It’s good to be first. Members of the Graduate Woodwind Quintet, known as 3-2-1 Winds, were beyond excited about their spring 2021 graduation as the first cohort of the University of Delaware’s School of Music Graduate Chamber Ensemble Assistantships.

The 2019 creation of a woodwind quintet as UD's first generously funded, two-year master's level graduate chamber ensemble was just the first step in the School of Music’s plan to distinguish itself with a first-class chamber music program during the same year it was newly-designated as the UD School of Music.

The second step in the plan was the 2020 creation of the Graduate Brass Quartet, and the most recent step was the 2021 Graduate String Quartet. Each student in the program will earn a master of music degree in performance and be supported by a very competitive stipend. During their time here at UD, they will be focusing on chamber music, which is the term used for a small number of musicians playing together in various combinations.  

Elevate student success

Larry Stomberg, professor of cello and associate director of performance studies, has experience as a sought-after performer of chamber music and he helped drive the School of Music’s plans.

“Chamber music is a field of musical work that is coveted for many musicians, combining the individual musical personality and virtuosity of solo playing with the collaborative spirit and shared experience of ensemble playing,” he said. 

Why chamber music now? Stomberg explained the impetus: “With a professional outlook for performing musicians that is increasingly difficult for orchestral performance and solo playing, the flexibility of small chamber music is an exciting and viable musical path. The teamwork, leadership, verbal/non-verbal communication and entrepreneurialism skills gained in chamber music study sets up our students for success in a variety of pursuits, in and out of music.”

For all these reasons, Maria Purciello, associate professor and director of graduate studies, said the decision was made to develop graduate offerings that allow students to study and perform chamber music at a high level, becoming the next natural step in the development of the School of Music.

In their two years at UD, the 3-2-1 Winds came together to choose a name, choose repertoire to rehearse and perform and learn to run their ensemble as a small business by identifying and approaching venues, producing live and recorded concerts and marketing their performances.

“The program turned out to be something none of us anticipated,” members of the Winds said in a group statement. “We ended up really focusing on developing ourselves as a group, and we have been able to create an identity that we can promote and continue to develop after graduation.”

A highlight of their work together was an innovative recording that unexpectedly led to their being commissioned to record other pieces. In the fall of 2021, the cycle begins again with a new Graduate Woodwind Ensemble — this time, a piano, flute and clarinet trio.