Virginia Tech Wind Festival - November 16 & 18, 2025
The Virginia Tech Wind Festival will take place on Nov. 16 and 18, 2025 in Blacksburg, Virginia, and accepts high school woodwind students to participate in masterclasses with world renowned guest artists, the Camerata Nova Quintet, on Nov. 16. Students and the community are invited to attend two guest woodwind chamber music performances by Some Light Reeding Duo and the Camerata Nova Quintet.
Auditioning for Virginia Tech on Nov. 15? Make it a weekend trip to Blacksburg and see what the woodwind studios can offer on Nov. 16! The masterclasses are free and open to the public. Apply by Oct. 15, 2025 to perform a solo during the masterclasses.
Masterclasses will be held by:
- The Inn at Virginia Tech - 877-200-3360 (Click here to reserve at special Honor Band rates.)
- Main Street Inn Blacksburg - 540-552-6246
- Hyatt Place Blacksburg - 540-552-7500
- Residence Inn by Marriott - 540-750-4400
- Holiday Inn Express - 540-552-5636
- Home2 Suites by Hilton - 540-726-4242
- Marriott Courtyard - 540-552-5222
- Hampton Inn (NRV Mall) - 540-381-5874
- Holiday Inn Christiansburg - 540-381-8100
- Quality Inn - 540-382-2055
- Comfort Inn - 540-951-1500
- Holiday Inn Express (I-81) - 540-382-6500
- Fairfield Inn (I-81) - 540-381-9596
Note: we are not directly affiliated with any of these hotels.
Sunday, Nov. 16
12-4 p.m. Masterclasses with Camerata Nova Quintet
Squires Recital Salon and Squires 243
5 - 6 p.m. Some Light Reeding Duo Recital
Squires Recital Salon
6 p.m. Reception and Meet and Greet with Guest Artists
Squires 243
Tuesday, Nov. 18
2-3:15 p.m. Presentation and Q&A by Camerata Nova Quintet
Squires Recital Salon
7:30 p.m. Camerata Nova Quintet Recital
Squires Recital Salon
Like any college campus, parking at Virginia Tech can be challenging without a plan. On Saturday and Sunday, all spaces are open without permits and parking is free, but Friday requires some planning. We cannot reimburse or forgive any parking tickets.
Parking for drop-off is the parking meters behind Squires on Alumni Mall
Parking is available at the Chicken Hill parking lot for $8 a day by using the ParkMobile app.
- Google maps link
- Apple maps link
- A shuttle will run between Chicken Hill and Squires Student Center.
Parking for personal vehicles is available through the ParkMobile app, or through the purchase of a $8 daily permit.
Ensemble biographies
Camerata Nova Quintet
In 2023, Camerata Nova, composed of the woodwind faculty from Western Illinois University, embarked on a musical journey to expand the boundaries of the classical woodwind quintet. With a desire to explore new timbres and commission new repertoire, they made the innovative decision to incorporate the saxophone into the ensemble, creating the Contemporary Woodwind Quintet. This unconventional choice brings a fresh, dynamic dimension to the standard ensemble. The saxophone's technical versatility and rich tonal palette infuses performances with a fusion of timbres that resonates with tradition and modernity. Recent commissions include composer Dr. Katherine Pukinskis, along with two Illinois-based composers, retired WIU professors John Mindeman and James Caldwell, to create repertoire for our unique instrumentation of flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon. To date, the ensemble has been awarded numerous grants including an International Double Reed Society “50 in 50” Commissioning Grant. Camerata Nova strives to expand musical boundaries and breathe new life into classical traditions while honoring the legacy of the past.
Some Light Reeding Duo
Some Light Reeding, a bassoon and clarinet duo, was founded at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). Comprising of Bryce Newcomer, Collegiate Assistant Professor of Clarinet at Virginia Tech and Andrea C. Baker, Assistant Professor of Bassoon at Western Illinois University, the duo is driven by a shared mission: to enhance accessibility and equity in woodwind education. With a focus on mentorship and skill development, they provide workshops, masterclasses, and educational resources, aiming to make quality music education universally accessible. Their collaborative efforts emanate from a passion for nurturing and empowering the next generation of woodwind musicians. Their recent performances include the Opera in the Ozarks Chamber Artist Series, College Music Society, American Single Reed Summit, International Clarinet Association Clarinetfest, International Double Reed Society, and as guest artists in residence at the Northeastern State University Instrumental Day.