Four music students from Virginia Tech University worked with and performed for Winton Woods band students in grades 6-12 on March 6 and 7. “These college students took time from their spring break to come present for our students,” said Winton Woods Middle School Band Director Kara Barbee. 

The Virginia Tech students—Laurelyn Marin, David Cuffee III, Alex Schmitt, and Matthew Barbee—are members of a musical outreach group called Sonata.  The group did sectional work with the sixth grade band, full ensemble work with the middle school bands, and performed a variety of musical styles for the high school bands.  They also worked on jazz concepts with middle school band members after school, and then joined the younger musicians for a performance.

“Their goals are to enrich students' understanding and application of musical concepts as well as expose students to music they may have never experienced before,” said Barbee. The performances by the Virginia Tech students featured jazz, electronic media, 20^th Century pieces, and even an original composition by Matt Barbee.

"There is a lot of value in having special guests come into the classroom and share their expertise,” said Barbee. “It's helpful for students to hear things in a new way and to make real world connections with what they're learning. I was also very excited to see my brother work with my students."