STEEL CITY CLARINET DAY
Saturday August 23, 2025
9am-6pm
Shaler Area Middle School
1810 Mt. Royal Blvd. Glenshaw, PA 15116
Saturday August 23, 2025
9am-6pm
Shaler Area Middle School
1810 Mt. Royal Blvd. Glenshaw, PA 15116
EVENT SCHEDULE
9:00-9:50AM Warm-Up and Clarinet Choir Rehearsal
10:00-10:50AM Pick Your Session! Injury Prevention/The Clarinet within the
Latin American Repertoire/Vandoren Equipment/
Fundamentals for Intermediates
11:00-12:00PM Clarinet Choir Rehearsal
12:00-1:00PM Lunch Break 1:00-2:00PM Featured Artist, Gunnery Sergeant Shannon Kiewitt,
Masterclass on Weber's "Concerto No 2" and Cavallini's
"Adagio and Tarantella" with Student Performers
2:00-2:45PM Session Choices: Kiewitt on Health and Wellness/Vandoren
Equipment/Exhibits
2:45-3:15PM Vandoren Equipment/Exhibits/Break
3:15-4:30PM Clarinet Choir Final Rehearsal
5:00-6:00PM Finale Concert
WHO WE ARE........
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FEATURED ARTIST Clarinetist Gunnery Sgt. Shannon Kiewitt of Sevierville,Tennessee, joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in January 2011. She was appointed to the bass clarinet section in March 2017. Kiewitt began her musical training on clarinet at age 10. After graduating from Gatlinburg-Pittman High School in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in 1995, she attended Indiana University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in music performance in 1999 and a master’s degree in music performance in 2001, studying with Howard Klug and Alfred Prinz. Prior to joining “The President’s Own,” Gunnery Sgt. Kiewitt was a member of the United States Army Field Band at Fort Meade, Maryland, from 2001-08 and the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band at Fort Monroe, Virginia, from 2008-10. She also performed at the 1998 and 1999 Belgian Clarinet Academy in Ostend, Belgium, attended the International Orchestra Institute Attergau in Austria in 2000 and was a semi-finalist in the International Clarinet Association Young Artist Competition in 2003. Kiewitt performs with the Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra at the White House, in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, and across the country during the band’s annual concert tour. She has performed five solos with the Marine Band, most recently at The Midwest Clinic, playing String Quintet in E Major, Opus 1, arranged for Reed Quintet by Gunnery Sgt. Trevor Mowry. Kiewitt’s appearances on behalf of “The President’s Own” include frequent presentations and performances at the International Clarinet Association ClarinetFest and masterclass workshops at the University of Maryland, Indiana University, Navy Band Clarinet Day, Clarinet Academy of America and Gettysburg Clarinet Day, among others. In addition to her responsibilities as a musician, Kiewitt serves as Marine Band Unit Fitness Instructor, leading the unit’s Supplemental Conditioning Program. As Unit Fitness Instructor, Kiewitt earned a Master Trainer Certification with certifications as a Certified Fitness Trainer, a Professional Nutrition Coach, in Exercise Therapy, in Corrective Exercise, in Weight Management, in Behavior Modification and in Strength & Conditioning. She also volunteers as a Tour Educational Outreach Coordinator, was a Chamber Music Coordinator in both 2013 and 2021 and was a program note writer from 2013-2023. Kiewitt’s awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (gold star in lieu of second award). |
Gunnery Sergeant Shannon Kiewitt "The President's Own" United States Marine Band 
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SPECIAL GUEST Julieta Ugartemendia
Julieta Ugartemendia has enjoyed a prolific and varied career as a clarinetist, teacher and conductor that includes performances as soloist, chamber musician, conductor, and orchestra member at important venues in North America, South America and Europe; teaching assignments at schools and universities in a variety of musical subjects. She has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City, Carnegie Music Hall, Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh; Teatro Argentino, Teatro Colon, Centro Cultural Kirchner, Teatro Avenida in Argentina; and important theaters and venues in Europe and Latin America.
Julieta initiated her musical career in Argentina, where she studied conducting and piano at the School of Fine Arts in La Plata, and Clarinet Performance at Conservatorio Provincial Juan José Castro. After winning a national scholarship competition in Argentina and relocating to the United States, she completed the Performance Residency Program at Carnegie Mellon University and an Artist Diploma at Duquesne University. Her professors included Thomas Thomson, Michael Rusinek and Ron Samuels from the Pittsburgh Symphony.
After returning to her home country, Julieta performed regularly with the National Symphony of Argentina, Teatro Argentino and Teatro Colon, and since 2017 she has held the Eb clarinet position at the Symphonic Band of Buenos Aires.
Active also in musical education, she was the coordinator and conductor of Banda de Vientos Juvenil de Buenos Aires since 2015, created and conducted the Wind Ensemble Ayres del Plata, was a clarinet teacher at several youth orchestras from Argentinean’s Youth Orchestral projects, and lecturer through the country and Latin America as a wind specialist for youth orchestras.
She is the founder and director of the Clarinet Festival ``ECpBA” and “Festival de Clarinete del Buen Ayre” since 2014, and the creator and concertmaster of the “Camerata Argentina de Clarinetes”.
In May of 2023, Julieta graduated from a Master’s in Wind Ensemble Conducting at Carnegie Mellon University, and prior to returning to Argentina next spring, she is pursuing advanced studies in clarinet with Michael Rusinek at Carnegie Mellon University.
EVENT DIRECTOR
Julieta Ugartemendia has enjoyed a prolific and varied career as a clarinetist, teacher and conductor that includes performances as soloist, chamber musician, conductor, and orchestra member at important venues in North America, South America and Europe; teaching assignments at schools and universities in a variety of musical subjects. She has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City, Carnegie Music Hall, Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh; Teatro Argentino, Teatro Colon, Centro Cultural Kirchner, Teatro Avenida in Argentina; and important theaters and venues in Europe and Latin America.
Julieta initiated her musical career in Argentina, where she studied conducting and piano at the School of Fine Arts in La Plata, and Clarinet Performance at Conservatorio Provincial Juan José Castro. After winning a national scholarship competition in Argentina and relocating to the United States, she completed the Performance Residency Program at Carnegie Mellon University and an Artist Diploma at Duquesne University. Her professors included Thomas Thomson, Michael Rusinek and Ron Samuels from the Pittsburgh Symphony.
After returning to her home country, Julieta performed regularly with the National Symphony of Argentina, Teatro Argentino and Teatro Colon, and since 2017 she has held the Eb clarinet position at the Symphonic Band of Buenos Aires.
Active also in musical education, she was the coordinator and conductor of Banda de Vientos Juvenil de Buenos Aires since 2015, created and conducted the Wind Ensemble Ayres del Plata, was a clarinet teacher at several youth orchestras from Argentinean’s Youth Orchestral projects, and lecturer through the country and Latin America as a wind specialist for youth orchestras.
She is the founder and director of the Clarinet Festival ``ECpBA” and “Festival de Clarinete del Buen Ayre” since 2014, and the creator and concertmaster of the “Camerata Argentina de Clarinetes”.
In May of 2023, Julieta graduated from a Master’s in Wind Ensemble Conducting at Carnegie Mellon University, and prior to returning to Argentina next spring, she is pursuing advanced studies in clarinet with Michael Rusinek at Carnegie Mellon University.
EVENT DIRECTOR
Dr. Amanda Morrison
Amanda Morrison is on faculty at Slippery Rock University where she teaches Applied Clarinet and is the Director of Clarinet Choir. Morrison is a Vandoren Artist-Clinician and co-host of the podcast, Hidden Cues, that is a platform for the stories of musicians and pregnancy/post-pregnancy life. Morrison spends her summers performing and teaching at both the French Woods Performing Arts Festival in NY and Band Camp for Adult Musicians in PA. She is on faculty of ECpBA (Ensamble de clarinetes de la provincia de Buenos Aires) in Buenos Aires, Argentina and is also the Event Director of Steel City Clarinet Day (www.steelcityclarinetday.com), a community clarinet day created for western PA clarinetists.
As a performer, Dr. Morrison has given performances and lectures at national and international conferences such as the International Clarinet Association’s ClarinetFest, the NACWPI National Convention, the Music by Women Festival, and numerous others. She is a founding member of the Milano Duo clarinet ensemble, Grant Avenue Clarinet Duo, and the PM Woodwind Project flute and clarinet duo. As a fierce new music advocate, Dr. Morrison has commissioned and premiered clarinet works by composers such as Eric Mandat, Scott McAllister, Theresa Martin, Jenni Brandon, and James M. David. Morrison has also been a clarinetist with the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, Butler Symphony Orchestra, and the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival.
Dr. Morrison earned a BM degree from Duquesne University and MM and DM degrees from Florida State University with her principal teachers being Mark Nuccio, Dr. Deborah Bish, and Dr. Frank Kowalsky with additional studies with Eric Mandat, Michael Rusinek, and D Ray McClellan. www.amandarmorrison.com.
ASSISTANT DIRECTORS
Amanda Morrison is on faculty at Slippery Rock University where she teaches Applied Clarinet and is the Director of Clarinet Choir. Morrison is a Vandoren Artist-Clinician and co-host of the podcast, Hidden Cues, that is a platform for the stories of musicians and pregnancy/post-pregnancy life. Morrison spends her summers performing and teaching at both the French Woods Performing Arts Festival in NY and Band Camp for Adult Musicians in PA. She is on faculty of ECpBA (Ensamble de clarinetes de la provincia de Buenos Aires) in Buenos Aires, Argentina and is also the Event Director of Steel City Clarinet Day (www.steelcityclarinetday.com), a community clarinet day created for western PA clarinetists.
As a performer, Dr. Morrison has given performances and lectures at national and international conferences such as the International Clarinet Association’s ClarinetFest, the NACWPI National Convention, the Music by Women Festival, and numerous others. She is a founding member of the Milano Duo clarinet ensemble, Grant Avenue Clarinet Duo, and the PM Woodwind Project flute and clarinet duo. As a fierce new music advocate, Dr. Morrison has commissioned and premiered clarinet works by composers such as Eric Mandat, Scott McAllister, Theresa Martin, Jenni Brandon, and James M. David. Morrison has also been a clarinetist with the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, Butler Symphony Orchestra, and the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival.
Dr. Morrison earned a BM degree from Duquesne University and MM and DM degrees from Florida State University with her principal teachers being Mark Nuccio, Dr. Deborah Bish, and Dr. Frank Kowalsky with additional studies with Eric Mandat, Michael Rusinek, and D Ray McClellan. www.amandarmorrison.com.
ASSISTANT DIRECTORS
Dr. Lynda Dembowski
Lynda Dembowski is a member of the United States Naval Academy Band. She has served as Principal Clarinet, with the Concert Band, and Enlisted Conductor for the bulk of her twenty-year career. Currently, Dembowski performs with the USNA Wind Quintet, and serves as the Division Leading Chief for USNA Band Public Affairs.
Dembowski is Principal Clarinet of the Londontowne Symphony Orchestra, and Second Clarinet and charter member of the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival Orchestra. She has performed with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony, Baltimore Choral Arts Society, and Roanoke Symphony Orchestras. Her recent solo appearances include performances with Londontowne Symphony, Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) Concert Band and Orchestra, and Longwood University Wind Symphony. Dembowski and Dr. Amanda Morrison, as the Milano Duo, premiered new works by women composers at the 2019 Music by Women Festival. The Milano Duo are selected to perform at the International Clarinet Association 2019 ClarinetFest at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
A passionate music educator, Dembowski is Adjunct Professor of Clarinet at both Towson University and AACC. She directs the AACC Clarinet Choir, a multi-generational ensemble that actively performs on campus and in the local community. AACC Clarinet Choir recently performed the opening concert for the University of Maryland 2019 Clarinet Symposium, and received an invitation to perform at the United States Navy Band Clarinet Day. Dembowski is a dedicated clinician, providing workshops for Anne Arundel County Schools, Maryland Music Educators Association Conference, and various collegiate institutions.
Dembowski holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland. Her mentors include Loren Kitt, Mark Nuccio, Leslie Nicholas, Robert DiLutis, and Dr. S. James Kurtz.
Lynda Dembowski is a member of the United States Naval Academy Band. She has served as Principal Clarinet, with the Concert Band, and Enlisted Conductor for the bulk of her twenty-year career. Currently, Dembowski performs with the USNA Wind Quintet, and serves as the Division Leading Chief for USNA Band Public Affairs.
Dembowski is Principal Clarinet of the Londontowne Symphony Orchestra, and Second Clarinet and charter member of the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival Orchestra. She has performed with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony, Baltimore Choral Arts Society, and Roanoke Symphony Orchestras. Her recent solo appearances include performances with Londontowne Symphony, Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) Concert Band and Orchestra, and Longwood University Wind Symphony. Dembowski and Dr. Amanda Morrison, as the Milano Duo, premiered new works by women composers at the 2019 Music by Women Festival. The Milano Duo are selected to perform at the International Clarinet Association 2019 ClarinetFest at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
A passionate music educator, Dembowski is Adjunct Professor of Clarinet at both Towson University and AACC. She directs the AACC Clarinet Choir, a multi-generational ensemble that actively performs on campus and in the local community. AACC Clarinet Choir recently performed the opening concert for the University of Maryland 2019 Clarinet Symposium, and received an invitation to perform at the United States Navy Band Clarinet Day. Dembowski is a dedicated clinician, providing workshops for Anne Arundel County Schools, Maryland Music Educators Association Conference, and various collegiate institutions.
Dembowski holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland. Her mentors include Loren Kitt, Mark Nuccio, Leslie Nicholas, Robert DiLutis, and Dr. S. James Kurtz.
Dr. Rosemary Engelstad
Rosemary Engelstad is a mother, wife, mover, musician, and bodyworker based in Indiana, PA. She is currently associate professor of Music at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Engelstad holds degrees in Psychology and Music from the University of Maryland, Middle Tennessee State University, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She is dedicated to helping musicians stay pain and injury free. She is a Body Mapping Education trainee and a Certified Natural Movement Trainer (MovNat). She is also a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) with a special interest in Craniosacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release (Upledger International).
Rosemary Engelstad is a mother, wife, mover, musician, and bodyworker based in Indiana, PA. She is currently associate professor of Music at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Engelstad holds degrees in Psychology and Music from the University of Maryland, Middle Tennessee State University, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She is dedicated to helping musicians stay pain and injury free. She is a Body Mapping Education trainee and a Certified Natural Movement Trainer (MovNat). She is also a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) with a special interest in Craniosacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release (Upledger International).
CLARINETISTS OF STEEL CLINICIANS
Sara Snyder - Sara Snyder is an instrumental teacher in the Seneca Valley School District located in Harmony, Pa. Her teaching responsibilities include directing both 7th and 8th Grade Bands, Keyboard I and II, Music Theory and Clarinet Individual Musicianship. Prior to her current teaching position, she taught Elementary General Music at Rowan Elementary in the Seneca Valley School District. In addition, she is a member of the directing staff for the Seneca Valley Roarin’ Raider Marching Band.
Outside of her teaching duties, Mrs. Snyder is the concertmaster/principal clarinetist for the West Hills Symphonic Band, the clarinetist for the West Hills Woodwind Quintet and director of the Harmony-Zelienople Community Band. She also maintains a private clarinet studio in the Seneca Valley attendance area where members of her studio consistently place in PMEA Honors and All-State Bands. Several of her clarinet students have gone on to pursue majors and minors in music.
Mrs. Snyder is a graduate of West Virginia University (BM in Music Performance/Education) and a Masters Degree in Music Education from Duquesne University. Professional affiliations include membership in the Instrumental Band Masters Fraternity (Phi Beta Mu), Pennsylvania Music Educators Association and the National Association for Music Education.
Mrs. Snyder resides in Cranberry Township, PA with her husband Tom, a retired music teacher/arts coordinator from West Allegheny School District. She has two grown children, Krista ( resident of Lawrenceville, PA and employed at Peoples Natural Gas) and Brad (resident of Brookings, SD and employed as Instructor of Low Brass at South Dakota State University). Mrs. Snyder is committed to sharing her passion for music education with all students and is honored to have the opportunity to work with the clarinet students at Steel City Clarinet Day.
Outside of her teaching duties, Mrs. Snyder is the concertmaster/principal clarinetist for the West Hills Symphonic Band, the clarinetist for the West Hills Woodwind Quintet and director of the Harmony-Zelienople Community Band. She also maintains a private clarinet studio in the Seneca Valley attendance area where members of her studio consistently place in PMEA Honors and All-State Bands. Several of her clarinet students have gone on to pursue majors and minors in music.
Mrs. Snyder is a graduate of West Virginia University (BM in Music Performance/Education) and a Masters Degree in Music Education from Duquesne University. Professional affiliations include membership in the Instrumental Band Masters Fraternity (Phi Beta Mu), Pennsylvania Music Educators Association and the National Association for Music Education.
Mrs. Snyder resides in Cranberry Township, PA with her husband Tom, a retired music teacher/arts coordinator from West Allegheny School District. She has two grown children, Krista ( resident of Lawrenceville, PA and employed at Peoples Natural Gas) and Brad (resident of Brookings, SD and employed as Instructor of Low Brass at South Dakota State University). Mrs. Snyder is committed to sharing her passion for music education with all students and is honored to have the opportunity to work with the clarinet students at Steel City Clarinet Day.
Becky Yoho - Becky Yoho is a private clarinet instructor and music educator from New Castle, Pennsylvania. She earned a Bachelor of Music in Education from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University, where she studied with Robert Fitzer, Joseph Edwards, and Alice Wang. She performs regularly in the region, including with the W. D. Packard Concert Band, Legacy Scoring Orchestra, and many local musical productions. Becky has been teaching music in public schools for 14 years and currently teaches K-6 General Music and 5-6 Choirs at Shenango Area School District, which has been recognized as a “Best Community for Music Education.” She serves as the Lawrence County Representative for PMEA Elementary Music Educators. She is a music arranger for many local bands, choirs, and ensembles. Becky has taught private clarinet lessons for 19 years. Her clarinet students actively participate in community ensembles, PMEA festivals, Stambaugh Youth Concert Band, and the Youngstown State University Youth Orchestra; many of these students have won senior concerto competitions, served as principal clarinetists, qualified for PMEA All-State Bands, NAFME All-Eastern Honors Ensembles, and have gone on to study music in college. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, International Clarinet Association, and National Education Association. She resides in New Castle with her husband Nick and their two dogs, Cooper and Millie.
Malia Mueller - Malia Mueller is a band director and general music teacher at Steel Valley School
District. She teaches 5th and 6th grade general music, 7th and 8th grade keyboarding, 5th-8th grade band, high school music production, and 9th-12th grade band. In addition, she is the Marching Band Director at Steel Valley. Prior to her current teaching position, she taught 4th-12th grade band and directed the marching band at Palmerton Area School District. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Penn State University, where she was an active member in the concert bands, jazz bands, clarinet choir, and in the Penn State Blue Band. While student teaching at North Hills School District, she assisted in conducting the Renegade Reeds, the clarinet choir of North Hills.
District. She teaches 5th and 6th grade general music, 7th and 8th grade keyboarding, 5th-8th grade band, high school music production, and 9th-12th grade band. In addition, she is the Marching Band Director at Steel Valley. Prior to her current teaching position, she taught 4th-12th grade band and directed the marching band at Palmerton Area School District. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Penn State University, where she was an active member in the concert bands, jazz bands, clarinet choir, and in the Penn State Blue Band. While student teaching at North Hills School District, she assisted in conducting the Renegade Reeds, the clarinet choir of North Hills.
Rachael Cohen - Rachael Cohen currently holds the position of Second Clarinet with the West
Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Principal Clarinet with the Kassia Ensemble. Previously, she held the
position of Bass Clarinet with the Kansas City Symphony and has performed with Pittsburgh
Symphony, Pittsburgh Opera, Aspen Music Festival and Britt Festival Orchestra.
Rachael performs chamber music as a member and VP of Kassia Ensemble, an all-woman group
which performs a wide range of classical music, emphasizing gender equality in its programming. The
Ensemble has performed all over the Southwestern Pennsylvania region, toured in Florida and Oregon,
commissioned and premiered many works, and co-presented Missy Mazzoli’s opera Song From The
Uproar with an all-woman ensemble.
Rachael enjoys teaching all levels of music students, serving as Instructor of Clarinet at Fairmont State University, WV from 2019-2021. Additionally, she maintains a private studio at Johnstonbaugh’s Music Center. Her students have achieved many successes in the PMEA District and Region bands, accolades in their HS bands, and acceptances at WVU, Duquesne and Penn State. She received her BFA and MAM from Carnegie Mellon University, where she studied with Thomas Thompson of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Principal Clarinet with the Kassia Ensemble. Previously, she held the
position of Bass Clarinet with the Kansas City Symphony and has performed with Pittsburgh
Symphony, Pittsburgh Opera, Aspen Music Festival and Britt Festival Orchestra.
Rachael performs chamber music as a member and VP of Kassia Ensemble, an all-woman group
which performs a wide range of classical music, emphasizing gender equality in its programming. The
Ensemble has performed all over the Southwestern Pennsylvania region, toured in Florida and Oregon,
commissioned and premiered many works, and co-presented Missy Mazzoli’s opera Song From The
Uproar with an all-woman ensemble.
Rachael enjoys teaching all levels of music students, serving as Instructor of Clarinet at Fairmont State University, WV from 2019-2021. Additionally, she maintains a private studio at Johnstonbaugh’s Music Center. Her students have achieved many successes in the PMEA District and Region bands, accolades in their HS bands, and acceptances at WVU, Duquesne and Penn State. She received her BFA and MAM from Carnegie Mellon University, where she studied with Thomas Thompson of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Emily Onufrak - Emily Onufrak is a graduate of the Dana School of Music where she earned a
Bachelor of Music Education in 2007 and West Virginia University with a M.M. In Clarinet
Performance in 2010 where she served as a Graduate Assistant with the woodwind quintet, orchestra,
and music theory. Upon graduation, Emily taught band and choir in the Wellsville Local Schools for
four years before transitioning into the world of instrument repair, freelance performing, and
motherhood. She is a member of the clarinet section of the W. D. Packard Band in Warren, OH, the
bass clarinetist with the Canton Symphony Orchestra, and has performed with the Erie Ballet
Orchestra, Erie Philharmonic, Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, Legacy Scoring Orchestra, and the
Pittsburgh Opera. Emily resides in Beaver County, PA with her husband and three rambunctious little
boys.
Bachelor of Music Education in 2007 and West Virginia University with a M.M. In Clarinet
Performance in 2010 where she served as a Graduate Assistant with the woodwind quintet, orchestra,
and music theory. Upon graduation, Emily taught band and choir in the Wellsville Local Schools for
four years before transitioning into the world of instrument repair, freelance performing, and
motherhood. She is a member of the clarinet section of the W. D. Packard Band in Warren, OH, the
bass clarinetist with the Canton Symphony Orchestra, and has performed with the Erie Ballet
Orchestra, Erie Philharmonic, Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, Legacy Scoring Orchestra, and the
Pittsburgh Opera. Emily resides in Beaver County, PA with her husband and three rambunctious little
boys.
Katie Russell - Clarinetist, Katie Russell is excited to be attending her second Steel City Clarinet Day as one the Clarinetists of Steel! She is a member of the Pittsburgh Philharmonic and performs regularly with the Beaver Valley Choral Society Orchestra and the West Hills Symphonic Band. Katie’s performing career has also taken her to some unique venues, including performing as a guest clarinetist with Irish Rock band, The Town Pants at Fox Run Vineyards, and performing at Mr. Smalls’ Funhouse with ska band, Spiro and the Lack-Tones on alto saxophone at YinzFest. She can also be seen performing quite frequently in pit orchestras as a woodwind doubler.
While growing up in Syracuse, NY Katie was fortunate to attend a school district with an outstanding music program that allowed her to reach her goals as a young musician and afforded her many opportunities. She is eternally grateful for the experience she had, and is passionate about creating this same experience for her students. Katie is currently the music teacher at the ACLD Tillotson School, an approved private school for students with autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities. In addition, she is on the staff of the Baldwin High School Marching Band as the Woodwind Instructor, and a Teaching Artist for Lullaby Project Pittsburgh, an organization that strives to empower mothers and families experiencing birth trauma and loss in Pittsburgh through collaborative songwriting. She also maintains a private studio where she teaches clarinet, flute, and saxophone students of all ages and abilities.
Katie has an Advanced Music Studies Certificate, Master of Music, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Certificate in Music Education, all from Carnegie Mellon University. Her most notable teachers include Michael Rusinek, Thomas Thompson, Gerald Zampino.
While growing up in Syracuse, NY Katie was fortunate to attend a school district with an outstanding music program that allowed her to reach her goals as a young musician and afforded her many opportunities. She is eternally grateful for the experience she had, and is passionate about creating this same experience for her students. Katie is currently the music teacher at the ACLD Tillotson School, an approved private school for students with autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities. In addition, she is on the staff of the Baldwin High School Marching Band as the Woodwind Instructor, and a Teaching Artist for Lullaby Project Pittsburgh, an organization that strives to empower mothers and families experiencing birth trauma and loss in Pittsburgh through collaborative songwriting. She also maintains a private studio where she teaches clarinet, flute, and saxophone students of all ages and abilities.
Katie has an Advanced Music Studies Certificate, Master of Music, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Certificate in Music Education, all from Carnegie Mellon University. Her most notable teachers include Michael Rusinek, Thomas Thompson, Gerald Zampino.
CLARINETISTS OF STEEL
Kira Nolan Ryan Janice Sara
Bokalders Petote Leonard Vanderslice Coppola Snyder
Bokalders Petote Leonard Vanderslice Coppola Snyder
Becky Yoho Malia Mueller Rachael Cohen Emily Onufrak Katie Russell
Session Information
9:00-9:50AM Warm-Up and Clarinet Choir Rehearsal with Dr. Lynda Dembowski, Julieta Ugartemendia, Becky Yoho, Sara Snyder, and Malia Mueller - Join clarinet day participants in the event's community clarinet choirs. In this session, we will rehearse pieces to be performed on the day's final concert.
10:00-10:50AM Choice of Session: Injury Prevention with Dr. Rosemary Englestad, Fundamentals with Sara Snyder and Becky Yoho, Latin American Repertoire with Julieta Ugartemendia, or Vandoren Equipment Trials - You get to choose! In one session, you get to learn about the body as it relates to clarinet! We will explore common clarinet playing-related injuries and strategies of how to prevent them. Or choose the clarinet fundamentals session that will cover tips on tone, technique, and articulation for all clarinetists (all Intermediate Choir attendees will join this session). There is even more!!! Join Julieta Ugartemendia for a session on Pablo Thimental's book, "Fragments Instrumentales del Repertoire Orquestal Latinamericano" and demonstrations of the Latin American orchestral clarinet repertoire. Or you can try the newest reeds, ligatures, and mouthpieces from Vandoren!
11:00-12:00PM Clarinet Choir Rehearsal - In this session, we will rehearse more fun music for clarinet choir for our concert.
1:00-2:00PM Featured Artist Masterclass with Gunnery Sergeant Shannon Kiewitt - Weber's Concerto No. 2 and Cavallini's Adagio and Tarantella are the focus of this interactive class featuring student performers. Join "The President's Own" United States Marine Band low clarinetist extraordinaire, Gunnery Sergeant Shannon Kiewitt, for an inspiring session in preparation for the upcoming District 1 and District 5 PMEA Honors Band auditions.
2:00-2:45PM Choice of Session or Visit Exhibits - Gunnery Sergeant Shannon Kiewitt will give a presentation on health and wellness for clarinetists and musicians / Visit with participating businesses / Explore Vandoren reeds and equipment.
2:45-3:15PM Break and Visit Exhibits - Visit with participating businesses or explore Vandoren reeds and equipment. Grab a snack too!!!
3:15-4:30PM Clarinet Choir Final Rehearsal - This final session will be spent rehearsing as a combined choir (both Advanced and Intermediate) and refining our clarinet choir pieces for the finale concert.
5:00-6:00PM Finale Concert - The day will culminate in this celebration of the clarinet! The concert includes performances by our featured guest artist, directors, the clarinetists of steel, and the event's community clarinet choirs. We can't wait to share this amazing and diverse program of clarinet music with all of you!
Session Information
9:00-9:50AM Warm-Up and Clarinet Choir Rehearsal with Dr. Lynda Dembowski, Julieta Ugartemendia, Becky Yoho, Sara Snyder, and Malia Mueller - Join clarinet day participants in the event's community clarinet choirs. In this session, we will rehearse pieces to be performed on the day's final concert.
10:00-10:50AM Choice of Session: Injury Prevention with Dr. Rosemary Englestad, Fundamentals with Sara Snyder and Becky Yoho, Latin American Repertoire with Julieta Ugartemendia, or Vandoren Equipment Trials - You get to choose! In one session, you get to learn about the body as it relates to clarinet! We will explore common clarinet playing-related injuries and strategies of how to prevent them. Or choose the clarinet fundamentals session that will cover tips on tone, technique, and articulation for all clarinetists (all Intermediate Choir attendees will join this session). There is even more!!! Join Julieta Ugartemendia for a session on Pablo Thimental's book, "Fragments Instrumentales del Repertoire Orquestal Latinamericano" and demonstrations of the Latin American orchestral clarinet repertoire. Or you can try the newest reeds, ligatures, and mouthpieces from Vandoren!
11:00-12:00PM Clarinet Choir Rehearsal - In this session, we will rehearse more fun music for clarinet choir for our concert.
1:00-2:00PM Featured Artist Masterclass with Gunnery Sergeant Shannon Kiewitt - Weber's Concerto No. 2 and Cavallini's Adagio and Tarantella are the focus of this interactive class featuring student performers. Join "The President's Own" United States Marine Band low clarinetist extraordinaire, Gunnery Sergeant Shannon Kiewitt, for an inspiring session in preparation for the upcoming District 1 and District 5 PMEA Honors Band auditions.
2:00-2:45PM Choice of Session or Visit Exhibits - Gunnery Sergeant Shannon Kiewitt will give a presentation on health and wellness for clarinetists and musicians / Visit with participating businesses / Explore Vandoren reeds and equipment.
2:45-3:15PM Break and Visit Exhibits - Visit with participating businesses or explore Vandoren reeds and equipment. Grab a snack too!!!
3:15-4:30PM Clarinet Choir Final Rehearsal - This final session will be spent rehearsing as a combined choir (both Advanced and Intermediate) and refining our clarinet choir pieces for the finale concert.
5:00-6:00PM Finale Concert - The day will culminate in this celebration of the clarinet! The concert includes performances by our featured guest artist, directors, the clarinetists of steel, and the event's community clarinet choirs. We can't wait to share this amazing and diverse program of clarinet music with all of you!
SCCD 2025 Sponsors!
***The health and safety of participants at Steel City Clarinet Day is an individual, personal responsibility. By choosing to attend this event, you recognize and accept that the Shaler Area School District and its employees, Steel City Clarinet Day staff and organizers, and event participants and attendees are not responsible for the health and safety of event attendees.***