of Advanced Study from SUNY Cortland. He has played trumpet in several area bands and orchestras and for many years conducted the Oneonta High School Concert and Jazz Bands.

Guest Conductors:

November 2024: Danny Reynolds

April 2024 Maximillian Jackson

April 2023: Robin Linaberry

May 2022: “Conductor Fest”: Andrew Pease, Paul Blake, Ishuaia Diaz, Paul Durgala, Amy Hoxie, Cheryl Nages, Deanna Perkosky

April 2017-2018: Andrew Pease

May 2014: Charles Schneider

November 2009: Jason Curley

April 2009: Brian S. Wilson

Guest Soloists/ Ensemble Member Soloists (*):

April 2024: Megan Carpenter(*) French Horn Soloist

November 2019: Frank Meredith, Trombone Soloist

April 2017: Kelly Oram (*): Bassoon Soloist

May 2016: Robin Seletsky, Clarinet Soloist

May 2015: Frank Gabriel Campos, Trumpet Soloist

May 2014: Sunny Li-Ju Chin, Marimba Soloist

January 2914: Kimberly Collison, Vocal Soloist

May 2013: Jonelle Rabeler (*), Flute Soloist

May 2012: Cindy Donalson, Soprano Soloist

May 2011: Ethan Cypress (*), Trombone Soloist

May 2010: Kim Paterson, Piano Soloist

November 2008: Paul Blake (*), Trombone Soloist

November 2006: Thomas Beattie (*), Clarinet Soloist

April 2004: CVWE Brass Quintet: Gary Bush (*) and Peter Daum (*) Trumpet; Lee Ferrara (*), French Horn; Paul Blake (*), Trombone; Chris Rudenacker (*), Tuba