Daniel and Snakeman by Margaret Brouwer

Daniel and Snakeman for woodwind quintet and storyteller is a musical story for children, K – 4th grade. Eleven year-old Daniel lives in a future time when most people have learned to live together peacefully, liking and respecting each other’s differences. But there are still some hold-overs from the past like Snakeman, who does not like seeing people who are different from each other having fun together. Daniel finds and frees his friends who have been captured by Snakeman. The characters in the story are represented by different instruments – Daniel by the horn, Wiggy a talking bat by the clarinet, Fadumo by oboe, Elizabeth by flute, and Snakeman by bassoon.

The story lines can be read by members of the quintet, or by a narrator.

North Coast Winds

Kimberly Zaleski – Flute
Ben Chen – Clarinet
Arian Gonzalez – Oboe
Arleigh Savage – Bassoon
Emily Shelley – Horn

From the shores of Lake Erie, the North Coast Winds (NCW) has emerged as a dynamic player in the cultural and educational fabric of Cleveland and beyond. A prizewinner of the Yellow Springs Competition for Emerging Professional Ensembles, NCW delights listeners in traditional concert series, unexpected venues like the historic jazz club Nighttown and art-making space Praxis Fiber Workshop, and everything in between. NCW’s members, all alumni of the Cleveland Institute of Music, are orchestral musicians, college instructors, and community organizers. Their shared vision of igniting grassroots excitement through chamber music has served as their touchstone since the founding of the group in 2013.

NCW strives to provide a platform for composers of underrepresented backgrounds in the industry. Collaborations with local artists have led to premiere performances and recordings of works in a diverse range of styles, from classical composer Dolores White to the indie band: Polars. The quintet has worked closely over many seasons with Cleveland-based composer, Margaret Brouwer, in adapting Daniel and Snakeman for wind quintet and narrator. This musical story introduces wind instruments to children while exploring bullying and celebrating individuality. Energized by the momentum in the field to connect more inclusively with living composers, NCW recognizes the work that still needs to be done to ensure equity for all.

In addition to its performances, the ensemble specializes in delivering customized, educational outreach offerings. Highlights for the group include a dual performing & teaching residency in Sitka, Alaska and their founding of the annual North Coast Winds Summer Chamber Music Institute in 2015. Now hosted by the Music Settlement in Cleveland, the summer program serves students from school districts throughout the Greater Cleveland area. Adapting to the changes of 2020, the ensemble marshalled cutting-edge technology during the pandemic to offer a fully collaborative chamber music experience online, extending its offerings to students all over the country.

NCW’s commitment to inspired music-making and welcoming inclusivity extends to all it does.
Propelled by community and connection, North Coast Winds endeavors to bring musical joy to wider audiences each season. Find them and their program offerings at www.northcoastwinds.com.