Tag Archives: McAllen Wind Ensemble

Businessman Led Life of Service & Faith

Despite his successful business ventures and his commitment to the Presbyterian Church, family came first for Bill and Marion Wilson.

The McAllen Wind Ensemble website reads that the group was established in 1973 by local music supporters and “sparked by Bill Wilson’s inspiration from plaza bands in Mexico.”  But who is Bill Wilson? Bill Wilson was not a musician who wanted to start his own band. He was a man who saw a need and fulfilled it without fanfare. He was an Oklahoma native and led his high school band…

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Town Band Brings Joy To McAllen

Saxophonist Quentin Donalson and tubist Oscar Ortiz share their musical talents with the crowd at the McAllen Wind Ensemble Veterans Day 2025 concert. (Photo McAllen Wind Ensemble)

The Thanksgiving turkey and tamales are already a savory memory. Holiday lights sparkle throughout our communities. But nothing says “most wonderful time of the year” quite like music. In McAllen, a revered town band has spread the spirit of Christmas for over 50 years. The McAllen Wind Ensemble is actually the third name of the group, which was established in 1973. Businessman Bill Wilson brought the idea home to McAllen…

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