Imani Winds: The Classical Underground

Copy at Case Memorial Library
The Westport Minuteman wrote: "Imani Winds includes Valerie Coleman, flute; Toyin Spellman-Diaz, oboe; Mariam Adam, clarinet; Jeff Scott, French horn; and Monica Ellis, bassoon. One of the many unique aspects of the Imani Winds is that two of the musicians are also highly regarded composers. … Ms. Coleman (b. 1970) is the resident composer, founder and flutist of Imani Winds and is on the faculty of the Juilliard School of Music Advancement Program. Jeff Scott (b. 1978) frequently composes for the group, as well as creating original transcriptions, arrangements and adaptations for the quintet. Since 1997, Imani Winds has been enriching the traditional wind quintet repertoire with European, American, African and Latin American traditions. These unabashedly adventurous musicians have carved out a distinct presence in the classical music world with their dynamic playing and culturally poignant programming. Their excellence and influences have been recognized with numerous awards including the 2007 ASCAP Award" ("WAC Presents Imani Winds, Composers Project," 4/24/08).