About us
The Hunt Valley Wind Ensemble's mission is to provide an opportunity for adult amateur musicians to rehearse and perform challenging wind band repertoire while providing live music for the local community and beyond.
Section Leaders
(in score order)
Flute
Jenn Ambrosiano
Double Reeds (Oboe/Bassoon)
Gordon Uchenick
Clarinet
George Grecco
Saxophone
Colin Riley
French Horn
Jeff Baker
Trumpet
Ed Marucci
Trombone
John Rivera
Euphonium/Tuba
James Wei
Percussion
(vacant)
Matthew Benner
Conductor
Matthew T. Benner is the Conductor of the Hunt Valley Wind Ensemble. Matthew holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Millersville University, and a Master’s degree in Music Education from Towson University. Through his career, Matthew has worked with several bands, most recently the Towson University Concert Band. He is currently teaching instrumental music at Dulaney High School in Timonium, Maryland.
Personally, Matthew currently resides in Baltimore with his wife (Elaine), daughter (Clara), son (Felix) and two dogs (Bianca and Nigel). In his (non-existent) spare time, he is an active curler, board game aficionado, and DCI (Drum Corps International) enthusiast.
Joshua Baker
Assistant Conductor
Joshua Baker holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Delaware. He is currently the Instrumental Music Teacher at Joppatowne High School in Harford County, where he directs the concert, marching, and jazz band, as well as the orchestra. He also finds time to coach the boys lacrosse team at Joppatowne as well. Joshua has performed in several community ensembles in Maryland and Delaware, and frequently performs on electric bass in pits for musical productions in the area.
Joshua lives in Perry Hall with his partner Heather-Ryen, and his two cats, Clyde and Abra. In his free time he can usually be found napping, cooking, or playing board and tabletop games.
Jenn Ambrosiano
Founder & President
Jenn Ambrosiano is the founder and president of the Hunt Valley Wind Ensemble. Jenn started the organization in 2016, which was originally known as the Hunt Valley Symphonic Band, for the areas of Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Timonium, and beyond, as a way to give back to the community through music.
Jenn’s primary instrument is flute and she has been part of many local community music organizations around the state of Maryland, including other community bands and various flute choirs. Jenn has a deep love for music that stems back from her childhood starting with the incredible music teachers she had in school growing up on Long Island. In college, Jenn discovered playing in concert bands doesn’t have to end with high school or college when she found a few local community groups to join. Those groups helped her realize that playing an instrument can be a life long pursuit. Her passion for community music has grown deep since college and Jenn often finds herself serving on various non-profit boards to help promote and spread community music locally and beyond.
In addition to her involvement with the band, Jenn also plays with other community music groups, coaches field hockey, is a Girl Scout leader, and serves on her homeowners board of directors. Jenn lives in Cockeysville with her husband and is a stay-at-home mother to her three children.