Delaware Symphonic Winds Celebrates Spring with New Performances

The ensemble's 'Windswept Journey' program features guest conductors and a side-by-side experience with local high school musicians.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:25am

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A striking abstract composition of bold, jagged geometric shapes in red and white, conceptually representing the energy and artistry of a spring wind ensemble performance.Delaware Symphonic Winds' spring concert program celebrates the ensemble's mission to bring innovative and diverse wind band music to the community.Milford Today

Delaware Symphonic Winds, the First State's only semi-professional wind ensemble, is set to perform its spring concert program 'Windswept Journeys' at Milford High School on April 18 and Cape Henlopen High School on April 19. The program will feature works by underrepresented composers, guest conductors from within the ensemble, and a side-by-side experience with selected high school band students.

Why it matters

Delaware Symphonic Winds' mission is to perform high-quality wind band literature, with a focus on programming works by underrepresented voices in the medium. The ensemble's spring concerts provide an opportunity for the community to experience diverse and innovative wind band music performed at a professional level.

The details

The 'Windswept Journeys' program will open with the energetic 'Catapult' by Jay Kennedy, followed by the serene 'Sheltering Sky' by John Mackey. The second half will feature the dynamic 'Summer Dances' by Brian Balmages. In addition to Music Director Michael D. Russo, the concerts will welcome three guest conductors from within the ensemble: John Sopkanich, Terry Alvey, and Danielle Jones. The side-by-side experience will feature selected high school band students performing alongside the ensemble.

  • The Milford High School performance will take place at 7 p.m. on April 18.
  • The Cape Henlopen High School performance will take place at 3 p.m. on April 19.
  • The Woodbridge High School Select Ensemble will perform a prelude at 6:30 p.m. on April 18.
  • The Cape Henlopen Jr. Honors Wind Ensemble will perform a prelude at 2:30 p.m. on April 19.

The players

Michael D. Russo

Music Director and conductor of Delaware Symphonic Winds, completing his third season following a distinguished 34-year career teaching music in New Jersey communities.

John Sopkanich

Euphonium player in Delaware Symphonic Winds, who will conduct 'Dancing In Air' by Yo Goto.

Terry Alvey

Trumpet player in Delaware Symphonic Winds, who will conduct 'Cuban Overture' by George Gershwin.

Danielle Jones

Trombonist in Delaware Symphonic Winds, who will lead the ensemble in the Side-By-Side experience with 'Congolese' by William Owens and 'Armed Forces - The Pride of America!' arranged by Larry Clark & Greg Gilpin.

Jolene Workman

Director of the Woodbridge High School Select Ensemble, an auditioned vocal group that will perform a prelude on April 18.

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What they’re saying

“Delaware Symphonic Winds has embarked on a capital fundraising campaign this year with the goal of reaching $10,000 and every gift helps.”

— Michael D. Russo, Music Director

What’s next

The ensemble is currently fundraising to support its operations, and donations can be made through its website at delawaresymphonicwinds.org.

The takeaway

Delaware Symphonic Winds' spring concerts showcase the ensemble's commitment to performing high-quality wind band literature, including works by underrepresented composers, and providing opportunities for local student musicians to collaborate with professional-level musicians.