What's new in 2023
After 3 years of silence, WestwoodWinds Community Band returns with major changes
Jim Giurleo announces his retirement
James Giurleo, founder and director of WestwoodWinds since its inception in 2010, has retired as music director. He will continue serving on the WestwoodWinds board to assist in the transition to new musical and administrative leadership.
Jim taught music and directed music programs in Arlington, Adams-Cheshire Regional School District, Dedham and retired as the K-12 Director of Performing Arts for the Westwood Public Schools in 2009. During his career, Jim directed concert bands, marching bands, jazz bands, and choruses and taught general music, music theory and piano lab classes. He was awarded the Lowell Mason Award for dedicated and distinguished service to music education in Massachusetts. Jim was the founder of the Prodigy Program, Westwood’s after school music lesson program.
WestwoodWinds has a new Music Director
Melissa Laurencio is a sought-after performer, director and private instructor with 20 years’ experience as a professional musician on clarinet. She holds a Masters of Music degree in clarinet performance from Boston University where she studied with Thomas Martin of the BSO. She is Music Director of Roma Band Musicians and performs in over 50 venues each year on clarinet. Her students are active in the musical community performing in prestigious music festivals, local and international competitions, and featured on NPR’s “From the Top.” Many of her students continue to perform music in top ivy league schools, music conservatories, and community organizations. A former student won a position in the President’s Own Army Field Band as a junior in college.
Membership Fee
To fully support WestwoodWinds' mission, members will be asked to pay an $85.00 Annual Membership Fee during registration or at the first rehearsal. For more information, click "Learn More" below.