College/University Residency
Our quintet members are real-life role models for building a rewarding life in music beyond orchestral playing, providing a roadmap for students to envision diverse opportunities in the world of music. Our goal is to inspire students to consider music careers more creatively and to empower the next generation of musicians to forge their own unique paths.
Anatomy of a Quintet: Finding Yourself in Music After College
This panel discussion will demystify six rewarding paths you can take with a music degree using members of the quintet as real life examples. (It's not just orchestral playing and teaching in public schools!) Topics that can be covered include starting your own chamber music ensemble, creating a non-profit and applying for grants. This conversation is designed to ignite students’ imaginations and inspire them to explore alternatives beyond traditional orchestral performance careers.
Chamber Music Skills in Ensemble Playing
This interactive workshop will transform students' listening and ensemble skills from 2D to 3D. District5 guides students through breath work, movement and active listening exercises, and score immersion. This class would take place during a large-ensemble rehearsal.
Chamber Music Masterclass
“You’re sharp!” Rehearsals can easily be derailed without strategies for communicating effectively and with kindness. District5 will coach student groups, demonstrate common pitfalls of communication in chamber music rehearsals, and discuss road-tested proven strategies to overcome them. Student's will also get District5's 10 tips for more effective communication skills and more productive rehearsals.
Improvisation for Wind Instrumentalists
The flutist of District5, Dr. Kaufman Mowry, will lead a class for all wind players on “preluding,” which is a form of improvisation utilized by musicians in the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras. Learning this skill can free up your playing and help students immerse themselves in their repertoire at a deeper level.
Student Composition Reading
District5 will read student compositions and have an in-depth Q & A session for composers on writing for wind instruments. District5 members are pros at new music and at collaborations with composers-- they offer feedback and help for composers to be able to realize their desired performances.
Individual Instrument Masterclasses
Each member of District5 is experienced and skilled in delivering dynamic and engaging masterclasses on their prospective instruments.