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Ensemble

 

American Chamber Winds is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1993 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The ensemble is based in the United States and is known for its unique blend of wind instruments, which includes flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, and horns. The founding members of American Chamber Winds were all accomplished musicians who had performed with various orchestras and ensembles throughout the country. They came together with the goal of creating a chamber music group that would showcase the beauty and versatility of wind instruments. The original members of American Chamber Winds included flutist Mary Karen Clardy, oboist Rebecca Henderson, clarinetist David Etheridge, bassoonist Kristin Wolfe Jensen, and horn player William Scharnberg. Over the years, the ensemble has had several personnel changes, but it has remained committed to its mission of promoting wind chamber music. One of the highlights of American Chamber Winds' early years was its performance at the National Flute Association Convention in 1994. The ensemble received rave reviews for its innovative programming and virtuosic playing. This performance helped to establish American Chamber Winds as a leading chamber music group in the United States. Since then, American Chamber Winds has performed at numerous festivals and concert series throughout the country. The ensemble has also collaborated with many renowned soloists and composers, including flutist James Galway, clarinetist Richard Stoltzman, and composer Libby Larsen. In 2001, American Chamber Winds released its first CD, titled "American Chamber Winds: Music for Winds and Piano." The album features works by American composers such as Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, and Leonard Bernstein. The CD received critical acclaim and helped to further establish American Chamber Winds as a leading chamber music ensemble. In addition to its performances and recordings, American Chamber Winds is also committed to music education. The ensemble regularly conducts masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and it has commissioned several new works for wind chamber ensembles. Over the years, American Chamber Winds has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 2003, the ensemble was awarded the Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming. This award recognizes ensembles that demonstrate a commitment to innovative programming and the performance of new and contemporary music. In 2010, American Chamber Winds was invited to perform at the International Double Reed Society Conference in Norman, Oklahoma. The ensemble's performance was hailed as one of the highlights of the conference, and it helped to further establish American Chamber Winds as a leading wind chamber ensemble. Today, American Chamber Winds continues to perform and record music for wind chamber ensembles. The ensemble's current members include flutist Mary Karen Clardy, oboist Rebecca Henderson, clarinetist David Etheridge, bassoonist Kristin Wolfe Jensen, and horn player William Scharnberg. Together, they continue to promote the beauty and versatility of wind chamber music through their performances, recordings, and educational outreach.

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