Review


Troy University Clarinet Day


For an aspiring young clarinetist in the South, late March was an enlightening time to be at Troy University in Troy, Alabama. Dr. Timothy Phillips, the clarinet professor at the John M. Long School of Music, hosted the Second Annual Troy University Clarinet Day on March 27-28, 2009. It involved a fine line- up of inspiring guest artists from across the United States. Sponsors included: Buffet Crampon, Canyes Xilema, Redwine Jazz and Vandoren Paris.


The event commenced on Friday evening with a recital in Troy University’s Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall. Troy faculty clarinetists Dr. Timothy Phillips and Dr. Katrina Phillips began the event by performing Mendelssohn’s Concert Piece No. 2 for two clarinets and piano.


Next to perform were the members of the “C-4” Clarinet Quartet from the Band of the United States Air Force Reserve from Warner Robins, Georgia. The ensemble included: MSgt Martha Garcia, MSgt (retired) David Garcia, TSgt Kara Frank, and TSgt Anna Andrew. They played works by Mendelssohn, Debussy, Uhl and others. Few could resist smiling at the sounds of the “Bordel 1900” from Histoire du Tango by Astor Piazzolla. To conclude the first half, they played the spirited Klezmer Wedding by Mike Curtis.


Benjamin Redwine’s portion of the program included French works for clarinet and piano by Poulenc and Debussy, as well as Ravel’s Pièce en forme da habanera, in which Redwine added his own personal touch. Lastly, the “C-4” Clarinet Quartet accompanied Redwine in his versatile playing of a medley (arr. by Dan Drew) of some of the best-known melodies of American jazz clarinetist Artie Shaw. As an encore, Redwine performed After You, Mr. Gershwin by Bela Kovacs.


Over sixty clarinet students from Alabama, Florida and Georgia registered on Saturday to play in a large clarinet choir and attend informative lectures. Dr.


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Timothy Phillips captivated students during the clarinet choir rehearsals with his kind demeanor and sensitive pacing as the group worked toward a musically fulfilling performance. His sound rehearsal and conducting techniques were highly effective in this pursuit. Students also benefited from the guest artists who opted to play along. The repertoire represented many eras in music history providing opportunity for contextual learning. For example, a work by Carl Maria von Weber lead to discussion of the composer’s numerous contributions to the solo clarinet repertoire; and the work Three Renaissance Madrigals (arr. by David Marlatt) lead to learning about style from an era when the clarinet (as we know it today) had not yet been developed. The two other pieces this group worked on, and later performed, included: a light- hearted rag by Scott Joplin (which had great appeal to the players and audience alike), and a march by Sousa (which was fitting for a performance at Troy University, a school with a strong band heritage).


Clinics were interspersed between clarinet


Katrina Phillips


In the afternoon, the “C-4” Clarinet Quartet provided an informative workshop on becoming a better chamber musician. They discussed and modeled techniques for acquiring precision in ensemble playing. Next, the “C-4” members invited a college clarinet quartet from Troy University (Christina Banks, Casey Fariss, Tiffany Reeves and Kathryn Zehner) to perform and receive feedback.


Between rehearsals and clinics, students could explore displays of mouthpieces, reeds and instruments. Montgomery based Capitol Music brought a variety of clarinets for trial. Students were also given a chance to talk to the guest artists over breaks and lunch (which was provided for all attendees and artists).


An evening concert was the culmination of the event, allowing the audience (consisting of parents, family, band directors, private teachers, as well as Troy faculty) to witness the achievements of all involved. The Troy University Clarinet Choir began this concert. A highlight was Fool’s Dance by Kristen L. Denny with its vivacious quality. Next, the college group


Troy University Clarinet Day Clarinet Choir 2009, Dr. Timothy Phillips, conductor


choir rehearsals. In the morning, Benjamin Redwine intrigued students with his philosophy of optimal clarinet sound production and provided practicing tips for improving clarinet fundamentals. He also pointed out the importance of proper adjustment of clarinet keys for best response and tuning.


welcomed Redwine, who demonstrated his adept improvisational skill as soloist for the jazz standard All of Me (arr. by R. Barrett). Lastly, the large Clarinet Day Clarinet Choir performed their selections with great success and left all involved looking forward to the Third Annual Troy University Clarinet Day of 2010.


October 2009


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