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Clarinet Day 2009

  • Published
  • By SrA Ian Tyson
  • ESC/BA
17 October 2009 --  The 2nd annual Air Force Band of Liberty Clarinet Day was held on October 17, 2009 at Hanscom AFB, MA, where the guest artist was Dr. Robert Spring, professor of clarinet at Arizona State University. The all-day workshops and master classes were held in the main rehearsal hall of the SSgt. Joseph A. Breneman Building. Attendees ranged in age from fourth grade beginning players to university students and adult players. Clarinet Day was developed to bring Boston area clarinetists together and strengthen relations between military musicians and civilians. 

The day's events began with a warm welcome by the Air Force Band of Liberty's commander and conductor, Captain David Alpar. Next, participants were treated to an absolutely incredible performance by clinician, Dr. Robert Spring. The program included: Solar Flair for two clarinets by Theresa Martin (performed by Dr. Robert Spring and Michele Von Haugg), SubtrainS "O" StrataS fearS by Eric Mandat, Flight of the Bumblebee by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Czardas by Vittorio Monti, Carnival of Venice by Girolamo Salieri, and Round of the Goblins by Antonio Bazzini. Dr. Spring's wonderful musicianship, impeccable technique, and incredible execution of rapid tonguing and circular breathing wowed the audience. 

Next, attendees played in a clarinet choir. Works performed included, Wink by Norbert Goddaer, Adagio by W.A. Mozart, and Concertpiece No. 2, Op. 114 by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy. Soloists, TSgt Richard Lacroix, Bb Clarinet, and SSgt Mickey Ireland, Basset Horn, performed incredibly. The choir consisted of Eb Clarinet, Bb Clarinets, Bass Clarinets, and Contra Bass Clarinet. Dr. Spring conducted and rehearsed the choir. This was both a fun and educational experience. 

Following lunch, Dr. Spring gave a workshop on Extreme Clarinet techniques. He began by demonstrating basic techniques that lay the foundation for all other extreme techniques--solid embouchure, good tone, rhythm, tonguing. Then, Dr. Spring further discussed the topics of circular breathing and double tonguing. He believes that anyone can do it. All of the participants learned a great deal from Dr. Spring. 

Four people were chosen to play in a masterclass for Dr. Robert Spring. Christopher Mothersole (New England Conservatory) performed the fourth movement of the Brahms Sonata No. 1. Tunman Ho (Boston University) performed Debussy's Premiere Rhapsody. Joshua Xiong (RJ Grey Junior High School) performed Rose Etude #9 (from the 32 Studies). And Samantha Webster played the Stravinsky Three Pieces. Both master class participants and observers gained insight on phrasing, rhythm, articulation, and overall practice techniques. 

Clarinet Day concluded with a performance by the Air Force Band of Liberty's Bay State Winds Clarinet Quartet. The members are MSgt Jennifer Dashnaw, Sgt Richard Lacroix, SSgt Mickey Ireland, and SrA Ian Tyson. The quartet performed The Barber of Seville by Gioachino Rossini, Cinq Mouvements by Claude Arrieu, Four for Four by Jorge Montilla, and Die Kunst der Klarinette (Variations on "Colonel Bogey") by Ian Holloway. This crowd pleasing performance was the perfect ending to a wonderful and successful day of clarinet. 

Please keep your eyes open for information about next year's Air Force Band of Liberty Clarinet Day. For more information, please contact SrA Ian Tyson at (781) 377-2263 or ian.tyson@hanscom.af.mil