Press Release

Contact: Joan Levy

Phone/Email: 410-245-5195 / jlevy@talbotarts.org

How do you engage and energize 25 middle school and high school clarinet players in the throws of the summer heat?

The Clarinet Day Workshop set out to do that – and more. On Thursday, July 28, Easton Middle and High School students participated in an ambitious full-day schedule of concerts, private and group lessons and lectures.  

The day began with a welcome performance by the University of Maryland Clarinet Quartet. Afterward, students paired with teachers and members of the University of Maryland Clarinet Society for private and group lessons. Lohff and Pfiefer USA, a world-renowned musical instrument company, provided forty new clarinets for the students to try. The Reed Machine, specializing in clarinet customization and services, offered free instrument tune-up and repairs. Students attended lectures on breathing techniques and proper posture, followed by talks on career paths and professional opportunities. Sitting side-by-side, teachers and students performed “Jupiter” from The Planets by Holst, arranged for a clarinet choir.

The idea, inspired by Donna Ewing, Band Director, Easton Middle School, and EJ Osterle, Band Director, Easton High School, became a reality with funding from Talbot Arts and the guidance of Dr. Robert DiLutis, Professor of Clarinet and Director of Community Engagement, in the School of Music at the University of Maryland. The student musicians received exceptional teaching and encouragement: joining Dr. DiLutis were Dr. Natalie Groom and Dr. Melissa Morales and their graduate students. According to Joan Levy, Executive Director, Talbot Arts, “this experience was so incredible and beneficial to our student musicians, we are ready to commit to doing it again next year.” 

Funds for the Clarinet Day workshop were provided to Talbot Arts by the Talbot County government with support from Easton, Oxford, and St. Michaels. 

For more information, contact Joan Levy, jlevy@talbotarts.org / 410-245-5195