We are a non-profit organization providing local & central Ohio musicians of all ages and ability levels, the opportunity to play and perform in a concert band setting.
The purpose of the New Albany Winds is:
– To provide an opportunity for adults to play in a concert band
– To provide an opportunity for advanced high school band members to play alongside adult community members
– To perform standard concert band literature
– To advance the arts community in the New Albany, Ohio area
– To demonstrate to students that playing an instrument can be a lifelong joy
The band is active during the school year with summers off. It rehearses and performs a variety of music from around the world as well as jazz, swing, marches, broadway and show tunes, pop and sacred music.
History
The New Albany Community Band started in 2007 as a way to provide community members a place to play music and enjoy the fellowship of other musicians. The band was an ongoing program of the New Albany Arts Council. We performed for the community at different times of the year in what became our traditional concerts.
In Junes past, we played the “Concert on the Commons” and shared the stage with the New Albany Chorus, another group that was supported by the New Albany Arts Council. This concert included all types of band music with a dash of patriotic music due to the proximity to Independence Day. In October, our “Night Moves” concert would set the stage for Halloween with well-known creepy music of all sorts. December sometimes received it’s due with a Holiday concert showcasing pieces pertinent to the theme, and the Spring typically received its fanfare to welcome the return of warmth and life.
In the late Spring of 2018, the New Albany Arts Council closed its doors and the band decided to forge on by itself by creating a non-profit group. A board was created and we continue to provide a place for Ohioans in the Columbus area to enjoy playing their instruments in a fun and stress free environment.
The Director
Darren Falk
Darren is the Director of Bands at New Albany High School where he leads HS Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, 2 Jazz Bands, Marching Band, Pit Orchestra, and teaches courses in Music Theory. He has been on faculty in the New Albany music program since 1998.
Mr. Falk earned his Bachelors of Music Education degree from The Ohio State University in 1998 and his Masters of Music Education degree from the VanderCook College of Music in 2004. He will complete his Masters of Music Technology from Southern Utah University in 2023.
In 2007, he became the founder and musical director of the New Albany Community Band (now named New Albany Winds) as part of his belief that all student musicians should continue to perform on their instrument after graduation from High School. He is a member of the Ohio Music Education Association and serves as a board member of the Ohio State University Men’s Glee Club Alumni Society.
He lives in Westerville, OH with his wife and three daughters.
The Board
Andrew Show – President
Paul Adler – Vice President
Larry Remer – Treasurer
Rachel Amidon – Secretary
Elizabeth Troyer – Concert Manager
Darren Falk – Director of Bands
Paul Ireland – Webmaster
New Albany Winds 