Since 1979, in collaboration with Muskegon Community College, the West Michigan Concert WINDS has provided the chance to hear and perform concert band music with one of the state’s oldest and largest adult community bands. This award-winning band works with community music organizations throughout the Midwest and middle school and high school music programs in Muskegon, Ottawa, and Newaygo counties. 

In 2006, the West Michigan Concert WINDS started an endowment fund within the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Each year since, their musicians and supporters have added gifts to create a permanent funding stream for the volunteer group. “The fund provides us with grants and funds each year that provide student scholarships, purchasing of music, and so much more that allow us to share our art with the West Michigan community,” says conductor and artistic director Gail Brechting. “I’m a nationwide advocate to other bands and nonprofits to work with their community foundations. We’re so grateful for the partnership!”