Woodwinds

Faculty Directory: Flute & Piccolo | Oboe & English Horn | Clarinet | Bassoon | Saxophone

The woodwind department is composed of experienced and caring 'performer-teachers' with proven track records. Novices and accomplished musicians of all ages and levels are guided by veteran teachers as they fulfill their goals and maximize their creative potential in a positive and supportive environment.

For those wishing to supplement their school instruction, advance their placement in District, State, and local Youth Ensembles, prepare college auditions, or simply desire to meet fellow music lovers, NEC Prep is the destination to pursue these goals at the highest standards.

Seasoned guest performers share their expertise in public masterclasses. Weekly coaching in reed-making and small chamber ensembles, combined with frequent recitals allow teachers and students to join together as a community to explore the woodwind legacy.

Click here to schedule a fall placement!

Ken Radnofsky takes his students on a deep dive into the world of classical saxophone performance.

A Prep musician plays alto flute in a chamber ensemble rehearsal.

Greg Newton explains the finer points of bassoon technique.

The Honors Woodwind Quintet performs in Prep's annual Winterfest concert in NEC's Jordan Hall.

A young bassoonist warms up before a concert with the Youth Repertory Orchestra.

Private Lessons

Private instruction is the foundation of a sound musical education. At NEC Prep, the depth and expertise of our faculty assure a great match for our students' individual needs. Private lessons of 30, 45, and 60 minutes are offered for students of all levels (including beginners!) for all instruments listed under faculty.

A unique feature of our private lesson program is that it includes the opportunity to participate in workshops, recitals, evaluations, and our annual concerto competition, which offer every student valuable performance experience and feedback from a variety of teachers.

Prospective woodwind students must set up an audition or placement interview with Woodwinds Department Chair Ellen Martins, who will advise each student personally regarding an appropriate studio teacher placement and path of study. For information on how to get started, please click here. Private lessons can begin at any time during the school year. Please contact the Prep office for information and to schedule a placement with your Department Chair.

Classes

For more information and enrollment into courses, please contact the Prep office.

Oboe Reedmaking Class

Amanda Hardy, Instructor

This course covers beginning and intermediate oboe reedmaking from cane selection, shaping, and tying, to the proper scraping and balancing of reeds. Students must provide their own reed tools and cane.

Saturday, 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Bassoon Reedmaking Class

Gregory Newton, Instructor

This course covers beginning and intermediate bassoon reedmaking from cane selection, shaping, and tying, to the proper scraping and balancing of reeds, along with discussion on the basic physics and acoustics involved in reeds. Students must provide their own reed tools and cane.

Saturday, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Recorder for Beginners

Aldo Abreu, Instructor

In this class students start learning soprano recorder. Along with the technical development, students also learn to play by ear and to read at the same time.

Recorder for Woodwind Players

Aldo Abreu, Instructor

This class is for students who already play another woodwind or brass instrument and would like to learn recorder. Since students already have some wind and finger control, they can learn the basics quickly and also do some recorder ensemble music. The class will cover soprano, alto, tenor, and bass recorders.

Clarinet Consort

Marguerite Levin, Instructor

This special ensemble is for clarinetists of intermediate and advanced levels. The Clarinet Consort will give students the opportunity perform in an ensemble devoted to the instruments of the entire clarinet family. Repertoire includes transcriptions by major composers as well as original works written for the large clarinet ensemble. Marguerite Levin, Principal Clarinet of the former Baltimore Opera Company, and the United States
Navy Band in Washington, D.C, will conduct the Consort. Students will enjoy her energetic and fun approach to making music.

Rehearsals – Saturday, 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Other Opportunities for Woodwind Students

NEC Prep Woodwind students may also be interested in:

Workshops and Recitals

Woodwind players taking private lessons have the opportunity to participate in woodwind workshops and woodwind recitals. The committed NEC Prep faculty members give students feedback and musical coaching in the workshops, and the recitals provide valuable performance experiences. All students and parents are welcome to attend, observe, and learn.

Workshop: Saturday, October 14, 2017
Recital: Saturday, October 21, 2017

Workshop: Saturday, January 13, 2018
Recital: Saturday, January 20, 2018

Workshop: Saturday, March 3, 2018
Recital: Saturday, March 10, 2018

Workshop: Saturday, April 7, 2018
Recital: Saturday, April 14, 2018