Education | Sinta Quartet

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Community Engagement & Educational Outreach Offerings

Through Sinta Quartet’s educational outreach offerings they strive to teach, engage, and inspire audiences. Whether in front of grade-schoolers, college students, or the community, SQ shares its passion for chamber music through audience-centered presentations and clinics. All of SQ’s offerings can be catered to the specific needs and desires of the school and community in which they take place. SQ also runs an annual summer saxophone quartet intensive, Sinta Quartet Institute for high school and collegiate saxophonists at the South Shore Conservatory in Hingham, MA.

K-12

Elementary School

Storyboard

Students create the story behind SQ’s music. This interactive session allows students the opportunity to create their own characters, scenarios, and storyline from what they hear in a variety of works from SQ’s repertoire. If the host wishes, students can also draw their ideas and narrate their story to the rest of the class.

What’s that Sound?

SQ performs snippets of works that showcase the variety of sounds and styles the saxophone is capable of. Members also perform individually and discuss how they create the variety of sounds from the sublime to the wacky.

The Story of the Saxophone

SQ guides students through the life of the saxophone from its invention to present day. Who invented the saxophone? How does it work? How did it come to play various styles like jazz, classical, and popular music? These and many other fun facts are presented in an interactive, student-centered clinic.

Middle School

SQ is at home in front of a variety of student ensembles, whether it’s a full wind band, a woodwind section, saxophones, or any type of individual musician. Quartet members discuss how to create a beautiful sound, develop effective practice techniques, and various other topics for the budding young musician.

High School

SQ takes their middle school clinic approach to the next level as they dig deeper into the intricacies of performing chamber music, memorizing music, preparing for college, and pursuing a career in music from the student and professional perspectives.

College/University

The Musical Entrepreneur

SQ discusses what it means to be a musical entrepreneur and the business of chamber music. Members discuss how they developed individually, how the group grew together, the lessons learned, and the relationships garnered along the way.

Composition Workshops

SQ’s experience with new music runs deep, from running an annual student composition competition to commissioning up-and-coming composers. SQ members discuss and demonstrate what the saxophone is capable of, how to write effectively, what resources to reference throughout the process, and the logistics of commissioning. With enough lead time, SQ welcomes a collaborative session where they read student compositions and/or sketches.

Masterclasses

Chamber Music

A staple of collegiate SQ residencies. Members of SQ are at home in front of a variety of ensembles (not just the saxophone!); if it involves musicians playing together, SQ can help them develop as a chamber music ensemble.

Solo

SQ are equally comfortable coaching soloists. Again, saxophone is our specialty, but we’re happy to share our thoughts and idea with anyone who would like to play for us.

The Art of Transcription

SQ regularly borrows music from voice, strings, and popular music. Members of the group discuss how to transcribe/arrange effectively. What musical characteristics lend themselves to being a successful quartet transcription? What do we avoid? What can you expect when performing music from other traditions both in competitions and public performance?

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Community (All Ages)

Music Around the World

SQ circles the globe performing and discussing music from various cultures, continents, and time periods.

The Inside Scoop

Quartet members discuss a variety of topics pertaining to the ensemble and chamber music playing including, but not limited to:

History of Sinta Quartet
Rehearing in a chamber group
Selecting repertoire
Memorizing music
Traveling together

Open Rehearsals

Audiences are treated to an insider’s look at what goes on behind the scenes. Members of SQ interact with the audience and share openly the process, level of preparation, concentration, and dedication it takes to prepare for a concert.

Pop-Up Concerts

We have been known to bring our music to unconventional venues. Whether it’s at a grocery store, bar, mall, town square, or other public place, we will inject some music and excitement into the air for the unsuspecting passersby.

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