The Columbia University Wind Ensemble will be utilizing the funds raised at the Columbia Festival of Winds to develop an after school music program in a public school located in New York City's District 5. Columbia University Wind Ensemble members will volunteer their time to teach music to students who wouldn't otherwise have this opportunity. To develop the 'Making Music Matter' program, the Columbia University Wind Ensemble is working closely with representatives from New York City's District 5, as well as the Morningside Area Alliance.

The mission of the Morningside Area Alliance is to foster, develop and promote the advancement of the Morningside Heights district of New York City as a unique educational, residential and cultural neighborhood; to sustain linkages among its members institutions to enhance communication, public well-being and cooperative initiatives; and to identify and access the collective resources of its member institutions for the purpose of improving the areas of education and youth services, public health and community development in Morningside Heights and the surrounding community.

For more information regarding the Morningside Area Alliance, please visit their website.