Kutztown Meets Pottsville’s Woodwind and Brass Family

Tayla Jones, Contributor|November 25, 2019

This past Monday, November 18th, 2019, some of Pottsville’s band students traveled to Kutztown University for a Woodwind and Brass Day. A majority of schools from all over the state attended this event.

The students were accompanied by college professors and musicians from KU. Dr. Razey, a professor at KU, worked with clarinets throughout the day, and attended the mass ensemble at the end of the day.

“Kutztown University’s Music Department has welcomed local high school students to campus for the last few years for Woodwind and Brass Day. At this event, students had the opportunity to work with KU music faculty and guest artists, beginning with a morning warmup session, continuing into large ensemble rehearsal, a masterclass on their instruments, and ending the day with an ensemble concert. I really enjoyed helping with the organization of Woodwind and Brass Day this year. I really look forward to hosting this event, or other large musical events of this nature, in the near future here at KU! It is a really great way to get to know the local music students and teachers, and the faculty and students here at KU are always excited to have musical guests here on campus,” Kutztown University Professor Dr. Razey said.

To help better the high school musicians’ skills, KU offered masterclasses to each instrumental section. These masterclasses were held by either collegiate students or KU professors.

 

Junior Grace Mongrain, a clarinetist, is practicing the piece “Joy Revisited”. “Joy Revisited” was one of the two songs that the students played for their concert on November 18. “It felt pretty fantastic to be able to participate in this event and play with collegiate level musicians. My favorite part of the day was when we got to play in a mass ensemble with the Kutztown Wind Ensemble,” junior Grace Mongrain said.

“It felt pretty fantastic to be able to participate in this event and play with collegiate level musicians. My favorite part of the day was when we got to play in a mass ensemble with the Kutztown Wind Ensemble,” junior Grace Mongrain said.

KU offered various opportunities to high school students throughout the day. From trying new instruments, to talking to collegiate professors, to even making new friends, all the students had something to do throughout their time at KU.

 

Freshman Grace Huff is reviewing for a concert with freshman Alex Maley and student Alex Sjogren, one of Kutztown’s own. The concert was played in Schaeffer Auditorium at Kutztown University on November 18. “It felt great to be a part of such a well-constructed ensemble for a day. My favorite part of the day was when we got to try out different instruments during our breaks,” freshman Grace Huff said.

“It felt great to be a part of such a well-constructed ensemble for a day. My favorite part of the day was when we got to try out different instruments during our breaks,” freshman Grace Huff said.

Kutztown University plans to host this event again. If you are a band member and did not get to attend this event, think about joining next year! It’s a great experience for everyone that has musical talent.