Fiati Five holds master class for local high school students

Students from both Sarasota and Manatee Counties had the opportunity to learn from maestros Thursday at Braden River High School.

Students met with the Fiati Five, a group of five wind musicians who toured the east coast and attended the Chamber Music Campania in Italy. Sponsored by the Sarasota Concert Band, a Braden River High business partner, the five professionals spent time with about 20 students in a master class and taught them ways to improve their techniques on wind instruments.

During the class, each student would be instructed one-on-one at the front of the class. The audience could then describe the differences they heard in the sound of the music after the student used different techniques. The professionals gave advice on topics such as sound quality, tongue placement and even doing warm ups.

"We don't warm up for the muscles," said Dr. Michael Walker, assistant professor of horn at the University of New Mexico. "We warm up to remind ourselves of the fundamental techniques to create a beautiful sound."

After the class, the Fiati Five put on a short concert for the students.