Flexing the Canon is a performing and commissioning project started in 2023 by Natalie Groom. Originating with clarinet, horn, and bassoon trios, the goal is to create more “flexible” chamber music where each instrumental part can be substituted with another similar instrument (like clarinet/viola, horn/alto sax, bassoon/cello).

What is flex chamber music? Maybe you’ve heard of flex band pieces, where the parts are “flexible” enough to be played by many combinations of instruments. These are particularly helpful for incomplete or unbalanced instrumentations. This program includes commissions that were initiated to grow this body of repertoire and create unique performance opportunities for students and teachers through “flex” chamber music (flexing the canon). These flexible instrumentations support young programs and smaller schools without the full complement of instruments so that students have the opportunity to play quality chamber repertoire, not just arrangements.

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The project has resulted in eight commissions to date, and four more are underway for the 2025/2026 season. These flex trios have been shared at the Colombian Ambassador's Residence, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Towson University, University of Maryland College Park, and Maryland Music Educators Association Annual All State Conference.

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Flexing the Canon Goals:

• Commission flexible works accessible to advanced high schoolers and undergraduate chamber students

• Grow the Solo and Ensemble eligible works category to include flex chamber music

• Create new music that is engaging, academic, and encourages arts citizenship through music with a message

• Share flex chamber resources with educators for study and competition