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The Chamber Winds of South ��ֱ����, a faculty-led ensemble founded by South ��ֱ���� State University assistant professor of music Elizabeth Robinson, released its debut album “Moxie” in June. 

“Moxie” contains seven works, each touching on significant topics and deep emotions — from nature to French concertinos — while bridging the gap between orchestral winds and the modern chamber ensemble. 

Performers in the ensemble include professional musicians, educators and nationally recognized artists from all over the Midwest, including: 

• Don Linn, nationally recognized conductor and artistic director
• Stephanie Kocher, flute instructor and fine arts outreach coordinator at the University of South ��ֱ����
• Jennifer Wohlenhaus Bloomberg, principal oboist of the Des Moines Symphony
• Robin Michelle Sweeden, active teacher and solo artist/oboist
• Michael Walsh, professor of clarinet at SDSU’s School of Performing Arts, Miami Clarinet Quartet member
• Beverly Gibson, instructor at the University of South ��ֱ����, Northwestern College and Dort University, clarinetist with the South ��ֱ���� Symphony Orchestra
• James Compton, principal bassoonist of the Omaha Symphony, founding member of Bassoons Across Nebraska
• Martin J. Van Klompenberg, bassoon and chamber music at North ��ֱ���� State University, former United States Army Band member
• Sam Gowen, academic advisor, scholarship coordinator, recruiting coordinator and horn instructor at SDSU’s School of Performing Arts
• Amy Laursen, associate professor of horn and theory at the University of South ��ֱ����
• Mark Stevens, assistant professor of piano and director of keyboard studies at SDSU’s School of Performing Arts 

The size of the Chamber Winds ensemble is one of its unique qualities. 

“It’s common to play with an orchestra of 80 people because another entity is bringing all the musicians together, or it’s common to play with two to three other musicians because coordinating schedules is easier,” Robinson explained. “That niche of 10 to 12 is more difficult to get them all in one place.” 

Robinson launched the project with support from SDSU’s Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity grant program, which funds faculty research and creative work as part of the university’s land-grant mission. Following a competitive application process, she received the grant in support of the album’s production. 

Over six months, Robinson worked to gather musicians from her network of former instructors, colleagues and collaborators. Once the ensemble was formed, members rehearsed intensively in preparation for two live performances in May 2024 — one held in Founders Recital Hall at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, and the second at First Congregational Church in Sioux Falls. 

“We rehearsed for four or five hours a day, depending on how many pieces one was involved with,” Robinson said. “I was calling it a festival because it was all hands on deck all the time for the musicians.” 

Following the performances, the ensemble recorded “Moxie” at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center. 

“We were really lucky to record it in the Oscar,” Robinson said. “It is uncommon for a university to have facilities that are designed with equipment needed for what you’re actually doing in them.” 

Even with a rigorous rehearsal and recording schedule, USD associate professor Amy Laursen said the whole experience was extremely memorable. 

“It was great to work with such talented folks, all of whom work and call this region home,” she said. “Additionally, everyone in the ensemble were so kind and fun to be around, which made the project even more of a success. Some of us teach at ‘rival’ schools, so that too was fun to laugh that we could forget those differences and make music together.” 

Beyond the technical success of the recording, the project also provided opportunities for reconnection and reflection. 

“Dr. Robinson is a former student of mine,” said Jennifer Bloomberg, one of the oboists. “In my first few years of collegiate teaching, I coached her wind quintet when she was completing her undergraduate degree at Drake University. I remember discussing chamber music with her quintet and how it is a unique skill set and different from orchestral playing or solo playing.” 

This project meant a lot to Bloomberg. 

“From a teaching standpoint, it felt a little like coming full circle,” she said. “A student I taught about chamber music several years ago is now out there teaching her own students and performing chamber music. There is no greater gift for a teacher than to see your student flourish!” 

The album also carried personal meaning for Robinson. Her husband, Don Linn, served as the conductor for the ensemble, and three of the album’s featured composers were friends, former collaborators or colleagues from earlier in her career. 

“It was a dream project and an opportunity to work with other great musicians in the area, and then also a little bit of personal nostalgia,” Robinson said.