Another KSO Q-Series performance, featuring the KSO Principal String Quartet and Principal Woodwind Quintet, is in the books! The Square Room was filled to capacity! Since the status of the woodwind quintet’s future is uncertain, we wanted to share some information with you about the quintet. Please like, share, subscribe, and help us spread the word about the important work the quintet does in our community.
In their first year, the Principal Woodwind Quintet found themselves being conducted by an elementary student while their teacher assisted on cymbals. How many thousands of students have been reached by the WWQ since then?
You may have seen us behind a sea of strings at Masterworks, Chamber Classics, and Pops concerts, or perhaps you are a regular at our Q-Series at the Square Room where you’ve gotten to know us personally.
However, the Knoxville Symphony Woodwind Quintet’s work extends far beyond the concert hall. As part of our full-time jobs with the KSO, the WWQ provides valuable services to our community performing for elementary and middle school classes, for students at the University of Tennessee, and even for enthusiastic audiences at bars, restaurants, and other venues around town. The WWQ’s presence in these unique settings underscores the tremendous growth in Knoxville and adds to our Scruffy City’s character.
The Knoxville Symphony’s five principal woodwind positions became full- time four years ago when the KSO received a generous grant from the Aslan Foundation – a grant that also subsidized ticket prices and helped to support the Chamber Classics series.
The grant expires at the end of this season, and the WWQ remains optimistic that the KSO will secure the positions permanently in our next contract, which is currently being negotiated. Without that assurance, the principal winds may return to part-time status, losing vital benefits, and might have to seek alternative primary employment or pursue positions elsewhere. With the loss of full-time status, the wonderful WWQ educational, promotional, and concert programming that has enlivened our community may diminish or disappear.
Throughout the negotiation process, we are encouraging our management to move forward, not backwards, and provide a growing orchestra for a growing Knoxville. Your support and input is crucial to us. We’d be grateful if you’d show your support online at:
The KSO ended last season in the black for the 11th straight year with a little additional help from the Principal Woodwind Quintet.
MUSICIANS of the KNOXVILLE SYMPHONY 