MTSU Clarinet Choir Performs at International Clarinet Event

   clarinet choirThe MTSU Clarinet Choir performed at the world’s largest gathering of clarinetists known as ClarinetFest 2019 on July 28, 2019, in Knoxville, TN.   The 21-member ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Todd Waldecker, performed at the event sponsored by the International Clarinet Association.

            "The group was selected through competitive application to perform at the annual gathering for professional clarinetists, students, industry leaders, and clarinet enthusiasts," said Waldecker.  "This marks the third time the MTSU Clarinet Choir has performed at a ClarinetFest conference."  (Previous appearances were in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Lawrence, Kansas.)

            At this year’s ClarinetFest the MTSU ensemble played a new piece written especially for them: “Cattywampus,” by Tennessee composer, Reagan Casteel. 

            "The piece combines the composer’s childhood memories of bluegrass music along with her years as a clarinet player," said Waldecker. 

            James Zimmermann, Principal Clarinetist of the Nashville Symphony, joined the MTSU ensemble as the featured soloist on the next piece, Alexis Ciesla’s “Tarentella."   The concert concluded with another work created specifically for the MTSU Clarinet Choir, “Grenadilla Trunk Funk”, by London-based composer, Paul Saunders. 

            The MTSU Clarinet Choir presents several concerts each semester on the MTSU campus and in the surrounding community.  More information is available at www.mtsuclarinet.com and by contacting Todd.Waldecker@mtsu.edu

Clarinet Choir at ClarinetFest