Coast Guard Woodwind Quartet at Avon Library

The Friends of the Avon Library are pleased to announce that the USCG Woodwind Quintet, one of the most popular and versatile ensembles within the Coast Guard Band, will be appearing at the library on March 20 as part of their acclaimed Sundays at Three series.

The quintet presents the entire spectrum of standard woodwind quintet repertoire—from Renaissance works through unpublished contemporary works. The group also performs popular arrangements of light classical music, show tunes, and rags. The United States Coast Guard Band, stationed at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, recruits only the most highly skilled musicians, graduates of some of the country’s finest music schools. They are selected through an extremely competitive audition process much like that of any major symphony orchestra. Oboist Barrett Seals, a member of the band since 2000, leads the Woodwind Quintet. He is joined by: Laura Pirruccello, flute; Chantal Hovendick, clarinet; Bryce Nakaoka, French horn; and Tom Reynolds, bassoon. All are highly experienced players with varied musical backgrounds ranging from performing with symphony orchestras, competing successfully in international competitions, and performing in shows on the Las Vegas Strip.

The Coast Guard Woodwind Quintet has performed at several noteworthy events since its inception in 1977, including the dedication of Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., the Vice President’s receptions during the inaugural celebrations for Ronald W. Reagan, an open house aboard the Coast Guard Barque Eagle during Liberty Weekend 1986, and a reception for foreign ambassadors, also aboard the Eagle, prior to her sail to Australia. In addition, the Woodwind Quintet has performed at various Coast Guard dinners and receptions, chamber music festivals, schools and universities, nursing homes, clinics, and on national television. Most recently, the group has recorded La Nouvelle Orleans by Lalo Schifrin for release on a disc featuring The United States Coast Guard Band Chamber Players. As members of the 55-member Cost Guard Band, they have performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the nation, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall. The Band also has a rich history of performing internationally.

This free, one-hour program starts promptly at 3:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 2:30. Light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the artists following the program.