Dr Elsa Ludewig-Verdehr discussion about her career, teaching views, and experience

           Dr Verdehr gave an interesting talk with the participants reviewing her extensive career including her time as a graduate student at Eastman School of Music with many of the legend players of our time during the 1960's including her time in the Eastman Wind Ensemble under Frederick Fennell playing in a Clarinet section with luminaries as Larry Combs and Peter Hadcock, who traded Orchestral excerpts across the section flawlessly and alerting the importance of this knowledge. These formative years were very important, when many of the great teachers of that time included names like Robert Marcellus of the Cleveland Orchestra,  Keith Wilson of Yale University William Stubbins at the University of Michigan, Keith Stein, from Michigan State University,  Himie Voxman of the University of Iowa, Mitchell Lurie at UCLA and University of Southern California, and her inspiration of that time Ignatius Gennusa, Solo Clarinet of the Baltimore Symphony.  Verdehr recalls the Mozart Concerto with him as a moving experience that guided her concepts in performance.  Much credit was give to Stanley Hasty, her prime teacher at Eastman, who was the great mentor who taught not only the clarinet, musical ideas, but how to teach yourself with the tools provided by his teaching.  Her initial appointment to Michigan State was as a one year job during Keith Stein's absence, but when Dr Stein had physical problems, Elsa was retained and has been on faculty for over 35 years.  Her accomplishment as a woman holding a position with this success has almost changed the career stage for women in the academic and performance world.  During this time, with her husband Walter, organized and evolved to International success the Verdehr Trio with over 200 commissions of new music and its far reaching effects in the Clarinet Chamber music repertoire.  This session was an emotional review of a stellar career of one of the most important figures in the Clarinet Community.

             The number of past and present students and colleagues coming to this Day were in the hundreds and coming from all over the USA. Many, as the programs indicate, performed works of all styles and many played works as a tribute to Dr Verdehr.  The above galleries show the programs and backgrounds of many of these past graduates.   Master Classes were given by Dr Caroline Hartig, Professor of Clarinet and Director of this event.   Several students, many High School seniors, were coached effectively covering fundamentals and musical areas.  She is an acclaimed soloist in her own right and a fitting addition to this elite School of Music.  Two important sessions were held covering important pointers for those applying for College music programs, and those pursuing a college teaching career, which is very competitive and needs attention to detail in applying for positions that fit your criteria for what to teach, including more courses than just the instrument. Learning the lessons of disappointment in not winning a position can be a lesson to carry to finally achieve an offer.  All applyings can be a learning experience to improve one aiming for a job.  Another session, led by Detroit Symphony's Solo Clarinetist Ted Oien and Maureen Pauley, covered the importance of full preparation and determination to get that job, covering what the committees want in a player, the most important of which is accurate performance, especially rhythmic accuracy.  Knowledge of the music, not just knowing Orchestral excerpts, is a major key element, as most committees consist of players throughout their orchrestra, not just clarinetists.  The number of applicants trying to get a position has become untenable, and 'behind the screens' auditions make the selection politik-proof.   Persistence and good preparation is absolute. 

           Exhibits were offered for inspection and purchase of instruments, mouthpieces, accessories, reeds, and music for those attending.  Major firms and sponsors included Buffet-Crampon, Conn-Selmer, LeBlanc, Marshall Music, and others.   Several students and pros came to test clarinets and other goods and services.

          A number of student Clarinet ensembles performed along with a Clarinet Choir performing an arrangement of Krommer's Double Clarinet Concerto arranged by Guido Six and soloists  Maxine Ramey and Keith Lemmons conducted by Maureen Pauley. A high point of this day was the performance in honor of Dr Verdehr of a work written by Joan Tower named 'Fanfare for an Uncommon Women' for Dr Verdehr's accomplishments.  The final Concert featured Dr Hartig, Ted Oien,   Brazilian Clarinetist Ricardo Jose Duorado Ferier, with guitar, and Christopher Kirkpatrick performing a new work. 

         A major presentation was made honoring Dr Verdehr, and in addition, 3 Scholarships were presented to Michigan students:

Robert Petrella, a MSU graduate who gave 2 Scholarships to Karyn Bailey and Laura McLaughlin, and

Roger Topliff, another MSU graduate presenting a scholarship to Sara Stott.

      Every year the Clarinet Day is always a drawing card for players and students to participate, as this School is one of the strongest Clarinet Departments in the country. Unique is its support of teaching contemporary music, and of interest, many of the works written for the Verdehr Trio have become staples in the contemporary music repertoire, another gift of the Verdehr legacy.  Professor Hartig is to be credited with this success and another first tier accomplishment festival.  Of interest, on 30 November- 1 December, the Clarinet / Saxophone Summit will be held, with Charles Neidich appearing which will be a landmark event.  This Clarinet Spectacular was Internet streamed recorded for future access within the next weeks covered by Band Director. com .

 

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Revised: December 28, 2007