University-level Residency Offerings

Artistic education
Chamber music masterclass

• Ensembles chosen by the department(s) perform, and all five WindSync members coach together

Chamber music guest coaching

• WindSync members split into different classrooms and provide individualized or partnered coaching for each ensemble

Individual instrument masterclasses

Individual instrument lessons

• For smaller programs, WindSync musicians are available for guest instruction

Composition or orchestration classes

• Reading new works for wind quintet by student composers and providing constructive feedback
• Discussion of idiomatic writing for the wind quintet; demonstration of various techniques and textures from quintet repertoire and/or readings of students’ work

Open rehearsals

• Observation of WindSync in rehearsal to discover new rehearsal techniques, processes for learning new works, communication, and more

Career education
General entrepreneurship discussion

• Large group setting; free-form discussion about WindSync, how to start an ensemble, finding a niche, and long-term viability

Guest teaching a career-oriented class

• Faculty who already teach in the areas of career development, nonprofit management, community engagement, etc. can suggest a topic to address within their syllabus or host a Q & A

Seminar: Crafting effective educational programs

• Using WindSync’s educational performances as a model, students can experience first-hand the different modes of communication that young people and special needs audiences require. Practical approaches are covered, including managing audience attention spans, age-appropriate musical selections and concepts, and how to make programs interactive.

Seminar: Sound Places

• A class that looks at the role of musicians in public spaces outside of traditional concert venues and how partnerships with city planners and other local organizations can make our cities more livable and creative. After looking at a case study from WindSync’s Sound Places residency in Opelousas, Louisiana, students will have the chance to identify public spaces and partners local to them that might be enriched through performance.

Community ensemble mini-incubator (If multiple residency visits)

• Pre-formed ensembles design a non-traditional concert program in one of two categories, education or Sound Places. Proposals from successful ensembles are selected (either by faculty or by WindSync) to execute their project. WindSync provides mentorship at each step of the way and may collaborate with the ensembles.

Performances
Main stage recital

• WindSync performs their signature touring program

Collaborative concert

• WindSync performs side-by-side with student or local performers​