Founded in 1985 by the late Dr. C. Sydney Berg, the Tidewater Winds provides the opportunity for the communities of Hampton Roads to enjoy professional band concerts in the Sousa Band tradition. The innaugural concert was presented on July 7, 1985 at Norfolk's Town Point Park. Performances are always free and open to the public.
Incorporated by the Virginia State Corporation Commission in 1992, The Winds perform entertaining programs throughout Hampton Roads under the direction of Maestro John Brewington. These concerts are made possible by grants from local and state agencies as well as the generous contributions from individuals and businesses.
In 2000, the Tidewater Winds was honored in a Joint Senate Resolution of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Today the Winds continues to present concerts featuring a sampling of classic literature as well as pop and family favorites.
Maestro John Brewington
John Brewington is the Fine Arts Coordinator for the Virginia Beach City Public Schools and is Music Director and Conductor for the Tidewater Winds. He is in his 24th year in public education that has included positions as director of bands at Kemspville Middle School in Virginia Beach and as an adjunct professor at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, for 10 years. Mr. Brewington is an active adjudicator, clinician, performer and conductor. He served on the conducting staff of the Mid-Atlantic Middle School Band Camp and has served as Guest Conductor at All-County or All-District and All-City Bands throughout Virginia. He has performed for over 25 years with the Virginia Symphony and has eight compact disc recordings to his credit. The list of stars John has played with include such luminaries as Steve Lawrence & Edie Gorme, Doc Severinson, Victor Borge,Mitzi Gaynor, Roger Williams, Rich Little, Marvin Hamlisch, Carol Channing, Bruce Hornsby, Rosemary Clooney, Peter Nero, Glen Campbell, The Smothers Brothers, and The Moody Blues.
Mr. Brewington received his Bachelor of Music Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master of Music Performance degree from East Carolina University, and his Educational Specialist Degree from The George Washington University. Mr. Brewington was presented an Alli Award from the Cultural Alliance of Greater Hampton Roads in 2007 for his outstanding contributions to the cultural life of the region. He was named Teacher of the Year at Kempsville Middle School in 1999 and has twice been reognized in Who's Who in American Teachers. He resides in Virginia Beach with his wife, Karen, and ther two children, Jonn Jr. and Colin.
