The United States Coast Guard Woodwind Quintet is one of the most popular and versatile ensembles within the Coast Guard Band. The quintet presents the entire spectrum of standard woodwind quintet repertoire—from Renaissance works through unpublished contemporary works. The group also performs popular arrangements of light classical music, show tunes and rags.
The Coast Guard Woodwind Quintet has performed at several noteworthy events since its inception in 1977, including the dedication of Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, the Vice President’s receptions during the inaugural celebrations for Ronald W. Reagan, for an open house aboard the Coast Guard Barque Eagle during Liberty Weekend 1986, and a reception for foreign ambassadors, also aboard the Eagle, prior to her sail to Australia.
In addition to these performances, the Woodwind Quintet has performed at various Coast Guard dinners and receptions, chamber music festivals, schools and universities, nursing homes, clinics, and on national television (CNN) during Liberty Weekend. Most recently, the group has recorded La Nouvelle Orleans by Lalo Schifrin for release on a disc featuring The United States Coast Guard Band Chamber Players.