Background: By performing a uniquely twisted theatrical blend of classical and popular music on their unlikely instruments, the Breaking Winds Bassoon Quartet aims to demonstrate that music is a universal language—and laughter is too.

Members: Brittany Harrington-Smith, Yuki Katayama, Kara LaMoure, and Lauren Yu Ziemba

Recordings:  Breaking In (https://www.thebreakingwinds.com/shop/)

Solo appearances: Commissioned concerto world premiere with Yale Concert Band, West Point Band, Eastman Wind Ensemble, SMU Meadows Wind Ensemble, and Northshore Concert Band

Notable performances/accomplishments: Performing at the 100th anniversary Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition; 2015 tour of China, Hong Kong, and Japan; IDRS conferences in Tokyo, New York, Columbus, Granada, Tampa; social media buzz from MTV, NPR, and Hollywood blogger Perez Hilton

Teaching Opportunities: Masterclasses across the United States and on tour, recently Southern Methodist University, Michigan State University, Penn State, Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Sichuan Conservatory; guest artists at University of Arizona Double Reed Day and with the University of Missouri Bassoon Ensemble; plus frequent visits with K-12 music students

Memorable gigs: Performing music of movies and video games at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle; performing on a reality show pilot at a Brooklyn “nerd bar”; performing a Bubonic Bassoon Quartet retrospective at IDRS Tampa

Their mission: to navigate the intersection of classical music, pop culture, and comedy, to expand the scope of bassoon performance, and to create meaningful bonds with audiences

For more information on the Breaking Winds (including bios on the members), check out http://www.thebreakingwinds.com/