Valerie Coleman

Who is Valerie Coleman?

Valerie Coleman is an American composer and flutist best known for her contributions to wind chamber music and for founding the wind quintet, Imani Winds, in 1997. She has released a number of studio albums with the group, one of which was nominated for Grammy Award for Best Classical Crossover Album in 2005.

A graduate of Mannes College of Music and taught by musicians such as Julius Baker, her compositions frequently incorporate diverse styles such as jazz with classical music and political or social themes. Her piece Umoja in 2002 was listed as one of the "Top 101 Great American Works" by Chamber Music America.