The Musical Arts Woodwind Quintet (MAQ), founded in 1957 as a faculty ensemble at Ball State University, is one of the nation’s oldest and most esteemed chamber ensembles. Known for its diverse programming, MAQ performs traditional quintet repertoire alongside contemporary American compositions. The quintet gained prominence with notable performances, including the debut of Irving Fine’s Romanza at Brandeis University and the premiere of Morris Knight’s Concerto for Quintet and Piano. In 2010, MAQ received an American Masterpieces grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, resulting in the release of American Breeze on Albany Records. This CD features works by prominent composers like Bruce Adolphe, Amy Beach, and David Maslanka. Beyond its concert series at Ball State, MAQ has performed at prestigious conferences and regularly presents recitals and masterclasses at universities and institutions nationwide.
Dr. Mihoko Watanabe, Professor of Flute at Ball State University, is an internationally acclaimed flutist. A native of Japan, she previously taught at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and universities in Canada. Dr. Watanabe has won prestigious competitions from the Japan Flute Association and the National Flute Association (NFA). She performs globally as a soloist and chamber musician and is a member of the Musical Arts Quintet (MAQ). MAQ’s CD American Breeze was supported by a 2010 American Masterpieces grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Dr. Watanabe is also a founding member of several chamber ensembles, including the Hibiki Trio and Duo Viva, with performances and recordings released worldwide. Beyond performing, she is a dedicated educator, ethnomusicologist, and advocate for music entrepreneurship, frequently presenting masterclasses, lectures, and workshops across the U.S., Canada, and Japan. Dr. Watanabe holds a Doctorate from the University of Michigan.
Dr. Lisa Kozenko, critically acclaimed for her virtuosity, performs internationally as a soloist, chamber artist, and orchestral musician. She has played with the New York Philharmonic, the New Jersey Symphony, and many others.
As a member of the Manhattan Wind Quintet, Dr. Kozenko was a finalist in the Naumburg Chamber Music Competition and won prizes at prestigious chamber music competitions in the United States. Dr. Kozenko’s international engagements include teaching and performing at the InterHarmony International Music Festival in Italy, adjudicating at the prestigious Aqui Terme International Music Competition, and returning to Hong Kong to judge the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival. She continues her long association with the Summer Trios Chamber Music Festival. An active educator, she has presented lecture-demonstrations in Boulder, Colorado, and Valencia, Spain. Currently on the faculty at Ball State University, she is the Professor of Performance Practice (Oboe). Dr. Kozenko is a F. Lorée performing artist.
Clarinetist Elisha Willinger, born in Taiwan and raised in Florida, leads a versatile career as a chamber musician, soloist, educator, and orchestral performer. He has performed with ensembles such as the Detroit, Baltimore, North Carolina, and New World symphonies, and appeared as principal with the New Haven Symphony. He has also performed chamber music with members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and was featured on WFMT Chicago radio. A winner of prestigious competitions, including the Yamaha Young Performing Artists and International Clarinet Association competitions, Dr. Willinger has performed across the US, Europe, and Canada. He made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2018 as part of the Yale in New York series. An active educator, Dr. Willinger joined Ball State University as Assistant Teaching Professor of Clarinet in 2023. He is also a member of the Willinger Duo, dedicated to expanding the clarinet and piano repertoire through new music and commissioned works.
Gene P. Berger is Professor of Horn at Ball State University, performing with the Musical Arts Woodwind Quintet and DaCamera Brass Quintet. He is principal horn with Orchestra Indiana (formerly Muncie Symphony) and the Southwest Florida Symphony, where he has been featured as a soloist. Prior to joining Ball State in 2010, Berger was a member of the Cincinnati Symphony, Cincinnati Pops, and The Florida Orchestra, and has appeared on numerous Grammy-winning recordings. An experienced educator, Dr. Berger has taught at Interlochen Arts Academy, University of Central Florida, and the University of Tampa. He presents masterclasses and lectures across North America and has performed at festivals such as Sun Valley Summer Symphony and Spoleto Festival. Dr. Berger holds a Master of Music from Southern Methodist University and a Bachelor of Music from Florida State University. He hosted the 50th International Horn Symposium at Ball State in 2018.
Michael Majors has spent 20 years entertaining audiences worldwide, performing bassoon, contrabassoon, bass guitar, guitar, and percussion with the United States Army Bands and other ensembles. As a member of the US Army Europe Band & Chorus, he performed across Europe, including Belgium, France, Germany, and the UK, for heads of state and dignitaries in castles and concert halls. After returning to the U.S., Majors performed with the US Army Ground Forces Band, LaGrange Symphony, Carolina Philharmonic, Kokomo Symphony, and Orchestra Indiana. Currently, Staff Sergeant Majors serves in the Indiana Army National Guard as Principal Bassoonist and Logistics & Resource Manager for the 38th Infantry Division Band, performing throughout Indiana. Majors earned his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Bassoon Performance from Ball State University, studying under Keith Sweger. He continues to serve his fellow soldiers and citizens through music and encourages others to explore service opportunities.
