Making music in small ensembles is one of the very best ways to grow as an instrumentalist, as a musician, and as a person. UCLA Woodwind Chamber Ensemble, a woodwind focused chamber ensemble class, offers practical rehearsal and performance experience in a chamber setting. The class meets weekly for coaching and rehearsals, and each group schedules an additional weekly rehearsal.
Students form ensembles or are placed in ensembles and work on assigned music in order to perform in concert at the end of the quarter. Ensembles must include at least one woodwind instrument; other instruments are welcome. No prior chamber music experience is required and non-music majors may audition to participate.
Woodwind Chamber Ensembles perform a wide range of music, from Renaissance music through works written in the twenty-first century, and in groups ranging from trios to octets. Through weekly coaching and rehearsals, students learn the intricacies of developing a convincing and expressive performance, managing rehearsal time, and connecting with their audience. Collaboration is at the heart of Woodwind Chamber Music.
