Lamar University welcomes young musicians for annual Woodwind Day

Lamar University will host its annual Woodwind Day on Saturday, April 11, inviting students, educators and community musicians to an afternoon centered on collaboration, performance and learning in the Jimmy Simmons Music Building.

Held from 1 to 5:30 p.m., the free, in-person event brings together woodwind players of all ages and experience levels for a series of recitals, masterclasses and ensemble performances. Designed especially for junior high and high school students, Woodwind Day offers participants the opportunity to learn alongside college musicians and professional performers in a welcoming, hands-on environment.

“Woodwind Day came together naturally out of the sense of collaboration among our Lamar woodwind faculty,” Dr. Jennifer Iles, assistant professor of clarinet and music education said. “We genuinely enjoy working together, and this event is something we look forward to each year.”

The afternoon begins with a guest artist recital in Rothwell Recital Hall, featuring flutist Jessica Schury Peckham, oboist Emily Moscoso, clarinetist Cedric Mayfield, bassoonist Luis de la Garza and saxophonist Myles Boothroyd. Participants will then move into instrument-specific breakout sessions, where they can work directly with guest artists and Lamar faculty in small-group settings.

A special spotlight performance will feature Alex Wells, band director at Port Neches-Groves High School, followed by additional clinics and coaching sessions throughout the afternoon.

Lamar’s woodwind faculty—flutist Brielle Frost, clarinetist Jennifer Iles, saxophonist Logan Banister, oboist Season Summers and bassoonist Dallas Lauderdale—will also perform as the Lamar University Cardinal Winds, joining students and participants for a final series of chamber ensemble performances.

“One of the most exciting parts of the day is seeing junior high and high school students play right alongside our college musicians and learn directly from professional performers,” Iles said. “It’s a fun, inspiring way to make music together while connecting with and supporting our broader community.”

Open to anyone who plays a woodwind instrument, the event emphasizes both education and enjoyment, creating space for musicians to grow while building connections across experience levels.

“We hope attendees leave feeling inspired and excited to keep growing as musicians,” Iles said. “Most of all, we want them to have fun and enjoy making music with friends.”

Woodwind Day is made possible through the support of Collage donors and is free and open to the public.

To register for Woodwind Day, visit https://www.lamar.edu/forms/music/woodwind-day-registration.html.