Woodwind Department
Woodwind Department - Core Philosophy
The Conservatory’s Woodwind Department offers the finest instruction on all woodwind 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 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 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 may be reached at
781-934-2731 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 17-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. Private and semi-private lessons are offered at 30 minute,
45 minute, and 60 minute lengths. Group instruction (for three or more students) is 60 minutes in length. Click here for complete pricing.
Our lesson prices are based on two 17-week semesters. Students choosing to pay for a full year receive 34 lessons at the 32-week price.
| Private Lesson Rates: | ||
| 17 weeks | 34 weeks (if paid in full by 9/11/09) | |
| 30 minutes | $714 | $1344 |
| 45 minutes | $986 | $1856 |
| 60 minutes | $1258 | $2368 |
PLEASE NOTE: Paying tuitions online with PayPal does not register you for programs and lessons. Click here to submit an online registration request or contact our Registrar to complete the registration process.
Woodwind Department - Class Offerings
Basic Musicianship
Vartan Aghababian, Edwina Li, Margaret Li
Basic Musicianship is offered to all private lesson students to supplement their music literacy. These one hour classes review and teach basic elements of music such as keys and key signatures, time signatures, rhythms in various meters, form and basic solfege. Offered at various times during the week to accommodate student’s varying schedules. 12 weeks
All classes are 60 minutes
Hingham: Monday: 5:30, (7:00-adult), Wednesday: 2:30, 3:00,
Thursday: 3:00, 4:00, 5:30, 6:00, (7:00-adult)
Duxbury: Monday: 6:30, 7:15, 5:15, 6:45, (7:45-adult)
Be sure to let the registrar know at which time and location you wish to register.
Duxbury Registrar
(781) 934-2731 x10
Hingham Registrar
(781) 749-7565 x12
Spring Semester - $50 (classes sarts the week of March 15)
| Hingham | Duxbury |
Honors Ensembles
Honors Jazz/Rock Ensemble sponsored by Thordis and Gary Gulden
Advanced students in the Honors Woodwind, Brass, Percussion and Jazz/Rock 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 25, 2009, to schedule an audition time. For a Jazz/Rock Honors Ensemble audition, please call Ed Sorrentino at 781-749-7565, ext. 21 by September 25, 2009. 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
$265/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 25, 2009 for an audition time. 24 weeks
$265/year
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 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 Wednesday Evenings at the Duxbury Performing Arts Center.
Dolce Strings (string ensemble) - Theresa Johnson, Conductor $325/year
Sinfonia (intermediate full orchestra) - Nicholas Tatarka, Conductor $375/year
Symphony (advanced full orchestra) - Jim Vinci, Conductor $450/year
*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.
Visit the BaYS web page for complete audition and payment information.
Chamber Music
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 25, 2009 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
$265
Woodwind Department Special Events
Flute Symphony 2010
Donald Zook, Director
June 16-July 28, 2010
Wednesday evenings
Jane Carr Amphitheater, Hingham
Summer Wind Ensemble 2010
July 5 - July 16
Jane C. Carr Amphitheater, Hingham
Music Director: Malcolm W. Rowell, Jr.
Program Director: Ed Sorrentino
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.
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.