Area chair: Peter Kolkay
The woodwinds area 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 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