Woodwinds

Core Experiences for Woodwind Primary Students

  • Large Ensembles

    Woodwind students play in the Festival Concert Band and/or Festival Symphony Orchestra. Repertoire ranges from symphonic works, wind ensemble arrangements, and new compositions. Watch the 2024 Festival Band or the 2024 Festival Orchestra.

  • Private Lessons

    Two half-hour lessons per week with a collegiate or conservatory-level faculty member.

  • Chamber Music

    You’ll be coached by a faculty member, playing in a small ensemble with other students who match your musical level. Chamber music rehearsals occur every-other day.

  • Studio Classes

    Join other students on your instrument in a weekly studio class led by faculty. (Flute students meet with flute faculty; oboe with the oboe faculty, etc.) You’ll learn through masterclass seminars, and develop practice and performance techniques.

  • Recital Performances

    Play a solo and perform with your chamber ensemble at the end of LSM in a culminating recital.

Meet the Woodwind Faculty

Optional Woodwind Experiences

  • Reed-Making

    Learn the basic techniques and tools for making your own reeds, or receive expert advice from double reed faculty.

  • Early Music/Collegium Musicum

    Attend a workshop to explore historical versions of woodwind instruments and play period music.

  • Jazz Ensemble

    This audition-based ensemble accepts up to two alto saxophone players, two tenor saxophone players, and one bari saxophone player (or occasionally other woodwind instruments). Watch the 2024 Jazz Ensemble.

  • Concerto Audition

    One student each summer is selected to perform a concerto solo with the Festival Orchestra. Learn more here.

  • Worship Music

    Play in an ensemble or as a soloist to help lead liturgies, hymnody, or other music in worship services.

Woodwind FAQ

Can woodwind students play in both band and orchestra?

It’s possible, but not guaranteed. Placement depends on onsite auditions, the number of parts for the repertoire chosen, and how full your schedule already is!

Can I study or play other instruments in addition my woodwind instrument?

Yes. In addition to your primary instrument, you can take opportunities to play or study other instruments through private lessons (one secondary lesson per week), or other large ensembles or electives (singing in choir; playing a different instrument, etc.). This is common – many LSM students participate in multiple ensembles or study multiple instruments!