About Us
Our Mission Statement
One of the region’s most established wind groups, The Ramsey Wind Symphony is a volunteer organization that provides opportunities for qualified individuals to renew, maintain and develop their interests and talents in the performing arts by participating in a positive and uplifting musical environment. Since its inception on December 19, 1986, the Ramsey Wind Symphony has served Northern Jersey, Rockland, and the surrounding communities for more than three decades, playing a wide-ranging repertoire of traditional and popular music for many who would otherwise be unable to access such an experience.
The season is comprised of regular Wednesday evening rehearsals and a series of indoor and outdoor concerts, including the annual Ramsey Fourth of July Celebration and Ramsey Day (a festive carnival day celebrating the end of the summer in Ramsey). The Ramsey Wind Symphony focuses on love of music, craft, enthusiasm, constancy of commitment and effort, the highest possible artistic excellence, and a desire to share the joy of music. The Wind Symphony strives to create an atmosphere of accessibility within the community, warmth, challenge, and encouragement for its participants and audience.
We invite all who love intensely inspiring and expressive live symphonic music to join us in our pursuits.
Minesh Shah, Musical Director
Minesh Shah is a professional music educator and performer from the NY/NJ area. Minesh holds a Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. During his time at UML, Minesh studied Trombone with Willis Traphagan. Minesh also studied Brass Pedagogy extensively while being Professor Traphagan’s final Trombone student. Mr. Shah studied Trombone Performance at Montclair State where he studied Trombone with R. Clyde Wigness and James Markey. Mr. Shah is a lifelong learner and is continuing his education in Jazz pedagogy as well as behavior analysis.
After college, Mr. Shah began teaching in NJ and found success with diverse populations. While teaching in Elizabeth, Minesh was the Music Caption & Ensemble Supervisor for the Elizabeth High School Marching Band, during which time the band won State and National Championships for four years running. While at Elizabeth Mr. Shah worked with some of the country’s finest educators. Starting in 2022 Mr. Shah has been the Ensemble Coordinator for the Tenafly High School Marching Band. They are the two-time reigning State Champions and in 2023 earned their first ever National Championship.
Musicians
Flute
Amanda Garcia
Lori Anders
Carolyn Moore
Steven Rigolosi
Krysti Sabins
Bassoon
Ken Brown
Chloe Landau
Clarinet
David Straus
Daniel Kohler
Kristin Bungert
Arlene Garcia
Matt Cooper
Bass Clarinet
Kara Shah
Nathan Goldberg
Alto Saxophone
Tim Egan
Tiffany Lee
Tenor Sax
John Schloman
Baritone Sax
Jean Mariscovete
French Horn
Jim Juliano
Trumpet
Kevin Alarcon
Jeff Alstede
Pat Passero
Jerry Vargo
Trombone
Danielle Padron
Eric Ruddick-Ferrat
Ed Stanford
Euphonium
Aaron Alcine
Melissa Kay
Don Levinson
Tuba
Victor Gutierrez
Mike Jacobetz
String Bass
Bryce Tempest
Percussion
Ythan Goldberg
Judy Hunter
Aaron Levine