Music Education

Student Intern Program

The Tidewater Winds student Intern Program is a regionally acclaimed educational program designed to enhance band and orchestra students knowledge and training in music performance and arts administration. Students are auditioned from regional high school districts and colleges. Between 15 and 25 students are selected to participate and perform with our professional musicians through the summer intensive. Students also receive private lessons, Master Classes, guest artist lecture series, and resume and career support. The program is entirely funded by donors choosing to sponsor a student and to encourage their development.

Band Clinics

Middle and High School band support is provided by our small ensembles and lead music educators.

Master Classes

Winds musicians are trained to conduct a variety of Master Classes for school and community bands.

The R.i.M.E. Project (Reading in Music Education)

Tidewater Winds' R.i.M.E Project, or Reading in Music Education Project, is a relatively new initiative combining education support for literacy with music appreciation. Students in Kindergarten through 2nd grades, and 3rd through 5th grades, experience in-classroom lessons on a story that will later be performed by Tidewater Winds and their arts partners in 2 matinee concerts. During the in-school lessons, docent musicians support the classroom teacher with examples of theme and variation and the emotional impact of music. The matinee concerts are performed with the full Concert Band at Sandler Center. Literacy and music stations adorn the lobby for student interaction before the concert. A comprehensive Library initiative shares the classroom learning project with homeschool students and the community at large. Partners on this project include ODU, Slover Library, Virginia Beach Public Schools, VA Commission for the Arts, VA Beach Arts Commission, IMGoing, and Towne Bank. Our first presentation year performs the story of Pinocchio and is accompanied by our own published book and lesson plans to be provided for each student and our schools.

"Band Together"

Tidewater Winds is proud to be a musical support to the Academy of Music "Band Together" Program. Band-Together is a pilot program that provides instrumental music instruction for individuals with and without disabilities on traditional band instruments (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion.) Taught by Ms. Karen Jackson and Ms. Beckie Jones, both veteran band teachers with experience with people with disabilities, the program offers individual or small group lessons and a weekly evening ensemble rehearsal starting in September, 2021.

The objectives of the Band-Together pilot program are to:

Provide a high level of instrumental music instruction for individuals of all abilities.

Give individuals with disabilities the opportunity to learn a band instrument.

Teach group cooperation, team work and ensemble playing skills.

Bring people in the community together to perform and enjoy music, supporting each other in an ensemble experience.