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Band of Liberty hosts "Clarinet Day 2008"

  • Published
  • By SrA Ian Tyson
  • USAF Band of Liberty
Hanscom AFB, MA --  The first Air Force Band of Liberty Clarinet Day was held on October 11, 2008 at Hanscom AFB, MA. The guest clinician was Michèle Gingras, professor of clarinet at Miami University (OH). An internationally acclaimed pedagogue, klezmer performer, and author, Ms. Gingras has numerous recordings and articles to her credit. The all-day workshops and master classes were held in the main rehearsal hall of the Sgt. Joseph A. Breneman building. Attendees ranged in age from fourth grade beginning players to university students and young professional players. Clarinet Day was developed to bring Boston area clarinetists together and build relations between military musicians and civilians. 

Clarinet Day began with a warm welcome by the Air Force Band of Liberty's commander and conductor, 1st Lieutenant David Alpar. Next, participants were treated to an absolutely incredible performance by clinician, Michèle Gingras. The program included: Concertino (Andante molto) by Charles Camilleri, Theme from Schindler's List by John Williams (arranged by Michèle Gingras), Farfalekh by Daniel Galay, Carnyx for solo clarinet by Serban Nichifor, and Sholem-alekhem, rov Feidman! by Béla Kovács. Ms. Gingras' sensitive musicality and extraordinary klezmer technique wowed the audience. 

In the following session, Michèle Gingras shared some of her "clarinet secrets" with the participants. "Secrets" regarding rocket-speed tonguing, natural finger motion, embouchure, intonation, reeds, and work ethic were revealed. These guide points proved to be very helpful for all clarinetists in attendance. Following lunch, participants headed outside on the patio for a workshop on circular breathing. Using cups of water and straws, Ms. Gingras taught her fool-proof step-by-step lesson on how to circular breathe. Participants made great strides towards mastering this advanced but increasingly essential technique. 

Three university students were chosen to play in a master class for Michèle Gingras. Samantha Webster (UMass-Lowell) performed Five Bagatelles by Gerald Finzi, Vanessa Davis (University of New Hampshire) performed the first movement of von Weber's Concerto No. 1, and Christopher Mothersole (New England Conservatory) performed the first movement of the Camille St-Saëns Sonata. Both master class participants and observers gained insight on phrasing, changing tone colors, and articulation. 

Following the master class, all of the participants dove head-first into the world of klezmer clarinet playing. An accomplished klezmer performer and recording artist, Ms. Gingras effectively taught some of the idiom's basic principles and techniques.  By session's end, all participants played the popular Hava Nagila (with CD band accompaniment) complete with glissandos, trills, scoops, and growls.  

Clarinet Day concluded with a performance by the Air Force Band of Liberty's Bay State Winds clarinet quartet. Ensemble members SSgt Richard Lacroix (NCOIC), SSgt Michele Spinelli, SrA Mickey Ireland, and SrA Ian Tyson performed three movements from Jenӧ Takács' Serenade, Op. 83c, the first movement of Mozart's String Quartet No. 19 "Dissonant" (arranged by John D. Parrette), and Trois Divertissements by Henri Tomasi. 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 on October 24, 2009. For more information, please contact SrA Ian Tyson at (781) 377-2263 or ian.tyson@hanscom.af.mil