The recent award of full tuition for the creation of Stetson’s first woodwind quintet represents the culmination of a dream not just for the student musicians but also for the faculty.  

The creation of the J. Ohlsson West Woodwind Quintet – named in honor of late School of Music Dean Jean Ohlsson West – has been in the works since Lynn Musco, DM, professor of music and woodwind coordinator, started her career at Stetson 37 years ago this fall. 

“It is personally rewarding and exciting to finally see it happening,” Musco said. 

Musical Ambassadors 

The scholarship recipients, selected through live auditions and interviews, are flutist David Jaimes of Kissimmee; clarinetist Rachel Kirkland of Orlando; bassoonist Raisa Pilar Carrillo of Miami; oboist Cole Duncan of Nokomis; and, French horn player Nicholas Lowther of Macclenny. 

“These are students that showed not only technical expertise and musical integrity in their performance skills, but also a strong personal work ethic and a high level of self-motivation,” Musco said. 

According to School of Music Dean Washington Garcia, DMA, the competitive process ensures “that only the most exceptional musicians are part of the ensemble. Their performances and representation will reflect the high standards of our school, elevating our reputation both locally and nationally, and potentially, internationally.” 

The quintet will rehearse together two to three hours a week throughout their degree programs, according to Musco, and will go through an additional hour of one-on-one coaching every week. 

The clarinet professor hopes to see the members rise as leaders among their peers and to develop poise when sharing their repertoire with audience members. 

“It is designed as high-impact learning,” Musco said. “Expectations are very high as they will be serving as ambassadors for the School of Music and the university.” 

Honoring a Legacy and a ‘Rich History’ 

The ensemble recognizes a legacy of excellence.  

Garcia explained that its creation pays tribute to the teaching and influence of West, “whose background in flute and contributions to the school left a lasting impact.” 

Woodwind quintets have left their own mark on music through “a rich history dating back to the classical period,” Musco said. 

The challenge, she added, is that “you have five completely different processes of producing the sound, which creates a unique challenge for playing together in regard to precision, intonation, balance, among others.” 

The quintet will join the ranks of two other ensembles, one of them being the Barron String Quartet, “a distinguished group renowned for its exceptional performances,” Garcia said.   

A second string quartet, he said, which maintains the same “high levels of performance,” was recently funded by the Archie S. Wingfield, Jr. Charitable Trust. The quintet scholarships are funded anonymously. 

“Additionally, we have a robust chamber music program comprised of numerous small ensembles that are very active both on and off-campus, further strengthening our musical community and outreach,” Garcia added. 

In March, the string quartets performed at Carnegie Hall as part of the school’s “Stetson in New York Series.” According to Garcia, although quintet performances have yet to be scheduled, similar high-profile opportunities will be available to the new ensemble, as they are to all students who demonstrate excellence in the School of Music.  

A Trajectory to Success  

For the student musicians, the opportunities have already proved life-changing. 

Kirkland, the ensemble’s clarinetist, heard about the scholarship program through Stetson’s Instagram page.  

“Stetson had been a dream school for me,” she said. “I knew that if I could get this scholarship, it would actually give me the opportunity to attend Stetson.” 

Though the quintet’s repertoire has not been determined, Kirkland embraces the opportunity to grow as a performer as she prepares for a career as a youth worship pastor and music teacher. 

“I’m also excited to be able to do this alongside my fellow classmates, learn more about what it means to be in a quintet and work together,” she said. 

Bassoonist Carrillo said learning of the scholarship “felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders. It brought me comfort to know that I’d be going to a school that I loved, being a part of an exceptional experience that is the quintet” while being free from financial burdens as she works toward her goal of orchestral performance and business. 

Jaimes, the flutist, is excited about the opportunities for musical growth as part of a committed team.  

“The most exciting thought is to be part of an ensemble for the next four years where all the members can grow together and support each other,” he said. 

Duncan, the oboist, says the quintet offers “such an amazing opportunity for me. I am excited to meet so many great people and play a lot of great music.” 

According to Garcia, “This opportunity will significantly strengthen the students’ professional development. Being part of a top-level quintet with exceptionally talented peers will provide invaluable experience in collaboration, performance and musicianship.” 

– Cheri Henderson