EAA Virtuosi Winds Program
MISSION
Virtuosi Winds is a program for the development of woodwind choirs for all elementary, middle and high school aged children. Woodwind players including flute, clarinet, saxophone and all brass, will submit an audition video and be grouped into ensembles of up to 6 players. Throughout the semester they will receive expert coaching from the top professional woodwind teachers in Northern Virginia. Woodwind and brass players are meant to play together and become a part of a larger musical community!
HOW DO WIND CHOIRS WORK?
This goes above and beyond group music lessons. Each session is one hour long. The first 20 minutes will often feature a technique or musicality building exercise modeled after college level repertoire classes. Then students will rehearse high quality repertoire arranged specifically for their instrument. Finally students will have end of the year recitals as well as other exciting performance opportunities in the community throughout the year.
WHAT KIND OF MUSIC WILL MY CHILD PLAY?
Instrumental teachers will choose arrangements of well known repertoire from classical music. In special cases we will explore jazz and pop music.
WHICH INSTRUMENTS CAN APPLY?
Flute, Saxophone, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, French Horn and Tuba. All the instruments of a typical school band except percussion (for now.)
ARE LESSONS REQUIRED?
Lessons are not required but as only the best students from the auditions will be chosen private lessons are highly recommended. Reach out the the European Academy of Arts at for a list of highly experienced teachers
WHAT IF MY CHILD DOESN’T GET IN?
We want to find a place for as many students as possible. If demand is high enough we will create more groups to fit the needs of all children. Check back in the following semester to see about new opportunities.
WHEN ARE REHEARSALS?
Saxophone Choir:
Artiste Level: Mondays 5 PM Maestro Level: Mondays 6 PM
Brass Ensemble:
Artiste Level: Tuesdays 5 Pm Maestro Level: Tuesdays 6 PM
Flute Choir:
Artiste Level: Tuesdays 5 Pm Maestro Level: Tuesdays 6 PM
Double Reeds Choir:
Artiste Level: Wednesdays 4 Pm Maestro Level: Wednesdays 7 PM
Clarinet Choir:
Artiste Level: Thursdays 6 PM Maestro Level: Thursdays 7 PM
WHERE ARE REHEARSALS?
On the Chantilly Virginia campus of the European Academy of Arts, at 4080 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 170 B, Chantilly, VA 20151
HOW ARE GROUPS DIVIDED INTO DIFFERENT LEVELS?
DEBUTANTE (available depending on demand)-This level is for beginners up to intermediate typically between grades 4 and 7. They may have no experience on the instrument at all or are in the middle of their first etude book. Rehearsals will focus on developing the technique they need to advance to upper levels while playing melodies together.
ARTIST-This level typically fits advanced middle school students who can confidently play through the Elementary Rubank method books. They can play in keys up to three sharps and three flats, can handle a variety of time signatures and complex rhythms up to 16th notes.
MAESTRO-This level typically fits advanced high school students who have completed the equivalent of the entire Rubank method and are able to perform concert pieces.
HOW DO I APPLY?
It is not too early to apply! During the summer we will take preliminary submissions before visiting Fairfax county schools. We will take video submissions until September 20th but we will accept excellent candidates on a rolling basis. If there are too many high quality submissions we may form additional groups to meet the need. The audition requirements for the summer are simply to record a video up to 5 minutes long with music that shows off your best skills. In September we will give a list of suggested music for each instrument. When you fill out the form below we will send a link to the video submission site called Flip. It will allow you to record your audition directly on the site. You have the option of recording into your instrument group (you will see all the other submissions) or into a private group. Fill out the form below to receive a link. You may use the audition music below or choose ANY piece that shows off your ability. In-person auditions will be announced soon.
AUDITION PIECES:
Debutante-None required
Artist-Play any or all from this page: Rubank Page 27
Maestro-Rubank Advanced Page 25
PRICING
Audition Video Submission-Free
In-Person Audition-$15
One Semester Tuition for 12 weekly rehearsals plus a recital- $550
Monthly payment plan (three installments) - $600