Episode 20: Imani Winds - Cultural Revolution, Evolution and a GRAMMY®
In this edition of the More Elephant podcast, we are in conversation with GRAMMY® Award-winning bassoonist, music faculty, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Monica Ellis, a founding member, co-artistic, and Executive Director of the acclaimed Imani Winds Quintet.
Monica's journey, from her childhood in Pittsburgh to her time at Oberlin and Julliard, is a testament to the transformative power of music. Through these experiences, she helped pave the way for the globally recognized Imani Winds, a quintet that has revolutionized wind music and how Black chamber music is seen and heard and became a beacon of change in the classical music scene. This includes a permanent presence in the classical music section of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC.
This episode discusses the inception and profound impact of Imani Winds, including their 2024 GRAMMY® win for 'Passion for Bach and Coltrane'. Notably, it highlights their educational initiatives through the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival and the Imani Winds Foundation, which have been instrumental in shaping the future of classical music. Monica's story is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the transformative impact of music on both the individual and collective levels.
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Show Notes
Monica Ellis is a 2024 GRAMMY® Award winner, three-time nominee, bassoonist, entrepreneur, and founding member of the wind quintet, Imani Winds, who for over a quarter century has dazzled audiences with their dynamic playing, adventurous programming and commitment to outreach, new works and collaborations.
A natural organizer, Monica is the co-artistic and executive director for Imani Winds and their annual Chamber Music Festival and treasurer for their non-profit Foundation.
Growing up in her beloved city of Pittsburgh, Monica studied bassoon with Mark Pancerev, and went on to receive her Bachelor of Music degree from Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, studying with George Sakakeeny. She received her Master of Music degree from The Juilliard School and Professional Studies Certificate from Manhattan School of Music in the Orchestral Performance Program, studying with Frank Morelli at both institutions.
Solo bassoon appearances have been with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, American Composers Orchestra and the Chineke! Orchestra in London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall. Recording credits include 10 studio albums with Imani Winds.
Monica is on the faculty of Curtis Institute of Music and Manhattan School of Music and frequently presents master classes and solo recital performances across the country. She is a sought-after commentator on issues of race, gender and entrepreneurship in classical music and is a board member for Concert Artists Guild and the International Double Reed Society (IDRS). Monica is a Fox Bassoon Artist and plays exclusively on a Model 201.
One of the most humbling recognitions to date is Imani Winds’ permanent presence in the classical music section of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC.
Monica religiously watches Jeopardy!, loves home decorating, and resides in the historic village of Harlem in New York City with the greatest joy of her life—her 10-year-old son, Oden.
Key More Elephant Takeaways in this Episode:
Discover Imani Winds’ evolution through chamber music, education concerts, and foundation building, as well as their evolution and revolution over twenty-seven (27) years in the industry.
We discuss the resurgence and cultural importance of Black Classical Music and biases in chamber music.
Monica highlights the power of great teachers and investing in talent to create opportunity.
And more…
More About Imani Winds:
Website | Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube Channel
GRAMMY Award Acceptance | Passion for Bach and Coltrane - Apple Music
Transcript
More Elephant Intro
[00:00:38] Jason Rudman: Hey, it's time for the latest More Elephant podcast. I say every single time that I'm really, really excited. But this one's really special. We're going to talk with Monica Ellis.
However, we're going to start with Grammy-award-winning Monica Ellis. So before we even get into your origin story, Imani Winds, all of that... How does that feel?
[00:01:01] Monica Ellis: Jason, my dear, my dear Jason, it feels amazing.
It's one of these things as a musician that you see, of course, the mega stars winning dozens of them, and it's just like they win these and eat these for breakfast. Then, you see the maybe not super duper megastar, but somebody that you kind of feel like, okay, I could do that win, say, six of them.
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