On Campus
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- Wind Symphony
- Symphonic Winds
- Symphonic Band
- University Band
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- Symphony Orchestra
- Chamber Winds
- Big Red Marching Machine - 280+ member marching band
- Pep Band
Clarinet
Overview
The goal of the clarinet studio is for all students to reach their potential as clarinetists and musicians regardless of their major. Playing clarinet well and musically is fun, fulfilling, and foundational for the future pursuit in music. The atmosphere in the clarinet studio at ISU is one of mutual support, friendship, and respect. All clarinet music majors receive personal instruction by either Dr. Gresham or Dr. Dervin.
Studio Details
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Private Lessons
Private lessons take place each week with the professor. In lessons, students work on developing proper technique in every aspect of clarinet playing (breath support, relaxation, finger technique, articulation, etc.) as well as on developing a musical mind and a musical approach to everything that is played. (We learn technique to play musically, not the other way around!) A lot of repertoire is covered in lessons, so be prepared to practice!
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Master Class
Master class meets weekly. During this time students perform for each other, presentations are given on various topics by the professor or guest artists, performances take place as larger clarinet ensembles, and more.
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Techniques Class
Techniques class for freshmen and sophomores meets weekly. This is an opportunity for intensive work in developing technique through scales, warm-ups, and various etudes and exercises.
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Chamber Music
Chamber music is highly encouraged at ISU. Each semester we form several woodwind quintets and other ensembles (including clarinet quartets and trios), which are coached weekly by faculty and graduate assistants.
Past Guest Artists
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Michael Lowenstern
Virtuoso bass clarinetist and composer
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Bill Jackson
Principal clarinet with Colorado Symphony, current faculty at Vanderbilt University, collaborative sponsorship between Illinois State University, the University of Illinois, and Millikin University
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Julian Bliss
British clarinet virtuoso
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Charles Neidich
Virtuoso, pedagogue, conductor, faculty of The Juilliard School
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Eric Mandat
Virtuoso, composer, Southern Illinois University faculty
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Stephan Vermeersch
Belgian clarinetist and pedagogue
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Eric Ginsberg
Western Illinois University