Three young women sit down together with instruments in hand and music pours out that is much different from marching band rhythms, rock and roll or rap. Their music is classical and their sound is new to the campus.
Quinnipiac’s Women on Winds is a trio of musicians that formed during the fall semester of 2001 after having met each other through Quinnipiac’s Pep Band.
“We had a desire to do classical music and we didn’t know of another outlet for chamber music on campus so we created one ourselves,” said Lauren Bellucci, the trio’s oboe player and advisor.
The trio includes Bellucci, Marissa Marsek playing the clarinet, and Bryn Souza playing the bassoon.
Each member has an extensive musical background.
Bellucci has a Bachelor of Arts in music from Dartmouth College and has participated in a foreign study program at the Royal College of Music in London in 1998.
She currently plays with the Bristol Symphony Orchestra and the Connecticut Symphonic Band. Bellucci has served as assistant conductor of the Central Connecticut State University Wind Orchestra and has been Quinnipiac’s Pep Band director since August of 2000.
Marsek, a junior accounting major, has played the clarinet for 13 years and has been involved in both theater and orchestra.
She has created clarinet quartets as well as a small wind ensemble. Also, she plays the flute, bass clarinet, and the piano. Marsek will soon be joining the Connecticut Symphonic Band.
Souza, sophomore public relations major, has played the bassoon for nine years and plays in the Hamden Symphony Orchestra. She has been involved with the QU Singers as well as All-State Chorus. In high school, Souza was appointed to be the secretary and vice president of Tri-M, a music honor society. She has also been chosen to play in the Coast Guard Band.
Women on Winds has performed holiday music for both Leeway Inc., a nursing facility for people who are suffering from AIDS, and the Old Stone Church in East Haven, Conn. The trio has also performed for Quinnipiac’s Athletic Department Christmas party.
“The music that Women on Winds plays is very soothing and uplifting. It is very different from most of the types of music that we hear at Quinnipiac,” said Linda Wooster, Associate Director of Recreation and Athletics. “It’s a joy to hear them and to observe such a professional student group.”
The trio is looking to play at events such as weddings and bridal showers. Furthermore, the ensemble is planning on conducting a recital later on in the semester, which will be inclusive of music from Handel, Bach, Corelli and Eugene Bozza.
“We would really like to play for more events or receptions on campus,” said Bellucci.
Women on Winds rehearses weekly.
“If any students are interested in pursuing classical chamber music on campus they can contact any of us,” said Marsek.

For more information about Women on Winds or classical music on campus, contact Bryn Souza at x6686.