Concert Performances | Residency Programs

CONCERT PERFORMANCES

Calico Winds is taking wind music to the forefront of the chamber music world by artfully reinventing the conventional wind quintet. The ensemble blends top-notch playing, great music and an appealing atmosphere. They perform many styles, incorporating an imaginative approach to standard literature with an exploration of popular and nontraditional works. “Calico” reflects the many colors and textures offered by the sounds of the wind quintet.

A Calico Winds concert is an engaging and memorable event. The members of the ensemble build a natural easygoing rapport with the audience by speaking about the music. Calico Winds’ polished ensemble, astonishing blend and dramatic dynamic capacity create an uplifting experience for the audience at every concert, deepening their appreciation and enthusiasm for wind chamber music.

Audience Commentary

“I attended your concert. To be truthful, I was not looking forward to it, as I have always thought of Chamber Music as mournful, and why would one want to seek it out as entertainment? Well, I thought it absolutely delightful, as did my friends! We loved your sense of humor, the interaction between you...the fact that each of you spoke to the audience. Thank you for an altogether different opinion of your music.” — P. Vaughn

“You were absolutely wonderful and were a true inspiration to two of my daughters who are taking flute and oboe. (My other two children do violin and cello—you know those strings.)” — E. Slowik

“I am 75 years young and never attended a wind quintet before, my wife is trying to get me “some couth” I think it is a lost cause though. However,I did enjoy the concert very much.” — L. McRae

“It was a very enjoyable evening. The performers that I see at the community concerts all have extraordinary talents, but not all know how to connect with the audience. You have both the talents and the connecting with audience down pat.” — L. Mutchler

“Just wanted you to know I thoroughly enjoyed your concert last
night in Glendive. Especially the Scherzo by Bozza—reminded me of swirling leaves when the cold wind is about to bring snow—just about like today’s weather.” — D. K. Van Gorden

“I have always been impressed by the instruments of the orchestra but I have never listened to a small group of a particular category, namely and in this case, the woodwinds. I have come to appreciate each instrument a little more than before. Also, when a particular category is segregated and displayed, you achieve a new appreciation for what can be done. The performers have a wonderful mix of instruments and a great package of music which makes each instrument and performer a star.” — S. Escarcega
                  [from Concert Report for College Music Appreciation Class]

RESIDENCY PROGRAMS

“Here’s the Story…”

Grades K-6

Calico Winds artfully introduces classical music by bringing to the assembly format a true concert experience along with an enlightening music lesson, inviting participation from the students throughout the performance.

Essential Elements
Entertaining musical selections from a broad swath of classical composers

• Music of European masters such as J.S. Bach, Gustav Mahler, and
  Paul Hindemith
• Works by American legends Edward MacDowell, John Phillip Sousa
• Folk and Dance music from around the world
  
  
  Explanation of wind instruments
  What do they look like?
  What do they sound like?
  What are they made of?
  How do they make the sound?

Ensemble characteristics
What is a quintet?
What is a wind quintet?
What instrument families are represented?
How do the sounds of the instruments work together?

Ear training
Stage choreography aids students’ listening skills
Directed questions about the music teaches cognitive listening

Engaging student participation in music making

Encourage students’ imagination through musical storytelling

Children’s Concert Companion
To further the learning experience beyond the musical event the Children’s Concert Companion is a booklet filled with fun facts, projects and puzzles directly related to the program. Grades 3rd to 6th

Available for sale at concerts, online
and as a handout at educational programs.

Enliven a School Instrumental Music Program

Band and Orchestra students through 12th grade
There is perhaps nothing more inspiring to a student learning an instrument than to get the up-close and personal experience of a professional playing for them. Tailored to the individual needs of each music program, Calico offers assemblies, master classes, ensemble coaching, and discussions about careers in music. Students learn techniques to improve their performance and listening abilities, as well as chamber music skills and musical interpretation of a wide variety of styles.

College Music Majors and Amateur Musicians
Providing detailed instruction to advanced players

• Master classes
• Performance classes
• Seminars on the business of:
  chamber music, orchestral auditions, free-lancing
• Coachings
• Open rehearsals
  

GENERAL AUDIENCE OUTREACH

Info-Concert
Appropriate for middle school, high school, college general students and community groups. A one-hour program with expanded explanations of musical selections, which may include an introduction of each instrument.

Seminar
Guest lecturers for college music appreciation and humanities courses discussing issues of arts and culture.

Extra-Concert Activity
Moderated discussion/Q&A session with the audience and/or interview before or after the formal program.
Reception or informal gathering with audience members and/or board
members following the formal program.

Calico Concert Compendium
Available at www.calicowinds.com and designed for high school students, teachers and curious concert-goers, Calico Concert Compendium provides insight into the wind quintet, its instruments and their histories.

Quotes

“In addition to their individual and collective artistic abilities, the members of Calico Winds communicate with audiences and students with great ease, clarity and enthusiasm.”
 —Dr. Manuel Prestamo, Dean, Oklahoma City Community College

“The students loved the show and could not stop talking about it. I appreciate all that you do and want you to know that you really made a difference for my students and even some of the teachers.” —Rhonda Dincau, MSW, Outreach Specialist, Harrington Elementary School, Oxnard, CA

“Thank you for the wonderful program and the master classes you offered our Music for Youth audience on Saturday afternoon. It was spirited, engaging, educational and beautifully timed. Everyone enjoyed the experience while learning much about the instruments you play.” —Marianne Liberatore, President, Music for Youth, Inc., Southport, CT

“After hearing you play so well, I am inspired to practice more and become a better musician.” “Some of these instruments I have never known, so it was interesting learning about them.” “You’ve greatly inspired me to not only listen but to imagine.” —4th and 5th graders, Meet the Musicians, Coleman Chamber Music Foundation, Pasadena, CA

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