Bay Area Youth Winds
Bay Area Youth (BAY) Winds is Tampa Bay's premier destination for talented middle and high school musicians ready to elevate their musical journey. Founded in 2011 by Dr. Matthew McCutchen and the Florida Wind Band, BAY Winds serves students from Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Hernando counties, offering exceptional performance opportunities for intermediate and advanced musicians. Students in BAY Winds benefit from quality training and instruction from highly decorated professional musicians and educators, fostering growth, skill development, and a deep passion for music.
The BAY Winds organization provides three semesters of opportunities each year, each designed to offer students unique and inspiring musical experiences:
- Autumn Winds (Fall): This ensemble offers an exceptional educational opportunity for middle and high school students in a short 8-week intensive, performing a joint masterworks concert with the Florida Wind Band at the USF School of Music Mainstage Concert Hall.
- Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Winds (Spring): In the spring, these two ensembles rehearse and perform a joint masterworks concert with the Florida Wind Band, also at the USF School of Music Mainstage Concert Hall. The performance features the annual student concerto competition winner, showcasing the incredible talent within the group.
- Summer Breeze (Summer): During the summer months, eligible BAY Winds students and alumni come together for a joint patriotic concert with the Florida Wind Band at Carrollwood Village Park, celebrating music, community, and the season.
Interested in auditioning for BAY Winds? Click below to learn more and join us on an unforgettable musical adventure that will leave you inspired and eager for more!