An ensemble for high school woodwind, brass and percussion players held at the Glauser School of Music
Questions? Email Us Intent to Audition Form
The Kent State Youth Winds (KSYW) provides local high school and exceptional middle school/junior high school wind and percussion players the opportunity to learn music performance techniques from professional artist-teachers from KSU, develop individual playing skills and perform in a Wind Ensemble with other interested and highly skilled young musicians. Through this experience, students will have the opportunity to enrich and advance their musicianship in a supportive yet challenging environment. In addition to developing artistic skills, students will also have the opportunity to develop non-musical skills including critical thinking, collaboration, communication and time management.
Who can join?
The Kent State Youth Winds (KSYW) provides an opportunity for talented young musicians to develop their individual talents and musicianship, learn from professional artists/teachers associated with Kent State University, and perform in an auditioned wind ensemble with other skilled players.
Membership is open to 8-12th grade students (Academic Year 2025-2026).
Students must participate in their school music programs to be eligible to audition. This requirement is waived for homeschooled students.
Rehearsals and Concerts
- The KSYW will take place during the academic year (September - April).
- Rehearsals will be held on the Kent State University, Kent Campus on Mondays from 7 to 9:15 p.m.
- The ensemble will present two concerts per year in Kent State University's Cartwright Hall in November and April.
- Sunday, December 14
Dress Rehearsal at 1:30 p.m.; Concert at 3 p.m. - Sunday, April 26
Final concert of the season in collaboration with the Kent State Wind Ensemble
Dress Rehearsal at 1:30 p.m.; Concert at 3 p.m.
- Sunday, December 14
Instruments Accepted
Instruments in the Youth Winds include:
- Flute
- Oboe
- Clarinet
- Bass Clarinet
- Bassoon
- Saxophones (Alto, Tenor, and Baritone)
- Trumpet
- Horn
- Trombone
- Euphonium
- Tuba
- String Bass
- Percussion
Instructors
Dr. Ben Lorenzo - Director, Kent State Youth Winds
Benjamin Lorenzo is an associate professor of music and the Director of Bands at Kent State University's Glauser School of Music where he conducts the Wind Ensemble, teaches conducting, and provides leadership for university bands. Previously, he served as Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Arkansas where he led the Razorback Marching Band and Wind Symphony. Before this appointment, Lorenzo held positions at Oklahoma State and Texas Tech University. His teaching experience also includes high schools in Florida and Texas.
Michael Foster - Faculty and Ensemble Administrator
Michael Foster is a veteran band director and music teacher for nearly 30 years. He is now in his 20th year on the music staff at the Copley-Fairlawn City Schools where he teaches band grades 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th, as well as the Copley High School Wind Ensemble, and co-teach the Freshmen Concert, and the Copley Marching Band. In addition, he has taught music theory and A.P. music theory. He has previously taught at Wadsworth City Schools and Waterloo Local Schools.
While attending Kent State University, Mr. Foster received a Bachelor of Music degree in composition and tuba performance, Master of Music degree in conducting and a Post-Baccalaureate degree in music education.
Mr. Foster is actively a member of MENC and OMEA, is an OMEA Marching Band Event Chair, and has participated in the OMEA Leadership Academy. He has directed performing groups at the OMEA and OBDC conferences and the University of Akron Band Clinics. In 2011, Mr. Foster was honored as the Copley-Fairlawn City Schools PTSA Teacher of the Year and was featured as WEWS Cleveland TV 5 “Teacher that Matters”. Mike also has extensive background and knowledge in experimental music of the classical, jazz and rock genre. He lives in Akron with his children Emma, Henry and Jack and is an avid cyclist.
Kent State youth Winds
- 330-672-2431
- ksyw@kent.edu
Music Office
- 330-672-2172
Location
Kent State University
Glauser School of Music
Center for the Performing Arts
1325 Theatre Drive
Kent, OH 44242