About Us

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The mission of the Florida Wind Band is to entertain and inspire the community through live performances of high-quality wind band music, while providing enhanced youth performance opportunities.

At the Florida Wind Band, our vision is to be more than just Tampa Bay's premier wind band. It’s to create experiences that bring people together, spark creativity, and inspire musical adventures that reach beyond the ordinary.  

Our ensemble continues to grow and thrive by the selfless work of our volunteers and generous support from donations and sponsorships within the community. There are many ways you can make a contribution to support our mission. You can become a monthly donor, make a one-time tax-exempt donation, or join our family of season sponsors available for corporations, individuals, and families by visiting our sponsorships page.

While military bands remain a cherished American tradition, full-time professional wind bands outside that tradition are rare. The Florida Wind Band was founded to change that. In 2007, Dr. John Carmichael moved to Tampa to serve as Director of Bands at the University of South Florida with a bold vision to create a professional wind band that would enrich the cultural life of Tampa Bay. Over the next decade, that vision became a reality as he worked tirelessly to build what is now one of the region’s most dynamic musical ensembles.

Since 2008, the Florida Wind Band has been crafting sound and shaping culture through powerful performances that spark excitement, inspire creativity, and connect audiences through the shared experience of live music. Our concerts are designed to move listeners through moments of reflection, celebration, and exhilarating musical energy.

Our ensemble is made up of professional musicians from across the region, including K-12 educators, university faculty, and professional performers who bring extraordinary artistry and passion to every performance. Together they explore a vibrant and diverse repertoire that includes cherished masterworks as well as bold contemporary compositions. The ensemble performs under the leadership of University of South Florida Director of Bands, Dr. Matthew McCutchen. Through thoughtful programming and artistic excellence, the Florida Wind Band creates performances that invite audiences not just to hear music but to truly experience it.

Over the years, the Florida Wind Band has performed for thousands across the region and has been honored to share its artistry with organizations such as the American Bandmasters Association, the College Band Directors National Association, and the Florida Music Educators Association. Each performance reflects the ensemble’s commitment to artistic excellence, community connection, and the power of music to inspire.

At its heart, the Florida Wind Band is a community of musicians, educators, and listeners who believe in the transformative power of music. The organization strives to create a vibrant musical ecosystem where musicians at every stage, from emerging student performers to seasoned professionals, can grow, collaborate, and share their artistry with the community.

As the Florida Wind Band looks toward the future, audiences, students, and supporters are invited to join the journey. Together we will continue crafting sound, shaping culture, and inspiring the next generation through the power of music.