“What sets The Westerlies apart is not just their exceptional artistry, but also their dedication to fostering meaningful community engagement.”

- Anthony Mazzocchi

Director, John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University

The Westerlies have facilitated residencies, collaborations, and workshops at conservatories and universities nationwide, engaging jazz, classical, brass, composition, and music education departments at institutions including Juilliard, Yale, Colburn, Manhattan School of Music, Northwestern University, Montclair State University, Michigan State University, University of Kansas, University of Iowa, Montana State University, and many others.

Our program offerings are designed to be flexible and can be tailored to meet the needs of students at any level of study. Interested in discussing a collaboration with your institution?

Contact us to discuss!

Collaborative PERFORMANCE

The Westerlies have collaborative offerings for symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, jazz big band, and brass ensemble, and will rehearse and perform music alongside students. The option to commission a new piece or arrangement from The Westerlies is available.

IMPROVISATION FOR EVERYONE

Classroom, Grades 6+, 60-120 Minutes

The Westerlies strongly believe in improvisation as a universal means of personal expression and communication. In this hands-on workshop for musicians of all instruments, experience levels, and stylistic backgrounds, The Westerlies break down the fear and barriers to improvisation through a series of group improvisation games and exercises. In a short time, the ensemble empowers participants to express themselves through creative music, improvisation, and composition.

“It is rare to find presenters as adept at engaging 6-year-olds as well as 60-year-olds, and we were delighted and impressed that The Westerlies did just that.”

- Kingsley Tang, Music Department Chair at The Francis W. Parker School

LECTURE / DEMONSTRATION

Ages 16+, 60 minutes

An audience engagement presentation geared towards musicians and nonmusicians alike, including musical performance, historical review, and Q&A throughout. Sample programs include:

• D.I.Y. Entrepreneurship for Ensembles

• Musical Translation: Adapting Music from Diverse Sources for Chamber Ensemble

• Breaking Barriers: Exploring the Intersection of Jazz & Classical Music

“Our students left the class inspired and motivated to not just improve on their instruments, but to also create their own art.”

- Justin Emerich, Professor of Trumpet and Chair of Brass at Michigan State University

TRADITIONAL MASTERCLASS / COACHING

All ages, 60-120 minutes

The Westerlies will engage soloists, small, or large ensembles to offer technical, stylistic, and creative feedback. Groups of any instrumentation, genre, or experience level are welcome.

“These artists were simply a joy to work with. Each member of the quartet was totally committed to the engagement, whether that was with elementary students, middle-school band students, high-school orchestra students or teachers and administrators. Their ability to connect with the people they interact with is undeniable. Their engagements with the students are perfectly crafted for each ability and age level.”

- Anthea Scouffas, Engagement-Education Director at The Lied Center of Kansas

MUSIC & EMOTIONS

General Assembly, K-5, 30-60 Minutes

Designed to engage non-musicians and musicians of all ages and experience levels, this highly participatory program demonstrates the power of music to evoke emotions and inspire imaginations. Through a series of sample pieces, instrument demonstrations, and interactive games, The Westerlies empower students to become composers in real time, culminating in the world premiere of the students’ collective composition.

“They demonstrate a high level of artistic excellence while presenting performances that engage every audience member allowing them to experience the joy and power of music.”

- Aileen Pagán-Rohwer, Senior Director of Education and Engagement at Bravo! Vail

OPEN REHEARSAL

All ages, 60-180 minutes

The Westerlies will engage community members through a public rehearsal of the ensemble’s current repertoire. Questions from the audience are welcome throughout the process.

THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC

Grades 10+ through college, 60-90 Minutes

The Westerlies discuss the nuts and bolts of a life in music beyond the stage. Sharing personal stories from years of professional experience, the ensemble can discuss topics including entrepreneurship, booking performances, managing finances, non-profit management, maintaining working relationships, and reaching consensus in a democratically operated business.

COMPOSERS FORUM

Grades 10+ through college, 120-180 Minutes

As avid composer-performers, The Westerlies can speak in great detail about the compositional process, commissioning new work from other composers, writing for brass instruments, and various compositional techniques and approaches.

"It's hard to capture lightning in a bottle but our week with The Westerlies in Montgomery did just that. Their musicianship is unparalleled and their talent extraordinary but that doesn’t begin to capture what they accomplished for our students.

ClefWorks connects musicians with students in schools that are underserved in the arts. We try to offer a dose of inspiration through talent and connection in small groups. Few groups have been as effective, empathetic and energizing as The Westerlies. They play without sheet music or stands, moving around and through the students and in all sorts of venues. The connection that fosters surprised me. It was far more engaging for our students to see them in that vibrant way. In addition, they’ve crafted several engagement activities that are designed to make students consider deeply the power of composition and teamwork — lessons far beyond the Stage.

The impression and inspiration they left behind in our schools will last for years to come. Especially powerful for our students is their personal story of how they came together through school band and built lasting careers traveling around the world. You can’t imagine the doors that opens for our students, many of whom have never been to a concert or left their home county. The energy, generosity and empathy of The Westerlies will linger long after their songs."

- Jenny Brown, Clefworks Montgomery, AL