The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble (CIWE) is an adult symphonic band with musicians drawn from the greater Des Moines area. The ensemble was founded in 2003 by a group of central Iowa music educators under the leadership of Dr. Evan Feldman, who led the group until 2005. To this day, the ensemble maintains a strong contingent of educators, but membership has expanded to include musicians from a wide variety of musical backgrounds and occupations.
Recent recognitions include performing under the director of Colonel Jason Fettig, former director of “The President’s Own United States Marine Band” in May 2023 at the Iowa Bandmasters Association Conference and in April 2024 will perform by invitation at the Regional Conference of the Association of Concert Bands in Omaha, Nebraska.
CIWE annually performs a series of four concerts plus special events. CIWE has expanded its audiences to reach underserved constituencies by partnering with various local human services agencies. They also sponsor a competition for high school students that awards winners cash prizes.
The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble is a 501(c)(3) not- for-profit organization registered as a corporation in the State of Iowa.
Mission
To build lifelong engagement in the arts by providing meaningful and challenging concert band experiences.
Vision
The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble will be the Midwest’s premier wind ensemble performing conscientious programming to appreciative, loyal, and diverse audiences.
Values
We believe in the power of music to positively impact people.We believe our performances should be accessible to everyone.
