About Us
Cambridge Wind Band was founded in 2012 by Viv Halton and Sarah Hughes to provide high quality music making for local woodwind, brass and percussion players. Under the talented direction of Viv Halton, the fifty-piece band has a varied repertoire ranging from film scores and show tunes to symphonic wind music by renowned composers such as Eric Whitacre, Frank Ticheli, Philip Sparke and Nigel Hess. The band has also performed newly commissioned pieces.
Passionate about community impact, CWB regularly uses the power of music to raise money for local charities. The symphonic wind band is one of the most underrated yet exciting ensembles, and Cambridge Wind Band is driven by team spirit, dedication and artistic excellence. These qualities combine to make it one of the region's premier wind ensembles.
Photo by Sean Rock
Viv Halton
From her early days playing bass clarinet with the National Youth Wind Orchestra and the Guildhall School of Music, Viv has held a lifelong passion for ensemble music. Today, as Head of Woodwind and Director of Wind Bands at The Perse Upper School, she inspires both young players and her adult ensemble through the power of collective music-making.
Viv’s career spans orchestral, jazz, and chamber music. She performs regularly with the Sampson Orchestra of Cambridge and the City of Cambridge Orchestra, and has recorded as a saxophonist for both the BBC and Jazz FM. You can also hear her playing jazz with the Halton Trio and the Simply Reeds quartet.
A writer and reviewer for the Clarinet & Saxophone Society of Great Britain, Viv remains deeply connected to the broader woodwind community.
Photo by Richard Mitchell
Testimonials
“Viv and the Cambridge Wind Band are synonymous with energy and sparkle – I always hugely enjoy their performances.”
Paul Harris - composer
“I was totally blown away by the high standard of ensemble and musicianship of the Cambridge Wind Band when I first heard them last April in West Road Concert Hall. The band gave 110% under the expert direction of Viv Halton whose skill and experience shone through the entire concert. I was also delighted with their performance of my march 'Gallowgate' in Hitchin later that year. Viv clearly has a 6th sense with regard to my music as it was performed exactly as I intended! Definitely a 'must-hear' band whenever you get the opportunity!”
James Rae - composer
Photo by Richard Mitchell