About Duo 彩 AYA
Duo 彩 AYA (彩 AYA meaning “bright colors” and “vibrancy”) is an electrifying ensemble that bridges cultures and continents through their dynamic partnership. Featuring flutist Rachel Woolf and marimbist Makana Jimbu, the duo invites audiences on a journey of global and imaginative soundscapes, blending traditions with bold, innovative artistry.
Their debut album Cycles, released on Neuma Records in Spring 2025, weaves together newly commissioned works by Evan Williams, Miriama Young, Fumihiro Ono, and Paul Millette, alongside classic repertoire by Ney Rosauro, Gareth Farr, and Makoto Shinohara. “Global and vrtuosic,” (Am:plified Mag), Cycles is a mosaic of delicate phrasing, extended techniques, stylistic variety, intricate rhythms, and kaleidoscopic textures, that explores our shared ecological, culture, and creative landscapes. “An outstanding release…take a deep dive into Cycles so you can experience all it has to offer,” praises RAG Magazine. Pan M 360 emphasizes the duo’s “excellent technical and sensory performances,” and their power to immerse listeners in “accessible, colourful universes evocative of attractive panoramas, anchored in luminous tones.” The marriage of lyricism and rhythm, they write, creates “a duo with a great potential for evocative versatility.”
Duo 彩 AYA has performed across the world including United States and Japan, with appearances and masterclasses at The University of Texas at San Antonio, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, University of North Texas, Texas Christian University, and the University of North Carolina system (Chapel Hill, Greensboro, Wilmington, and Pembroke). Their artistry has also been featured in chamber music series in San Diego and on radio programs across the United States.
Rachel and Makana met as students at the University of North Texas, where they discovered their shared passion for collaborative performance. Through their innovative programming and commitment to global artistic dialogue, Duo 彩 AYA continues to redefine the possibilities of chamber music and inspire audiences worldwide.
Dr. Rachel Woolf is an accomplished flutist, educator, and advocate for new music. She serves as Assistant Professor of Flute at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) School of Music, where she inspires the next generation of musicians through her multifaceted artistry and teaching. Rachel is principal flutist of the Victoria Bach Festival, and a member of the symphonic pop-rock band The Polyphonic Spree. She also performs regularly with the San Antonio Philharmonic and the United States Air Force Band of the West.
Rachel has been featured prominently at the National Flute Association (NFA) Convention, including three consecutive appearances on NFA Gala Concerts (2022–2024). She has performed on five continents including performances throughout Japan, Tanzania, Chile, and Argentina.
A dedicated educator, Rachel was named YAMAHA’s “40 UNDER 40” Music Educators Class of 2025. Rachel has given masterclasses and recitals at The University of Michigan, The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Wisconsin, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, University of Alabama, and many others.
Rachel holds degrees from the University of Michigan (BM), Bowling Green State University (MM), and the University of North Texas (DMA). Her mentors include Amy Porter, Dr. Conor Nelson, Terri Sundberg, Dr. James Scott, and Karen Reynolds.
Makana Jimbu’s musical journey commenced at a young age in Japan where her passion for piano and electronic organ flourished under the guidance of Yamaha Music School. Her talents expanded to composition, setting the stage for a lifelong dedication to music. The world of percussion beckoned her, and she answered the call with remarkable success.
An Innovative Percussion artist, Makana is a prizewinner of the Japan Percussion Association Competition, KOBE International Marimba Competition, Cho-ko Cup Music Competition, Poland International Marimba Competition, and Italy PAS International Marimba Competition. She was a semi-finalist of the Great Plain Marimba Competition and Taiwan International Percussion Competition. Beyond this, she has performed marimba recitals throughout Japan and the United States.
Makana’s commitment to music extends to her role as an educator, imparting her knowledge to students of all ages. She has taught throughout Japan and the United States, ranging from group music classes for children, to private instruction of all ages.
Makana received degrees from Senzoku Gakuen College of Music (BM) and the University of North Texas (Graduate Artist Certificate and Master of Music). Her principal teachers include Momoko Kamiya, Kikuiko Ishi, Christopher Deane, and Mark Ford.