In fact, Canisius College, since its establishment in 1927, has had several musical groups. It used to have a drum-band, a string orchestra, a classic guitar group, and a band. The life of these musical groups was waxing and waning depended on the students’ enthusiasm and the condition of each class. Canisius, however, was always consistent in giving attention to the development of art activities and programs no matter what kind of art activities and programs were chosen by the students. From the perspective of Jesuit education, education cannot be separated from art. Art is expected to help and augment the students’ development. Canisius College or Jesuit education always encourages the students to have high appreciation on art. The basic belief of Jesuit education is that students will grow normally and in balance if art takes a role on it. Art enhances and sharpens the students’ feeling and conscience.
Along with the development and demand of education, on August 2000, Father E. Baskoro Poedjinoegroho, SJ supported by Father R.B. Riyo Mursanto, SJ and Father Markus S. Wanandi, SJ founded a wind ensemble. The wind ensemble is chosen because it is identical with the male students’ characteristics. Moreover, only very few schools in Indonesia has a wind ensemble. On the other side of it, juxtaposing wind ensemble and male characteristics could carry gentleness and beauty. Eventually, this program is expected to balance the students out inasmuch as they struggle a lot with academic activities.
At the beginning of its establishment, this group was called “fanfare” according to the musical instruments used in it. On 17 June 2004, through a concertino, this group was officially baptized with a new name “Canisius Wind Ensemble” (CWE) by Father E. Azismardopo, SJ, the former rector of Budi Siswa foundation, and the director of Canisius College, Father Baskoro Poedjinoegroho. CWE, little by little, becomes a distinguish characteristic of the school. This group is open for the junior and senior high school students.
Considering the age, CWE is still considered young but CWE involvement and activities tell that this group is experienced enough. CWE has performed on several occasions such as

1. In 2002, in an Art Concert held by UNESCO in Menara Sucofindo, Jakarta.
2. On 17 August 2004, at the President’s Dinner during Megawati’s era
3. In 2005, Penampilan dan Pengenalan Seni Budaya (Art and Culture Exhibition and Indtroduction) held by Jakarta education ministry in Plaza Semanggi.
4. On 17 august 2007, as an accompanying orchestra after a national flag hoisting in the President’s palace.
5. As a choir accompanying orchestra every Christmas and Easter mass .
6. In several occasions either indoor or outdoor: Andreas Parish Anniversary, 2006, the Opening of POR CC or CC CUP (both are Canisius sport competitions), and Canisius Art Blast (an art exhibition and play performance)