Seventh Annual MSU Clarinet Extravaganza

Michigan State University Seventh Annual Clarinet Extravaganza
By Cassandra Hibbard

Group Photo Day 1, Seventh Annual Clarinet Spectacular 

The Seventh Annual Clarinet Spectacular was the largest to date. The events, which stretched over two days, included four master classes, three presentations, and five recitals. The day began with a charming, yet useful beginning. Participants were encouraged to take out their instruments as Dr. Julia Heinen (California State University, Northridge) gave her “Warm-Up Clinic.” The class encouraged students to maintain a daily routine that will “warm-up muscles gradually from largest to smallest.” The students learned to begin the process focusing on the breathing muscles, moving to the fingers, and then concentrating on the tongue. Dr. Heinen later gave a beautiful recital with pianist Dmitry Rachmanov. The recital included works by Ruera, Guastavino, Schumann, Debussy, and McAllister.

In keeping with the overall theme of seminar, Professor Michèle Gingras (Miami University, Ohio) took us from Classical to Klezmer with her recital and master class. The recital, titled “The Joys of Jewish Music,” highlighted Prof. Gingras’ virtuosic Klezmer technique with traditional songs and pieces by Camilleri, Harvey, Nichifor, Galay, and Kovács. The recital was directly followed by all of the participants learning to play Hava Nagila, a traditional Klezmer song, with several tips on playing in the Klezmer style. Prof. Gingras shared her journey to Klezmer and explained how the music “freed her up for the classic.”

 After presentations by Rico and Vandoren, the next master class to be given was by Michigan State University Professors of Clarinet, Dr. Caroline Hartig and Dr. Justin O’Dell. Dr. Hartig coached students on Kovás’ Homage a Manuel De Falla and Sonata in E-flat, Op. 120 no. 2 by Brahms; emphasizing musicality in performance. Dr. O’Dell spoke on “Practice Techniques” and used volunteers from the audience to show how adjusting the tempo using the“up three/down 2” system can increase relaxation in your practice time and performance. Both professors were featured, along with MSU students in the “MSU Showcase Concert.” The recital began with Overture on Hebrew Themes, Op. 34 by Prokofiev, with Dr. Caroline Hartig and Dr. Yuri Gandelsman (MSU Professor of Viola). Next, Prof. Richard Sherman (MSU Professor of Flute) joined Dr. Justin O’Dell in Liebermann’s Trio for Clarinet, Flute, and Piano. After, Dr. O’Dell’s performance of Bernstein’s Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, the audience was privileged to hear an array of performances from MSU clarinet students ending with the MSU Klezmer Ensemble.

The attendees of this year’s Clarinet Spectacular were delighted, not only by recitals and master classes, but also by a pedagogical lecture on “Clarinetist’s Priorities” by Dr. David Pino (Texas State University). Dr. Pino spoke on the essential fundamentals that create great technique. As he moved through topics such as breathing, phrasing, and musicianship students were privileged to hear the philosophies taught to him by his mentor and teacher of fifteen years, Keith Stein. Dr. Pino ended the first day of Clarinet Spectacular with a recital including works by Etler, Szalowski, Rorem, and two sets of art songs, by Brahms and Rachmaninoff, transcribed by Pino himself.

Day two of Clarinet Spectacular featured Principal Clarinetist of the Cincinnati Symphony, Richard Hawley. With Mr. Hawley’s enthusiasm, the seminar’s momentum continued through the day’s two main events: an orchestral excerpt master class and a recital with Mr. Richard Hawley and Dr. Caroline Hartig. The master class, which included standard excerpts such as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol,was an excellent opportunity for the students to gain insight on auditioning and performing orchestral clarinet works from a true master of his craft. Finally, Clarinet Spectacular ended with the dynamic recital which began with Mr. Hawley performing Schumann’s Fantasiestücke, Op. 73 and Poulenc’s Sonata for Clarinet and Piano. The second half opened with Dr. Hartig and Paul Schoenfield at the piano performing his Sonata for Clarinet and Piano and ended with Mr. Hawley and Dr. Hartig together on Mendelssohn’s Concert Piece No. 1 in F minor. These two pieces were truly a spiritual experience, and really did take us from Classical to Klezmer.

Photos Day 2 with Guest Artists Richie Hawley and Composer / Pianist Paul Shoenfield.