Winds, Brass, and Percussion

The Division of Winds, Brass, and Percussion includes study in flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, and percussion. Highly selective admission standards limit the number of students, ensuring that all receive individualized instruction.

Majors: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Percussion

Faculty

Our faculty are outstanding artist-teachers who provide individual instruction and spend generous amounts of time with their students via lessons, coachings, and mentoring often while maintaining rigorous performance schedules.

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Overview

The woodwinds, brass, and percussion curricula are intense and stimulating. The undergraduate focus of Oberlin allows for supportive faculty mentorship in a collegial atmosphere. Numerous performance opportunities are available beginning in a student's first year in the conservatory's orchestral and chamber music ensembles, as well as in recitals of solo repertoire.

The division emphasizes the development of technique and musicianship honed through individualized private instruction, orchestral repertoire classes, audition preparation, and professional development guidance.

Students will gain confidence, performance acumen, auditioning skills, and artistry across a broad repertoire and are prepared for exceptional careers in the orchestral field and in entrepreneurial small ensembles.

Upcoming Winds, Brass, and Percussion Events

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Winds, Brass, and Percussion News

Oberlin Music Label Releases “Wish: Music of Valerie Coleman”

May 25, 2023

Flute Professor Alexa Still collaborates with pianist Evan Hines '16 in seven works for flute written by composer Valerie Coleman—some inspired by poems of Maya Angelou and Fred D'Aguiar; album also features the readings of these poems by Oberlin's President Carmen Ambar.
hand with butterfly resting on index finger
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Winds, Brass, and Percussion Facilities

Bertram and Judith Kohl Building

The Bertram and Judith Kohl Building is the home for the conservatory’s jazz studies division and programs in composition, musicology, and music theory, as well as the Clonick Hall recording studio.
exterior image and sign for the Kohl Building

Bibbins Hall

Oberlin Conservatory’s main teaching building has 40 studios and 10 classrooms. Private instruction, ensemble coaching, and classroom instruction take place here.
Bibbins Hall exterior under a bright sky.

Conservatory Central Unit

The Central Unit is part of the Oberlin Conservatory’s main complex and includes classrooms, rehearsal rooms, studios, and more.
Conservatory Central Unit

Kulas Recital Hall

With seating for 148, intimate Kulas is ideal for chamber music performances and solo recitals.
Kulas Recital Hall

Warner Concert Hall

This 496-seat hall adjoins the Conservatory of Music and is used for numerous student and faculty recitals, as well as recording sessions.
Warner Concert Hall