Breezes and a Beautiful Backdrop: Left Coast Quintet at the NAFSA Conference

What do you get when you mix world-class education professionals, ocean views, and a live wind quintet? A perfect San Diego evening!
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Earlier this week, the Left Coast Quintet had the absolute pleasure of performing at the stunning Scripps Seaside Forum as part of a special reception during the NAFSA: Association of International Educators Conference. Let’s just say – we’re still basking in the afterglow (and not just from the setting sun over the Pacific).
As guests strolled onto the patio, greeted by gentle sea breezes and the sound of waves crashing in the distance, we welcomed them with our signature blend of classical favorites, jazz standards, and some surprise movie music gems.

An International Vibe
The NAFSA conference celebrates global collaboration in education, so we made sure to include musical selections from around the world. French tangos, English waltzes, even a touch of Klezmer—each piece was chosen to reflect the international flavor of the evening. We loved watching heads turn and toes tap with recognition and delight.
A Venue That Plays Its Own Part
If you've never been to the Scripps Seaside Forum, picture this: glass walls that disappear into the background, letting the ocean steal the spotlight. The acoustics? Surprisingly wonderful. The breeze? It would be just enough to keep our pages flipping (but thankfully, we're modern and we use tablets!). The sunset? Right on cue.

Gratitude All Around
A huge thank-you to the NAFSA planning team for inviting us to be part of such a meaningful event. We’re always honored to enhance moments of connection and celebration with live music, and this one was truly special. The global energy, the conversations in dozens of languages, the laughter, and the shared mission of building bridges through education—it all harmonized beautifully with our tunes.

Until Next Time
To everyone who came up to chat with us between pieces or asked for a business card (or took a selfie with our French horn), thank you! We hope the music made your evening just a little more magical. If you're planning an event that could use a musical lift—indoors, outdoors, oceanside or otherwise—you know where to find us.

​🎶 With warm winds and warm wishes,
– The Left Coast Quintet