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Education
About
PWSConnect
The PWSConnect Program is a transformative initiative designed to engage and mentor young musicians, specifically students in grades 6-8.
With a focus on the critical transition from middle school to high school band programs, CONNECT addresses the common challenge of student retention by fostering sustained, hands-on involvement with professional musicians.
Unlike traditional outreach programs, CONNECT builds lasting relationships between students and PWS musicians, offering personalized support to encourage continued musical participation. Through regular, impactful interactions, students not only develop their musical skills but also gain valuable life skills like discipline, creativity, and self-confidence.
In 2024-2025, CONNECT will serve middle schools in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, with monthly visits from PWS musicians and the Artistic Director/Conductor. These visits include side-by-side rehearsals, specialized coaching, and recorded reference materials, giving students a chance to learn directly from professionals. By the end of each session, students will feel empowered and inspired to stay engaged in music, helping ensure a lifelong passion for the arts.
As part of a three-year rotation, CONNECT will continue to provide consistent, focused support to middle schools across the region, helping shape the future of music in our community.
PWS X UNCSA Fellowship
Piedmont Wind Symphony Fellows
In partnership with the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) and The Kenan Institute for the Arts, the Piedmont Wind Symphony Fellowship offers UNCSA students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to gain real-world performance experience. This paid fellowship allows students to join the Piedmont Wind Symphony for an entire season, performing alongside seasoned professional musicians.
Through this immersive program, fellows not only hone their craft through live performances, but also gain invaluable insight into the professional world of music. Working closely with PWS musicians and conductors, they receive mentorship, career guidance, and the chance to apply their academic training in a dynamic, collaborative setting.
This fellowship provides a bridge from academia to the professional stage, helping to shape the next generation of musicians while enriching the Piedmont Wind Symphony with fresh talent and perspective.
2024-25 Fellows:
Baron Thor Young, contrabassoon
Amanda Friedman, horn
Benjamin Burson, percussion
