Quintet Description and History

The Wright State Faculty Woodwind Quintet, also known as The Wright Winds has been an active performing ensemble since 1985. With a focus on developing chamber music programs at WSU and with community outreach, the group has an active repertoire ranging from standard quintet literature to music by new composers. This cross section of styles is a reflection of the eclectic membership of the quintet and their varying experiences and musical tastes. Dr. Randall Paul, one of the original members of the quintet keeps the large quintet library in his studio office where the group meets, argues, eats chocolate, and rehearses.

Since 1989 the group has performed and presented clinics at three OMEA conferences and has toured the British Virgin Isles and Hong Kong, China. Every year the group visits schools throughout Ohio presenting educational concerts that explore concepts from introducing the woodwind instruments to the challenges of playing in a chamber ensemble.

The members of the ensemble coach a variety of chamber ensembles at Wright State including woodwind quintets, clarinet choir, horn choir, flute choir, and bassoon ensemble. In the 2008-2009 school year the WSU Faculty Quintet began an aggressive program to increase the chamber music training for music majors in the department. A "freshman quintet" under the direction of Dr. Chris Chaffee was developed and will stay together for the next four years. Each year at least one freshman chamber ensemble will be added into the program with the intent of keeping the ensemble together for their entire undergraduate experience. The WSU Quintet fosters this program and each member works with the groups so that students get experience with all the professors in the department. This allows for a more pedagogical approach to the teaching of chamber literature and performance.

For more information about the background and experiences of each member or to contact members of the quintet, just follow their links to their school of music pages. We have also included some of our favorite links to professional organizations and woodwind quintet music sites for you to check out.