About Us

The Sound of Europe

Our Founding

Founded in 1991 by Herr Andreas Marx—who brought his expertise to Richmond from Geesthacht, Germany—The European Wind Ensemble, Inc. ("EWE") was established to showcase the musical breadth of the entire continent, offering an alternative to Richmond’s already established Bavarian "oompah" bands.

Our Mission

The mission of EWE is to provide a welcoming environment for adult musicians to:

• • Enjoy shared musical musical experiences,

  • Develop their instrumental skills, and

  • Enrich the local community through public performance.

Musical Repertoire

Our library consists of over 600 arrangements, blending traditional styles with a focus on:

• Northern German & Czech-Bohemian: Our foundational style, reflecting the music of the Elbe River.

• Bavarian & Oktoberfest: High-energy brass and traditional favorites.

• European Variety: Seasonal selections for non-Oktoberfest events.

Instrumentation & Sound

Modeled after a German Infantry band from circa 1890, the ensemble offers a rich, historical alternative to the modern American wind band.  Our signature sound is defined by three key differences in instrumentation:

• Warmth & Color: Inclusion of flugelhorns alongside trumpets.

• Mellow Tenor Voice: Utilization of tenor horn parts (similar to a euphonium).

• Authentic Texture: A complete absence of saxophones.

In German-speaking countries, this traditional, brass-forward ensemble is known as Blasmusik, which is a traditional genre of brass wind band music popular ini German-speaking countries like Austria and Germany.  Key features of blasmusik:

• Instruments: Primarily performed by brass and woodwind instruments, including flugelhorns, trombones, tenorhorns, tubas, and clarinets.

• Musical Style: Often features high-energy polkas, marches, and waltzes, sometimes with a driving, rhythmic "oompah" sound.

• Context: It is central to cultural events, including tavern gatherings, Beer Gardens, parades, and folk festivals.

• Performance: Traditionally performed live by a Blaskapelle (brass band)

Music Conductors

Following Andreas’s return to Germany in 2007, EWE has performed under various  conductors.  Currently, the ensemble is under the artistic direction of Ed Krauss.

Join Us

We welcome dedicated musicians to join our ensemble.   Membership is based on:

• Age: Musicians must be at least 18 years of age. 

• Section Availability: Play an instrument that aligns with the ensemble's current requirements.  

• Musical Proficiency.  While we do not hold formal auditions, members are expected to demonstrate a level of proficiency that meets the standards set by our Music Conductor. 

Rehearsal and Concerts

• Rehearsals: EWE meeting weekly on Wednesdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 

Huguenot Road Baptist Church

10525 W. Huguenot Road

North Chesterfield, VA 23235

• Concerts: Concert schedules are published well in advance.  We primarily perform at retirement communities, with our annual Oktoberfest concerts serving as a seasonal highlight.

Availability

The European Wind Ensemble, Inc. is available to perform at community venues and events.  

For booking inquiries and available dates, please email our Vice President at vicepresident@theeuropeanwindensemble.com