Woodwind/Brass Department
Woodwind/Brass Department - Core Philosophy
The Conservatory’s Woodwind/Brass Department offers the finest instruction on all woodwind and brass instruments in all genres of music. With a vast array of traditional and contemporary chamber music literature available on these instruments, students, once they learn the basics, are strongly encouraged to participate in chamber music ensembles. This not only serves to improve the student’s musical ear, but it also helps provide valuable experience and confidence-building, accelerating the student’s overall musical growth.
Woodwind/Brass Department Chair - Donald Zook
Donald Zook, flutist, made his solo debut at Orchestra Hall in Chicago. He earned his Bachelor of Music, Magna Cum Laude, from the American Conservatory of Music, where he received the John Conterio Award in recognition of his outstanding ability in performance.
Mr. Zook is faculty head of the Woodwind & Brass Department and Director of Chamber Music at South Shore Conservatory. He also teaches flute as adjunct professor at Bridgewater State College and Eastern Nazarene College, both in southeastern Massachusetts. Mr. Zook has taught on the faculties of the American Conservatory College in Chicago and the Park Forest Conservatory in Park Forest, Illinois. He has also given many master classes throughout the Boston area including a clinic for the Greater Boston Flute Association. Mr. Zook's CD, "Last Rose of Summer", features rarely recorded virtuoso music of the Romantic Era. "Last Rose of Summer" is frequently aired on WCRB, WFCC, WFCR and the World Classical Network.
Mr. Zook appears as a soloist and in chamber ensembles throughout New England, the Midwest and New York, delighting audiences with his technique, passion, and virtuosity. Mr. Zook can be reached at (781) 749-7565 ext. 16
Instrument Instruction
Private Lessons
Students may start lessons on flute, saxophone, clarinet, bassoon, oboe, trumpet, trombone, tuba or French horn as early as grade four or five. Students may begin Suzuki instruction on flute as early as age four. At the end of each 16-week semester, private lesson students receive a full evaluation from their teacher to keep the student and the parent apprised of the student’s progress.
30 minutes - $672 per semester
45 minutes - $928 per semester
60 minutes - $1184 per semester
Semi-private:
30 minutes - $336 per semester
45 minutes - $464 per semester
60 minutes - $592 per semester
Group Instruction - three or more students:
60 minutes - $350 per semester
Suzuki Instruction Group Rates
30 minutes - $100
45 minutes - $190
60 minutes - $200
Woodwind/Brass Department - Class Offerings
Chamber Music
Sponsored by Grafton Memorial Fund
Chamber opportunities are available in strings, percussion, woodwind, brass, voice and mixed instruments with or without voice. Playing in a small group setting, with each participant focusing on his/her individual part, can greatly improve a student’s playing, and is a helpful supplement for any student in a school band or orchestra program. Placement auditions are required to ensure that students are placed with others at the same level of expertise. Students must audition by September 26, 2008 to be included in the fall semester ensemble program. For a placement audition please call Donald Zook at 781-934-2731, ext. 16 to schedule an audition time. Ensembles meet weekly for one hour. All ensemble students participate in a chamber concert at the end of the semester. 12 weeks
$250
Honors Ensembles
Honors Ensembles Honors Saxophone Ensemble sponsored by Frank Wisneski
Advanced students in the Honors Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Ensembles are chosen by audition, and perform throughout the year at the Conservatory and in the community. For a placement audition please call Donald Zook at 781-934-2731, ext. 16 by September 26, 2008 to schedule an audition time. All ensemble students participate in a chamber concert at the end of the semester. Honors Ensemble students receive a 50% discount off the regular ensemble rates. 24 weeks
$250/Year
Jazz/Rock Honors Ensemble
Sponsored by Thordis and Gary Gulden
Ed Sorrentino
This ensemble represents the Conservatory and the Jazz/Rock Department at festivals and events. Instrumental and voice students are selected by audition. Students receive a 50% discount off the regular ensemble rates. Contact Ed Sorrentino at 781-749-7565, ext. 21 by September 26, 2008 for an audition time. 24 weeks
$250
| Hingham: Tuesday, 7 - 8 pm |
Flute Choir
Donald Zook
Participants chosen by audition. The program acquaints students with a variety of music styles from the baroque to classical to jazz, with the opportunity to try your hand at the alto and bass flute. To schedule an audition, please call 781-934-2731, ext. 16. 12 weeks
$250
| Hingham: Thursday, 7:45 - 8:45 pm |
Bay Youth Symphony (BaYS)
Music Director Jim Vinci
Managing Director Candace Kniffen
Artistic Director Steven Karidoyanes
BaYS is an auditioned*, sequential youth orchestra program designed to create an opportunity for dedicated and talented young musicians, living in communities throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, to perform symphonic music at a high level in a well organized orchestra program. In partnership with The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, the program currently offers ensembles at three levels: a string ensemble for younger students, an intermediate level full symphonic orchestra, and an advanced full symphonic orchestra. Artistic Director Steven Karidoyanes acts as artistic advisor and meets with the orchestras three times per year. Students are coached by SSC faculty members and area music educators. All rehearsals take place at the Duxbury Performing Arts Center.
Duxbury Performing Arts Center: Wednesday evenings
Dolce Strings (string ensemble): Theresa Johnson, Conductor
Sinfonia (intermediate full orchestra): Nicholas Tatarka, Conductor
Symphony (advanced full orchestra): Jim Vinci, Conductor
*No audition is necessary for Dolce Strings. This performing ensemble is usually comprised of students in elementary school who have been studying their instrument for one or two years, and are ready for fundamental ensemble playing.
For more information or for an audition, please contact Managing Director Candace Kniffen at c.kniffen@sscmusic.org
| Dolce Strings: $300/year | Sinfonia: $350/year | Symphony: $425/year |
Woodwind/Brass Department Special Events
Annual Woodwind Festival
Saturday, October 25, 1 - 5 pm, Duxbury campus
Woodwind Competition
Saturday, February 7, 2009, 12 noon - 5 pm, Duxbury campus
All woodwind students are invited to participate in this annual competition. First place winner in each division receives a scholarship.
Concerto Competition
January 22, 2009
All instrumental and voice students are invited to participate in the Conservatory’s annual Concerto Competition. First prize scholarships are awarded in each of three age divisions. All winners perform in the Concerto Competition Winners Recital.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for private lessons for children whose families can document financial need. Application forms are available in the office and as a downloadable Word Document and must be filled out and returned prior to the first week of the semester. All applications will be considered by the Scholarship Committee, which meets before each semester to grant assistance. Recipients of scholarship aid must reapply each semester. The deadline for Fall 2008 financial aid applications is August 8, 2008. The deadline for Spring 2009 financial aid applications is January 9, 2009.
South Shore Conservatory admits students of any race, color, nationality, and ethnic origin to all rights and privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.