The Moldy Reed Bassoon Festival

The Moldy Reed Bassoon Festival is a dynamic, community-centered event that brings together bassoonists from across the greater Washington, DC, region for a unique, immersive musical experience. Designed for students in grades 5–12, as well as collegiate and adult community players, the festival offers a rare opportunity for bassoonists—often isolated in their individual school programs—to connect, collaborate, and grow within a broader musical community.

Held on Saturday, May 30, the festival now features an expanded full-day experience combining introductory instruction with advanced performance opportunities. The addition of a morning Bassoon Boot Camp significantly broadens access and impact by welcoming beginners and actively growing the bassoon community.

Bassoon Boot Camp (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
The day begins with an intensive, hands-on Bassoon Boot Camp designed for beginners and first-time players. This program provides foundational instruction in instrument setup, tone production, and basic technique, allowing new students to begin playing immediately. By the end of the session, participants will be prepared to join elements of the afternoon program—creating a powerful “start-to-stage” experience in a single day.

A key feature of the Boot Camp is the inclusion of experienced bassoonist volunteers, including advanced students, collegiate players, and adult musicians, who will serve as mentors throughout the session. These mentors provide individualized guidance, model effective techniques, and create a supportive learning environment that accelerates skill development while fostering meaningful peer connections.

To ensure equitable access and remove a common barrier to entry, each new bassoonist will receive their first bassoon reed as part of the registration fee. This allows participants to begin playing immediately with proper equipment and to continue studying beyond the festival experience.

This component directly supports regional band programs by introducing and developing new bassoonists, addressing a common instrumentation gap in school ensembles. It also serves as a strong incentive for band directors to recommend participation, as students return with both skills and enthusiasm to continue studying.

Afternoon Festival Program (1:00–4:00 PM)
1:00–1:30 PM – Bassoon Choir
1:45–2:45 PM – Master Class with David Young of the National Symphony Orchestra
3:00–4:00 PM – Bassoon Recital featuring regional performers and ensembles, including a military bassoon quartet representing multiple branches of the U.S. Armed Forces