Department chair: Peter Kolkay
The Woodwinds Department maintains the highest possible standards, offers an exceptional musical and intellectual education, and fosters an atmosphere where artistry and creativity can thrive. Students work with the primary professors in each instrumental area, and a low student-teacher ratio ensures dedicated, personalized private instruction.
Music majors enjoy an environment rich with gifted, intelligent peers; regular performances by both students and faculty (who at times perform together), and stimulating, challenging class work. Chamber music is an important focal point of the program, with all student groups coached on a regular basis. An innovative large ensemble organizational structure assures an opportunity for both leadership roles and a variety of ensemble experiences -- orchestra, wind symphony, contemporary ensemble, opera and oratorio orchestras, concert winds and chamber players. Weekly performance classes and student recitals allow for essential on-stage experience and feedback.
Frequent performances by faculty, including the resident faculty woodwind quintet, visiting guest artists and master-class teachers, as well as by student ensembles, are a vital strength of the program.
The following Woodwinds Department faculty offer instruction to Blair School undergraduate music majors:
- Bassoon: Peter Kolkay, Associate Professor of Bassoon
- Clarinet: Mariam Adam, Assistant Professor of Clarinet
- Flute: Molly Barth, Associate Professor of Flute
- Oboe: Jared Hauser, Associate Professor of Oboe
- Saxophone: Brian Utley, Senior Lecturer in Saxophone
Pre-screening & Audition Repertoire Requirements
All applicants must complete a pre-screening video according to their program (instrument, voice, composition or jazz.) Pre-screening requirements are the same regardless of your specific major of interest. For example: all voice applicants will follow the vocal requirements below no matter what they plan to major in (Performance, Integrated Studies, or along the Musical Arts degree.) Once the admissions process is complete, admitted students will notify us of their intended specific major. You can learn more about these majors here. Jazz applicants should follow the specific Jazz requirements for pre-screening and audition on their primary instrument or voice.
All applicants should feel free to reach out to Blair Admissions with audition repertoire questions.