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Hot News July 2007

29 July 2007

        The 2nd Brevard Conference was held in collaboration with the above Music Festival engaging professionals who are interested in building arts and music programs, including the business aspects, the legal aspects including non profit registration under the IRS 501 (c)(3) status to operate such organizations. Of utmost importance was promoting amongst professionals the administrative tools needed to effectively run such organizations, including fundraising skills, community interactions, and logistical skills.  Michael Drapkin, Director, ran this Conference effectively attracting many from all over the USA, with guest speakers and experts as posted on the BCOME site linked above.  It takes more in this arts environment than to be only a skilled performer; this course is a must for all musicians and should take advantage of the chance to engage these programs.  Three more conferences are planned within the next 7 months, at Cal Arts in California, the University of South Carolina, and Northwestern University.

27 July 2007

The Clarinet Summer School,  Andrew Roberts, Director

Liverpool Hope University College, Everton Campus, Liverpool, UK

            Thanks are overdue to the wonderful team of tutors that we were lucky to have on board this year for The Clarinet Summer School 2007.

            First and foremost all my thanks and best wishes go to David Walters, who has been with the course from the beginning. David has given up much of his time before and during the course in planning and administering, as well as tutoring and accompanying, so many clarinettists over the last ten years. His wonderfully calm and charming manner have always helped me to stay in control when things did not go according to plan. He is always friendly and supportive to everyone he comes in contact with, no mean achievement!

           After ten years of helping me to run the course David has decided that he needs to have a rest from what is quite an additional burden on his already busy schedule at Hope University. On behalf of all the past course members and tutors, we thank him and wish him well with the Hope that he will return to the course as an accompanist in the future, no pun intended.

          Dr Chris Mimnagh has also been involved with the course from the beginning, offering advice on how not to end up like me! With his very full schedule as Head of the Knowsley Primary Healthcare Trust, and his continuing GP practice and family life, I am indebted to him for his help and support for the course and in assisting many musicians to avoid and deal with the problems that can arise from instrument abuse!

         Further thanks go to Fabio Di Càsola, Kevin Murphy and John Wilson, for their friendly and supportive approach to teaching the clarinet and greater musicianship skills. So many of you commented on the great atmosphere on the course and much of this is due to the help and support that they all freely offer.

         We also had excellent feedback from the Intermediate course students who all enjoyed working with Janet Crossley and Caroline Wheeler. As ex-students of mine they have been invaluable help to me in running both courses for a very long time, my sincere thanks go to them both.

         This course simply cannot happen without the continued financial support of its sponsors, Packers and Vandoren, who have been in from the start of the course 10 years ago. The have provided help and advice to me over the years – all gratefully received. Wolfgang Lohff is one of my closest friends and for quite a number of years he has supported the course both financially and by sharing his extraordinary knowledge and skills with us all in his completely unflappable manner. My heartfelt thanks go them all.

        This year we were able to attract further sponsorship from Leblanc/VBI and Rico Reeds/Barnes & Mullins for which I am most grateful.It only remains for me to thank you all, the students of 2007.  It was a pleasure for us all to meet and work with such a friendly and talented group of musicians and friends, I hope you will all stay in touch with each other as communication has always been the most important aspect of this course.

        I will being updating the website in the near future and hope to include more sections which will cover many of the things we have discussed and presented to you during the Summer School. You will also find details of the 2008 Clarinet Summer School at http://www.theclarinet.co.uk/sschool.shtml.

       You will also find details of my Overhaul Service, which works in conjunction with Lohff & Pfeiffer (Wolfgang) in Denmark. If you have any problems with your instruments I will try to help solve them and offer practical and balanced advice.

       We are looking forward to hearing from you all and hope to see some of you again in Liverpool in 2008.

 

 14 July 2007

Académie d'été clarinette Buffet Crampon 2007 -

Lliria (Valence), Espagne

        Parallel to the US Buffet Clarinet Academy in Jacksonville, Florida, this extensive week was held with artists of distinction giving the full array of lessons, Master Classes, and Performances.  Below are archives from the events and an insight into the excitement in working with world-class artists.

Artistic Direction: Buffet Crampon

Technical Direction: Erwan NEDELEC

 

 

 

 

A report by Carlos J. Casadó

I.C.A. Chair for Spain

 

 

Spain is a good place for doing master classes in summer. A proof of this is the great number of them that take place in the country. Whatever area of the country offers to students and teachers a width range of chances for having a special stay. If you want a mild weather you could choose the Canaries Islands, if you prefer a cool weather you could go to the north of the country, where green fields, high mountains and wild beaches will be for you the perfect combination for working in a relaxed way. But if what you need is hot, sun, a histrionic city with an international big projection and superb paella, do not hesitate in going to Valencia. However, not only the city but their villages, as Lliria and others, are the soul of this Mediterranean way of life.

 

Last July, Buffet Crampon decided to give a jump to the top of quality arranging this Academy in cooperation with the Council of Lliria and the Unió Musical Society of this village. The Academy has offered to the students master classes, chamber music with piano and ensembles of clarinets, orchestral repertory and different recitals between students and teachers. The cartel of professors has been relevant, with the assistance of renowned clarinettist, excellent performers and teachers, soloist or members of important ensembles and orchestras as the National Orchestra of Spain, the Ensemble Intercontemporain of France, the Comunidad Valenciana Orchestra or the Galicia Symphony, or teachers at the Trinity College of London, Superior Music School of Catalunya, Amsterdam Conservatory and Superior Music Schools of Porto, San Sebastian and Seville. We are talking of Enrique Pérez, Alain Damiens, Joan Enric Lluna, Juan Ferrer, Harry Sparnaay, Antonio Saiote, César Martín and Antonio Salguero.

 

The number of students was near 35 and everybody showed his satisfaction with the work did that week. Each one received lessons from three or four professors, what it was an interesting dynamic in order to contribute different approach to the pieces pupils played. At same time, expert mechanic of the staff of Buffet Crampon attended requests of students, what it was an attraction for the pupils and an inestimable help.

 

The final concert celebrated at the Unió Musical Theatre was an attraction too, so we could listen to the expertises artists with an incredible repertory, not only for the quality of it but for the meaningful value. Enrique Pérez played the Sonata 1963 for clarinet and piano, a piece written by his predecessor as a soloist in the National Orchestra of Spain, Mr. Penyarrocha, now with a serious illness. Alain Damiens, a specialist in contemporary music did an introspective performance of the Messiaen’s L’abime des oiseaux; Antonio Saiote showed an interesting piece of Z. Lampard, Fragment H, the movement called April Afternoon; César Martín offered the 2nd movement of the Phil Woods’s Sonata and Antonio Salguero closed the first part with the beautiful 2nd movement of Horovitz’s Sonata. The pianist Tim Lissimore was a thorough player and his accompaniment was delightful. The second part of this recital was played by the Clarinet Ensemble of the Academy. Conducted by Antonio Saiote, César Martín and Harry Sparnaay, at same time playing as soloists, the ensemble performed in carefree style joyful pieces to delight the audience, as they were the Spanish Prelude for Las Bodas de Luis Alonso or the well-known Bozza’s Ballade for Bass Clarinet, arranged for the soloist and three Bb clarinets and two bass clarinets.

 

Both, Buffet Crampon and the Technical Director of the Academy, Erwan Nedelec were very grateful to Manuel Izquierdo, Mayor of the Council of Lliria and to José Vicente Alcalde, president of the Unió Musical, by the efforts in carrying the events out. We hope this Academy has continuity in the future and it had been an injection of enthusiasm into the students, teachers and authorities.

 

These kinds of meetings are very appreciated for everybody, not only the students but all of teachers. The musical education, I would mean, to contribute resources to the students in order  to be better musicians and persons through the clarinet is a task of many of us, not only is a work that the teacher and the student have to do isolated in the classroom, so if we receive fresh air through this proposals, they are welcomed. Thanks for it!

  

Bravo à tous les participants et aux professeurs : Alain Damiens, Juan Ferrer, Joan Enric Lluna, Andrew Marriner, Cèsar Martin, Enrique Pérez i Piquer, Antonio Saiote, António Salguero, Harry Sparnaay.  Rendez-vous en 2008!

Master Classes, Lessons, and workshop sessions were what made this program a success.  The next Buffet-Crampon Academy was held in Jacksonville, Florida in August 2007.

 

Brucker Hall at Fort Myer

Clarinetists in rehearsal

LTC Clayton and Colonel Rotondi

Band rehearsal

Mike Knight, Solo Clarinetist

Colonel Rotondi rehearsal

Alumni Group

Band with Alumni

Colonel Rotondi conducting Anthem

Announcer at Concert beginning

Colonel Shelburne bow

13 July 2007

The United States Army Band (Pershing's Own) 5th Alumni Reunion Weekend and Major Concert

Arlington, Virginia USA

         The 5th Alumni Reunion Concert weekend was held with an enthusiastic return of several Band veterans, all of whom were in this Band in earlier years, reaching back as far as the 40's when several served during World War II. An interesting aspect of this reunion is the inter-reach between the present Band members and the vets.  During this year, 3 Band and former members have passed away, one of whom is listed on the In Memoriam Page- Kenneth Domer, a former Clarinetist, and only the last week, Herman Tessman, saxophonist and section leader, retired, who passed away from Cancer.  This is just one reason people get together and reflect on old friends and times.  Three conductors participated including Commander Colonel Thomas Rotondi, LTC Clancy, and former Commander Bryan Shelburne, with performance at the Kenmore Middle School Auditorium, a major concert site in Arlington.  Two major rehearsals, and social activities, and full house concert took place this week.  The Alumni Association is interested in reaching former Band members to 'enlist' in the Association and become active with their former colleagues.  This is an incredible opportunity to get back into the Band and be part of a special group of people.

 

Gage Residence for ClarinetFest

Chan Performing Arts Center

UBC Music Building

UBC Union

Chan Entrance

Michele Gingras, David Campbell, Francois Bescond, and Mike Getzin

Behn and mouthpiece client

Errantes and Elsa Ludwig-Verdehr

Caroline Hartig and Dr Verdehr

Francois Kloc, Dominik Vidal, Mark Nuccio, and Mike Getzin

Mrs,Mr Zukovsky, Michele Zukovsky and Morrie Backun

Performer at Buffet

Ricardo Morales and MOBA Clarinet

Dominik Vidal in Music Courtyard by Fork

John McCall at Rossi

8 July 2007

ClarinetFest - Vancouver, University of British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

         The latest annual ClarinetFest was held with an array of events and artists, many of whom are world-class and also included, as the below list indicates, Professors and Professionals from all over the globe.  Events included recitals, major concerts including all venues of music, many held simultaneously in many locations, which made it impossible to attend all the events.  The facilities at this University were excellent, especially the Chan Performing Arts Center which is a world-class hall. Many of the top artists gave programs covering Concertos, Chamber Music, and gave Master Classes, and seminars.  Exhibitions came from all the major instrument firms Internationally, and was a very busy area for participants to view and decide. More detailed information to follow up in the next few days.

         Of special interest is the honoring of 3 major icons in the Clarinet world:

Elsa Ludwig-Verdehr ICA Honor Membership

Verdehr and Students

Joan Tower's Fanfare for an Uncommon Woman

Verdehr Students

Verdehr amongst students

Verdehr and colleagues

Mike Getzin and Dr Verdehr

Harlequin

Harliquen

Elsa Ludwig-Verdehr from Michigan State University and proponent of new music through the Verdehr Trio

William O Smith,  honoring his 80th year and well known as a Contemporary Music Jazz and as a great Clarinetist

Keith Wilson, from Yale University and major teacher

On all 3 honorees, special programs were performed by past associates and former and present students, many of whom have established themselves in their own right.

Cohler Master Class session

Ken Puwaski Master Class on Klezmer

Phillips Reed Class

Picard Bass Clarinet Class

Michele Zulovsky and student

David Campbell performing Bliss Quintet

Campbell concert bow

Brahms Quintet with Ricardo Morales

Mark Nuccio in recital

Nuccio in Benny's Gig

Texas Clarinet Consort bow

Texas Consort

Lisbon Clarinet Quartet

Los Angeles Clarinet Choir

Los Angeles Choir

Zukovsky Recital

Chadwick Concerto with Verdehrs

Chadwick

Verdehr bows

Finzi Concerto with Rusinek

Rusinek performance of Finzi

Jan van der Roost Concerto Doppio

Eddie Vanooshyse and Robert Spring

Soloist's bow

David Shifrin on Copland Concerto

Copland performance

Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble

Eddie Daniels as soloist

Daniels with Solo performance

College Clarinet Choir

Conductor of Choir

Festival Clarinet Choir

Festival Choir

 

          There were 5 days of round the clock performances from the performers listed below in many programs, many of which are pictured in the galleries.  A high percentage were first class concerts especially recitals of early music with period instruments, several Contemporary music performances, standard repertoire recitals, and several ensembles including trios, Clarinet Quartets and Quintets, 3 Clarinet Choirs, including the Los Angeles Choir under Margaret Thornhill premiering a new work. 2 Clarinet Choirs, including the College Clarinet Choir and the Festival Choir, both having played in the Chan Center.  A special Choir of students of Elsa Ludwig-Verdehr along with a recital of her students took place honoring her longstanding contribution to the field, and publically honored by the ICA with a special life membership.

Ben Armato -Reed Wizard and Ted Lane

Clements

Clarinet Duo playing at Buffet

Luigi Magistrelli, Getzin, and Luis Rossi

Northwest Publishers

Andino Clarinets

Long & McQuade

Orsi & Wier Clarinets

Selmer Clarinets

Yamaha Clarinets

Omar Henderson and Forte Clarinets

Buffet Exhibit

Hodge Reed Accesories

Rico Reed Seminar with Jessica Phillips

 

           Industry exhibitions showed a large array of products all players visit with artists interacting with participants. 

          The galleries posted throughout this summary intangibly tell the story of the success of this convention.  Due credit is owing to the Directors of this event, Wes Foster, Cris Iguante, and Patricia Kostek, and the International Clarinet Association and sponsors.

 Artist Roster (as of June 27, 2007)

Arkadiusz Adamski, National Polish Radio Symphony, Poland
Ricardo Alves, Vintage Quartet, Portugal
Mary Backun, Vancouver Opera Orchestra, Canada
Diane Barger, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, I.C.A. Treasurer, U.S.A.
Gregory Barrett, Northern Illinois University, U.S.A.
Linda Bartley, University of Wisconsin-Madison, U.S.A.
David Bellman, Indianapolis Symphony, U.S.A.
Derek Bermel, American Composers Orchestra, U.S.A.
Deborah Bish, Florida State University, U.S.A.
Kalman Bloch, pedagogue, U.S.A.
Lawrie Bloom, Chicago Symphony, U.S.A.
Jean Guy Boisvert, Moncton University, Canada
David Bourque, Toronto Symphony, Canada
Brigid Burke, soloist/composer, Australia
Chad Burrow, Oklahoma City University, U.S.A.
Bonnie Campbell, Merit School of Music, Chicago, U.S.A.
David Campbell, soloist, England
James Campbell, soloist, Indiana University, U.S.A.
Marie-Julie Chagnon, Montreal, Canada
Florent Charpentier, France
Yi-Chuan Chen, soloist, New York City, U.S.A.
Jonathan Cohler, soloist, Boston, U.S.A.
Simon Cole, Prince George (BC) Symphony, Canada
Kimberly Cole Luevano, Eastern Michigan University, U.S.A.
Elizabeth Crawford, Ball State University, U.S.A.
Kathryn Curran, U.S. Coast Guard Band Woodwind Trio, U.S.A.
Tamara Cuypers, Taman Trio, Music Conservatory of Ostend, Belgium
Russ Dagon, Milwaukee Symphony (former principal), Northwestern University (retired), U.S.A.
Karen Dannessa, West Chester University, U.S.A.
Eddie Daniels, soloist, U.S.A.
Pat Daniels, Winnipeg, Canada
SamDavidson, jazz soloist, Vancouver, Canada
Ron de Kant, former principal, Vancouver Symphony, Canada
Laurie DeLuca, Seattle Symphony, U.S.A.
Gary Dranch, New York City, U.S.A.
Ros Dunlop, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Australia
Joseph Eller, University of South Carolina, U.S.A.
F. Gerard Errante, Clarion Synthesis, U.S.A.
Richard Faria, Ithaca College, U.S.A.
Stan Fisher, Acadia University, Canada
Antonio Fraioli, Stark Quartet, Conservatoire of Salerno, Italy
Lori Freedman, bass clarinet soloist, Montreal, Canada
Mark Gallagher, Alexander Technique Expert, U.S.A.
James Gillespie, University of North Texas, Denton, U.S.A.
Michèle Gingras, Miami University of Ohio, U.S.A.
Connie Gitlin, University of Winnipeg, Canada
Michael-Beit Halachmi, Jerusalem Symphony, Israel
Russell Harlow, Utah Symphony, U.S.A.
Caroline Hartig, Michigan State University, U.S.A.
William Helmers, Milwaukee Symphony and Chamber Orchestra, U.S.A.
Jaren Hinckley, Orpheus Winds, U.S.A.
François Houle, soloist, Vancouver, Canada
Maureen Hurd, Rutgers University, U.S.A.
Cris Inguanti, Vancouver Symphony, University of British Columbia, Canada
Kevin John Hurst, soloist, England
Kelly Johnson, Arkansas Symphony, University of Central Arkansas, U.S.A.
Kathy Jones, Puerto Rico Symphony, Puerto Rico
Jeanette Jonquil, Vancouver Symphony, U.S.A.
Gene Kavaldo, Charlotte Symphony, U.S.A.
Frankie Kelly, University of New Orleans, U.S.A.
Howard Klug, Indiana University, U.S.A.
Tilly Kooyman, soloist, Canada
Patricia Kostek, University of Victoria, Canada
Lisbon Clarinet Quartet, Portugal
Lee Livengood, Utah Symphony, I.C.A. President, U.S.A.
Los Angeles Clarinet Choir, U.S.A.
Michael Lowenstern, bass clarinetist, New York City, U.S.A.
Elsa Ludewig Verdehr, Michigan State University, U.S.A.
Madeira de Vento, clarinet quintet, Brazil
Luigi Magistrelli, Milan Conservatory, Italy
Eric Mandat, Southern Carbondale University, U.S.A.
Katarzyna Marczak, Trio Strega, Poland
D. Ray McClellan, University of Georgia, U.S.A.
Keith McCleod, Victoria Symphony, Canada
Mexico National Clarinet Quartet, Mexico
Ricardo Morales, Philadelphia Orchestra, U.S.A.
Jennifer Nelson, Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra, U.S.A.
Michael Norsworthy, Harvard University, U.S.A.
Mark Nuccio, New York Philharmonic, U.S.A.
Marie Picard, Quebec Symphony, Canada
Thomas Piercy, soloist, New York City, U.S.A.
Tom Puwalski, Klezmer specialist, U.S.A.
John Reeks, Loyola University, U.S.A.
Rebecca Rischin, Ohio University, U.S.A.
Antonio Rosa, Oporta Orchestra, Portugal
Michael Rowlett, University of Mississippi, U.S.A.
Joris Rühl, Selmer Artist
Michael Rusinek, Pittsburgh Symphony, U.S.A.
Antonio Saiote, Portugal
Justo Sanz, Conservatorio Superior de Madrid, Spain
Chris Sereque, Seattle Symphony, U.S.A.
Peter Shackleton, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, Canada
David Shifrin, soloist, U.S.A.
David Singer, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, U.S.A.
William O. Smith, University of Washington (retired), U.S.A.
Robert Spring, Arizona State University, U.S.A.
Jana Starling, Mount Allison University, Canada
Peter Stoll, University of Toronto, Toronto Philharmonia, Canada
Richard Stoltzman, soloist, U.S.A.
Allison Storochuck, Missouri State University, U.S.A.
Suzanne Tirk, Wichita State University, U.S.A.
Matic Titovsek, Selmer Artist
Eddy Vanoosthuyse, soloist, Belgium
Stephan Vermeersch, Rajhans Ensemble, Ebony-Kwartet, Belgium
Dominique Vidal, France
Javier Vinasco, soloist, chamber musician, Mexico
Robert Walzel, University of Utah, I.C.A. Immediate Past President, U.S.A.
Michael Webster, Rice University, U.S.A.
Keith Wilson, Yale University, U.S.A.
Gary Whitman, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth Symphony, I.C.A. President-Elect, U.S.A.
Floyd Williams, Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Australia
Bradley Wong, Western Michigan University, U.S.A.
Peter Wright, Jacksonville Symphony, U.S.A.
Michele Zukovsky, Los Angeles Philharmonic, U.S.A.

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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