The ARMES Woodwind program offers young musicians an immersive environment to develop mastery of their instrument while nurturing artistry, musical independence, and confidence. Designed to balance rigorous technical training with collaborative music-making, the program encourages students to grow both as solo performers and as contributing members of an ensemble. Classes are led by professional woodwind musicians who perform in orchestras, bringing real-world experience and expertise to every session.

During the first semester, students focus on building a strong technical foundation. Emphasis is placed on etude preparation, scales, tone quality, and sight-reading, helping students develop independent musicianship skills needed for upcoming honor band auditions..

The second semester transitions to chamber music, where students apply their skills in small ensembles. Working closely with peers, they refine listening, communication, and interpretive abilities while performing challenging repertoire. This experience fosters ensemble awareness and artistic growth in a supportive and collaborative setting.

Classes meet once per week for 2 ½ hours, allowing ample time for focused instruction, ensemble rehearsal, and individual feedback.

By the conclusion of the year, students have refined their technique, deepened their musical understanding, and gained experience performing with others. For parents, the ARMES Woodwind program provides a strong foundation for school bands, orchestras, and future musical opportunities, equipping students with the skills, confidence, and passion to thrive as musicians.

Jeana Melilli is the Principal Flute of the Savannah Philharmonic and Third Flute/Piccolo for the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. She is a founding member of two historical performance ensembles—Savannah Baroque and the Vista Ensemble and enjoys performing on both modern and Baroque flute. Her teachers include Carl Hall, Walfrid Kujala, and Carole Bean.

In 2024, Jeana earned her PhD in Musicology from the University of Florida. Her dissertation, Re-examining the Dismissed: Cecilia Macca and Nineteenth-Century Sicilian Sacred Music, revives the sacred music of the Sicilian nun, Cecilia Macca. Her research focusses on eighteenth and nineteenth-century music, particularly in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Jeana combines her love of teaching, research, and performance working Music Instructor for Greenville Technical College and as the A.R.M.E.S. Woodwind Coordinator for Greenville County Schools.