“Practice with the Pros”

Middle & High School Band Workshops in Washington DC

Looking for “things to do” or trip ideas for your middle/high school band in Washington, DC?  The Capital Wind Symphony is pleased to offer one of the nation’s best performance workshop experiences for middle and high school bands anywhere!   

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What are Capital Wind Workshops?

The Capital Wind Symphony offers a unique and highly inspiring 90-minute side-by-side performance experience in which your band musicians will work with a highly acclaimed conductor in addition to performing alongside professional musicians.  

Washington, DC is one of the top travel destinations in the world.  This workshop will surely be one of your trip highlights and a musical experience your students and program will benefit from for years.  Since 2000, the Capitol Wind Symphony, under the direction of George Etheridge, has provided a unique educational opportunity for middle and high school bands visiting the Washington DC region.  As a successful private teacher and conductor for over fifty years, Mr. Etheridge has always known that by demonstrating concepts rather than simply talking about them, the student musicians can learn and internalize the lessons more quickly.

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for our side by side event Saturday. I would argue that Saturday was the best thing I have ever been able to be a part of in support my student’s music education.  Read more testimonials.

– Jason T. Guira, Director of Bands, Rappahannock County High School 

 The Capital Wind Workshops has expanded on this learning style by engaging the region’s top professional musicians in and around the Nation’s capital to work and perform with every section of your band to demonstrate proper performance concepts. The examples set by these exceptional musicians/teachers make a remarkable and noticeable change in the performance level of any ensemble. The clinicians and artists represent some of our nation’s capital’s finest musicians. Distinctly experienced in working with young ensembles, these instructors sit alongside students demonstrating and instructing individual sections within the larger ensemble. The result is a complete understanding of educational concepts that result in remarkable and dramatic results in the ensemble’s performance.

It was an educational and inspirational session. My students are definitely sounding better now that they have heard how the music could and should be played. George established a great connection and professional atmosphere.  Read more testimonials.

-Judy Einuis, Director of Bands, Robinson Secondary School

What repertoire does each band need to prepare?  

The workshop is very flexible and customized to any skill level or instrumentation.   Directors can bring one or more selections they have already performed or are preparing for an upcoming concert, contest, or festival. The workshop works beautifully at any point in the ensemble’s preparation, whether just beyond sight-reading or almost performance ready.  You will be amazed at your student’s reaction to hearing their works modeled professionally and how quickly they mimic what they observe and hear!  All aspects of creating an artistic performance are addressed, but the workshop will reinforce the fundamentals.   There is no better workshop for making music and inspiring your students!  

 It is always a pleasure – the educational highlight of the year. BRAVO AND THANK YOU!  Read more testimonials. 

-Brian Baldwin, Director of Bands, Marshall High School

When can Capital Wind Workshops be scheduled?

The Capital Wind Workshop is available at all times of the year and is scheduled in advance to coincide with your ensemble’s travel schedule. Each workshop and venue is customized to fit the needs of your ensemble and its current level of performance. In all cases, the Capital Wind Workshop curriculum provides enhanced musicianship and individual learning that will augment the music education experience for every student.

Pricing?

The Capital Wind Workshop is very affordable and easily fits within the standard educational tour budget.  Pricing is competitive to workshops offered by other travel companies and popular venues. Still, the difference is that a Capital Wind Workshop includes a fully instrumented and balanced ensemble of professional musicians and a conductor to demonstrate and teach your students.   Workshops can be designed and priced for any size band or wind symphony. Please inquire here for options and pricing.