Founded in 2014, the Wilmington Symphonic Winds (WSW) serves the Cape Fear Region of North and South Carolina, providing memorable performances of the highest quality and educational outreach to the community. The concert season consists of three family-friendly performances of wind band music that represent the rich diversity of the world in which we live. All concerts are free to the public.

The ensemble comprises over sixty musicians. Professional performers play alongside talented adult musicians from various occupations, as well as a few select college and high school students. Public school teachers and UNCW faculty & students call the WSW home, along with doctors, administrative professionals, homemakers, lawyers, designers, accountants, consultants, and current/retired musicians from the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra; Long Bay Symphony Orchestra; university and community college faculty; the United States Marine, Air Force, Navy, Army, & West Point Bands; North Myrtle Beach Concert Band; Brunswick County Concert Band; and the Onslow Winds.

The Wilmington Symphonic Winds was the vision of Tom Smicklas, a former band director and administrator, and John LaCognata, Director of Bands at UNCW at the time. Believing strongly in the benefits of playing in a music ensemble, they were passionate about creating an opportunity for life-long musicians to experience high levels of performance.

In addition to creatively curated concert experiences, the WSW has offered masterclasses, open rehearsals, and composer lectures. We have been honored to bring prominent guest artists to the area, enhancing our programs. Highlights for the Wilmington Symphonic Winds include appearances by Mallory Thompson, Eugene Migliaro Corporon, and Donald J. McKinney (conductors) as well as Max Briggs (tuba), Robert Murray (trumpet), Andy Hudson (clarinet), and Petronel Malan (piano) The Wilmington Symphonic Winds celebrated our 10th season with performances by She-e Wu (percussion) and Jack Stamp (composer/conductor).

2024-2025 Board of Directors

  • Gwen Fitzpatrick 🎵 president

  • Shawn Lamb 🎵 past-president

  • Bradley Weatherington 🎵president-elect (ex officio)

  • David Bleaking 🎵 treasurer

  • Alana Bailey 🎵 secretary

  • Sarah Parker 🎵 media and print

  • Dara Kahkonen 🎵 executive administrative coordinator

  • Deborah Phillips 🎵 past president (ex officio)

  • Robert Parker 🎵 interim artistic director (ex officio)

Past Presidents

  • Shawn Lamb 2022-2025

  • Cheryl Stamp 2020-2022

  • Tom Smicklas 2019-2020

  • Deborah Phillips 2016-2019

  • Robert Parker 2015-2016