Musical Life

         I decided to come to Penn State because I absolutely loved the newly hired clarinet Professor, Dr. Costa.  The former clarinet instructor, Professor Toulson, made me aware at my audition that he would be retiring, and upon my request, he agreed to send me the necessary contact information of the new clarinet professor when the School of Music reached an agreement.  Later in March, I drove out with my father to Ohio to meet and have a lesson with Dr. Costa.  Impressed with his methods of teaching and his enthusiasm for music, I made my decision to go to Penn State.  Ever since then, I had been looking forward to my future musical experiences at Penn State.  


  
Clarinet ChoirDSCF0635.jpg
(courtesy of PSU Clarinet Studio Website) 
Center: Ana Werkowski Clockwise from back: Kevin Greenwald, Ryan Stahl, Katie Morell, Sofia DeLouisa, Kimberly Sanna, Miriam Gritis, Rachel Guth, Beth Clearater, Jane Skinner, Janey Martinsen, Sarah Mosebrook, and Chris Martin.  

        All Students a part of the clarinet studio are required to take clarinet choir.  This was a good way for me to meet all other members of the studio.  Everyone is so friendly and I don't feel as if I'm in a stressfull, high-pressured, competitive environment.  Everyone works hard to do well and hopes everyone does well also.

Performances
     We played our first concert October 30, and unfortunately not very many people showed up.  Regardless, It was a great concert and we celebrated with pizza afterward.  On November 4, we had out Studio Recital where each person in the Clarinet studio performed his or her jury piece.  I really like that we got a chance to practice running through our jury pieces in front of an audience.  I know it helped me to feel more comfortable about the whole idea of playing for juries.  I got a chance to hear everyone in the studio and it gave me a chance to look for other areas I needed to focus on in performance.  

Clarinet Studio Recital
 In photo: Clarinet Studio with Piano accompanist Svetlana Rodionova (center)
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Master Classes
        So far this year, we have been fortunate to have two master Classes.  In late September, David Krakauer, a klezmer clarinetist, listened to some studio members play and discussed his own style of music with the studio. I was in awe throughout the whole master class.  I watched him perform with the Orion string quartet the night before, so i heard what an amazing clarinetist he was.  I in fact had the chance to get my program autographed by David Krakauer and the Orion String Quarter after the performance.  Not only was I inspired by his talent but I was impressed with his interpretation and knowledge of all the various pieces performed by the students.  On October 28, clarinetist Scott Wright came to give a master class on balancing teaching with personal practice and performing.  He also performed  a recital with pianist Linda Halloin in a duo group called Duo Pegasus. See: Biography of Duo Pegasus/Dr. Scott Wright

photo: Clarinet Studio with clarinetist David Krakauer
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photo courtesy of Clarinet Studio website


Symphonic Wind Ensemble

        The most exciting news I received this semester was when I discovered that I had made the Symphonic Wind Ensemble.  I was elated and so grateful to get the opportunity to play with such a wonderful group of musicians.  I have been nothing but impressed with Professor Glocke at every one of our rehearals.  He always seems to have something profound to say.   
        Throughout the semester the Symphonic Wind Ensemble had the opportunity to meet David del Tredici and Frank Techeli, composers of two of the pieces we played this semester.  Both Tredici's "In Wartime" and Ticheli's "Postcard" were the most challenging pieces I've worked on to date.  
      

Recording of Symphonic Wind Ensemble playing In Wartime by David del Tredici
Supplied by Pennsylvania State University School of Music



Other Performances
        Outside of my own performance, I try to attend as many concerts as possible.  I love getting a chance to hear my classmates and other upperclassmen perform.  
        On October 9, 2008, I went and saw a performance of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.  It was incredible!  I've always loved Jazz, but the performance really made me want to learn improvising techniques.

School Of Music Website


40S Artifiact.doc  Musical Artifact

Photo: Paining created Summer of 2005, inspired by one of my private lesson duet books
(see above link for more details)

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