Southern Miss Quintet Chosen for National Festival

The Southern Quintet - students from The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music - (pictured) will attend the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival in New York City. (Photo courtesy of Southern Miss)

HATTIESBURG – The Southern Quintet, composed of students from The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music, has been accepted to attend the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival held at The Julliard School in New York City July 28 – Aug. 8.

The Southern Quintet - students from The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music - (pictured) will attend the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival in New York City. (Photo courtesy of Southern Miss)

The 11-day festival hosts advanced and professional musicians, ensembles and composers from all across the country and abroad to perform and be mentored by Imani Winds, a Grammy Award-nominated wind quintet known for their legacy of innovative music. The Southern Quintet is the first student chamber group from Southern Miss to be accepted to the festival.

“This is an exceptional honor and wonderful opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Michael Miles, director of the School of Music at Southern Miss.

The quintet includes flutist Brittany Trotter, oboist Zully Casallas, clarinetist Garrick Pitts, Amanda Ray on French horn, and Ernesto Balarezo on bassoon. The group is coached by Southern Miss faculty member Dr. Kimberly Woolly.

“It has been our dream to compete and participate in various renowned chamber festivals.  We believe we are a representation of the university’s high level of musical education,” said Balarezo.

While the group has received scholarships and donations, they are still in need of assistance to cover housing during their stay. To accomplish this, they have created a Go Fund Me account and are asking the public to help reach their goal. Currently, they are $1,200 away from their goal of financing the trip.

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