It is with heavy hearts that we bring you the sad news that our longtime friend, mentor and founding conductor, Maestro Darrell Johnston, passed away on the evening of May 25, 2021.

Board President Caroline McIntyre and the entire SJWS community extend our deepest sympathy to the Maestro’s family and friends. “Darrell was a wonderful man who inspired students and adult musicians with his musicianship and kindness,” remembered Caroline. “We are blessed by the outstanding musical foundation Darrell instilled in the many SJWS members who performed under his baton, and for his continuing contributions to SJWS over the years.”

Darrell’s family has suggested that donations in his honor be directed to the San Jose Wind Symphony. To make a donation, click or tap the button below.

DARRELL LELAND JOHNST0N

July 2, 1930 - May 25, 2021

Darrell L. Johnston, retired Maestro and Founder of the San Jose Wind Symphony, Professor of Music and Department Chairman at San Jose City College, and a longtime resident of San Jose, CA, passed peacefully at home in Monterey, CA, with his beloved family at his side on May 25, 2021. He was 90.

Read the full obituary.

Covid-19 Information

May 2021

Dear SJWS friends and family,

When we suspended our season in the spring of 2020, we had no idea how long it would be until we could perform for you again.

Over a year later, we still don’t know.

With the successful new vaccines and the slow but steady decline in U.S. cases, we are hopeful that the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us. But new cases worldwide are still surging and the global outlook is anything but certain.

For now, the one thing we can say for sure is that we won’t be performing our traditional Fourth of July concert this year. The town of Los Gatos has prudently canceled their annual festivities.

Beyond that, the outlook is cloudy. We are hoping it will be possible to resume rehearsing in the fall — our rehearsal studio is implementing strict COVID-19 protocols based on state and county guidelines. However, there is still great uncertainty about scheduling public concerts, including which venues might be available and what kinds of restrictions will be in place for audience members and musicians.

We will keep you updated as soon as we have any new information.

In the meantime, we’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to those who have donated to SJWS during this difficult period. Even without rehearsals and performances, we have a number of ongoing expenses. We are grateful for your support.

Stay healthy in these challenging times. We look forward to the day when we can perform for you again.

Board of Directors
San Jose Wind Symphony

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