The Eastman Wind Orchestra (EWO) is comprised of first and second year woodwind, brass, and percussion students at the Eastman School of Music- and is the first component of the large ensemble rotation system. The repertoire and curriculum for EWO is similar to the repertoire for the Eastman Wind Ensemble (EWE): focusing on standard wind band classics, music for chamber winds, new music for wind ensemble, and transcriptions. Within four years, students playing in both the EWO and EWE will perform well over 100 compositions. Woodwind, brass and percussion students rotate in and out of both EWO and Eastman School Symphony Orchestra (ESSO) four times per semester, corresponding to a similar rotation design to the Eastman Wind Ensemble and Philharmonia.

The EWO actively participates in commissioning new works and world premieres, regularly performs with community and public school ensembles throughout the Rochester region, and has been a feature ensemble at the New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA) Conference in Syracuse, NY. In February 2024, they will be a feature ensemble at the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Eastern Division Conference at Cornell University.