Claremont Clarinet Festival
and Summer Workshop
Activities and schedule
June 7 through 14, 2009
(Sunday afternoon through Sunday morning)
Margaret Thornhill (center) with guests Gary Gray and Michele Zukovsky, 2008
The Claremont Clarinet Festival and Summer Clarinet Workshop is a weeklong intensive program of study and performance for advanced clarinetists 18 and older
that culminates in a weekend of public concerts. The week is an opportunity for experienced performers--young professionals, students, and amateurs-
- to gain performance expertise with the solo literature through masterclasses, rehearsals, and private lessons. Come join us in Lyman Recital Hall and the Mabel Bridges Hall of Music
on the beautiful Pomona College Campus as we study and perform the repertoire for solo clarinet.
With a maximum of 22 participants, the group will have an intimate and collegial character, and there will be plenty of opportunity for peer sharing and spontaneous music making. Daily schedules include one-on-one coaching, individual practice time,ensemble rehearsals, recitals, and free time to hang out with other clarinerds.
With a maximum of 22 participants, the group will have an intimate and collegial character, and there will be plenty of opportunity for peer sharing and spontaneous music making. Daily schedules include one-on-one coaching, individual practice time,ensemble rehearsals, recitals, and free time to hang out with other clarinerds.
David Howard coaches bass clarinetist Wendy Mazon, 2006
FACULTY
The faculty includes founder/master teacher Dr. Margaret Thornhill,
collaborative pianist/coach Twyla Meyer, and guests: UCLA professor of clarinet Gary Gray and (subject to availability) Los Angeles Philharmonic Principal Clarinet,
Michele Zukovsky, and/or Bass Clarinetist, David Howard.
Alexander Technique teacher, Frances Marsden, will return with her popular group session which gives each player a chance to see how performance improves as we allow the clarinet to come to the body, rather than the body to the clarinet.
Alexander Technique teacher, Frances Marsden, will return with her popular group session which gives each player a chance to see how performance improves as we allow the clarinet to come to the body, rather than the body to the clarinet.
MASTERCLASSES
Each participant will perform in two masterclasses and
three of the Festival concerts. Part of the learning experience is the opportunity
to attend and offer comments in all the other masterclasses, which will be run in a collegial style.
You will have the opportunity to encounter new repertoire, and to consider new
approaches to familiar recital repertoire, as well as to receive input from two clarinet coaches and your pianist coach.
REPERTOIRE
You are asked to list three works that you consider yourself ready to perform at the Festival.
We will select two works from your list. One work should be of more musical than technical difficulty.
Please be aware that your total performance time in the recitals is around 25 minutes. If one of your pieces is a long work (such as a Brahms or Reger Sonata) you may be asked to perform a couple of movements only, or to present half of the work in each of two masterclasses. Since recital participation is based on masterclass performance, in that case you would not perform a second work in recital. For a list of sample repertoire for clarinet and piano or clarinet alone, please click here.
Each
player will also receive one private hour lesson with Margaret Thornhill or a guest coach and two or three private coaching sessions with the pianist/coaches. Additional lessons with either of the clarinet coaches may be arranged for an additional fee.
Please be aware that your total performance time in the recitals is around 25 minutes. If one of your pieces is a long work (such as a Brahms or Reger Sonata) you may be asked to perform a couple of movements only, or to present half of the work in each of two masterclasses. Since recital participation is based on masterclass performance, in that case you would not perform a second work in recital. For a list of sample repertoire for clarinet and piano or clarinet alone, please click here.
LESSONS AND COACHING
CLARINET CHOIR
The Festival Clarinet Ensemble, which will include all participants, will hold five rehearsals and present a concert of chamber works on Saturday night of the Festival, including new original works and arrangements.
Last year's ensemble conductor, Lori Musicant Koch, principal clarinet of the Los Angeles Clarinet choir, will return as principal conductor of the Ensemble, with Dr.Thornhill sharing the podium.
Ad hoc clarinet quartets are also encouraged.
PRACTICE AND FREE TIME
Personal practice time in the practice
rooms at Thatcher Music Center maybe arranged throughout the day.The college town of Claremont with its quaint shops and restaurants is an easy walk from the campus, and campus recreational facilities are available to workshop members.Last year, participants and coaches enjoyed meeting at the Tapas Bar after a concert, or chowing down great Greek food at Yiannis for a break from the campus routine.