Alumni
“My time at FOW was exactly what I didn't know I needed. It showed me a tangible example of what I could hope to be, and the kindness, support, and guidance of the faculty helped me access and realize my own abilities and confidence within.
FOW instilled a joy of music in me that I had lost sight of. The creativity of the music, alongside with the trust that the faculty put into us fellows, helped me find a musical voice I didn't know I was looking for.”
Bridget Pei
Second Flute, Seattle Symphony
FOW Fellow ‘22
“My time at Hidden Valley was formative and helped me realize what it truly takes to be a professional musician.
The faculty each individually helped my dream become a reality.”
Christopher Witt
Associate Principal/Second Bassoon, Phoenix Symphony
FOW Fellow ‘22 & ‘23
Layan Atieh
Horn, Seraph Brass
FOW Fellow ‘21 & ‘22
“I am so grateful for the two summers I spent at Hidden Valley—truly some of the best weeks of my life! The faculty are incredible musicians and amazing educators, and playing concerts alongside them has been the best preparation I could have received to play in a professional chamber ensemble.
I’m also so grateful for the connections I made—the size of the festival allows everyone to develop close relationships with the faculty and students, many of whom continue to be my friends today!”
Liam McConlogue
Horn, U.S. Army Ceremonial Band,
“Pershing’s Own”
FOW Fellow ‘22 & ‘24
“The Festival of Winds is a one of a kind summer festival that I would recommend to anyone. Getting to play chamber music every day with amazing and supportive faculty taught me so much about what it means to be a professional musician.
I’m confident that my growth over those two fun and intense weeks helped me to win an audition two months later.”
Past participants can be heard in the following ensembles:
Boise Philharmonic
Bozeman Symphony
Ensemble Connect
Fort Worth Symphony
Hartford Symphony
Louisville Orchestra
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
Naples Philharmonic
New World Symphony
New York Philharmonic
North Carolina Symphony
Omaha Symphony
Phoenix Symphony
San Diego Symphony
Sarasota Orchestra
Seattle Symphony
Seraph Brass
U.S. Army Ceremonial Band
“Pershing’s Own”
Vancouver Symphony