Woodwind

Performance

We encourage you to take every opportunity to refine your skills as a soloist, ensemble and chamber performer, from playing in large ensembles,to exploring chamber repertoire and improvisation-based work. Our ensembles include: symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, opera orchestra, contemporary music group, musical theatre band, wind orchestra, saxophone choir, symphonic winds, and wind ensemble.

Orchestras and Ensembles.

You will study chamber music throughout the programme, with regular coaching in your groups, which include wind quintets and trios as well as other less conventional formations. We also encourage you to work with students from other genres, including cross-discipline groups, mixed media and improvisation.

Chamber Music 

Find out more about Music Performance Opportunities.

Instruments

The Woodwind Department holds a large collection of instruments that students may borrow, often on long term loan.

• Flute
• Oboe
• Clarinet
• Saxophone
• Bassoon

Facilities

Woodwind students have exclusive access to Trinity Laban’s newly refurbished reed making facility. In this video Cor Anglais tutor Maxwell Spiers introduces you to The Reed Room.

Trinity Laban’s Reed Room from Trinity Laban on Youtube.

I wanted to study my masters to refine my technique and be able to make my own reeds, to develop my sound. The reed classes and equipment are outstanding and I would not be able to do this without Trinity Laban’s facilities and expert advice from top professionals including reed classes with Max Spiers.

Catherine Underhill, MMus Year 1 – Oboe / Cor Anglais

Masterclasses

We regularly invite renowned professionals to come in and work with you through our extensive series of masterclasses and class visits.

Recent visitors include Arno Bornkamp, Mary-Karen Clardy, Adam Walker, Emily Beynon, Celia Craig, Rainer Gibbons, Barnaby Robson, Harri Mäki, Emily Hultmark, Jérôme Laran, Tong Yang, Jean-Denis Michat, and soloists from the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic.

Graduates

Our woodwind graduates are working across the world, from international orchestras to musical theatre bands:

Yasmin Ogilvie tours internationally with Astraeus Saxophone Quartet and dance bands Hedkandi, Ministry of Sound and High on Heels. Has recorded at prestigious locations including Maida Vale, Abbey Road and Pinewood Studios.

Kevin Banks is principal clarinet of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, following eight years as principal clarinet with Opera North.

Claire McInerney has played in the house band on The X-Factor, Parkinson and Strictly Come Dancing, as well as in West-End shows such as Dreamgirls, Phantom of the Opera and many more.

Danielle Hartley has played in numerous West End productions, including Merrily We Roll Along and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Fiona Kelly is principal flute with the Swedish Chamber Orchestra, after being 2nd flute deputy with the New York Philharmonic.

Rebecca Allen is President of Decca Records. She was also named number 7 on the Woman’s Hour Power List 2018 of the Top 40 Women in Music.