STEEL CITY CLARINET DAY
Saturday August 29, 2020
9am-5pm
VIRTUAL ALL-DAY EVENT via Zoom
Saturday August 29, 2020
9am-5pm
VIRTUAL ALL-DAY EVENT via Zoom

EVENT SCHEDULE
(Scroll Down for More Information About Each Zoom Session)
9:00-9:50AM Warm-Up with Dr. Tiffany Valvo
10:00-10:50AM Body Mapping Session with Dr. Rosemary Engelstad
11:00-11:50AM BLAST - Bass Clarinet Session with Erik Franklin
12:00-1:00PM Lunch Break
1:00-1:50PM Featured Artist, Dr. Tony Costa, Masterclass on Weber's "Concertino" with Student Performers
2:00-2:50PM Tips to "Tame" the Beast - Eb Clarinet Session with Dr. Laura McLaughlin
3:00-4:00PM Clarinet Repair with Mike Hollis of Volkwein's Music
4:15-5:00PM Finale Concert
WHO WE ARE........

Dr. Amanda Morrison
Amanda Morrison is on faculty at Slippery Rock University and operates a private teaching studio in Pittsburgh, PA. She has served on the staff of Fairmont State University, West Liberty University, Florida State University, Gulf Coast Community College, and the Red River Chamber Music Festival. As a performer, Amanda has given performances and lectures at the International Clarinet Association’s ClarinetFest, the NACWPI National Convention, the Music by Women Festival, the West Virginia Music Educators Association Conference, the American Musicological Society’s National Conference, and numerous colleges and universities throughout the United States. She is a founding member of the Milano Duo clarinet ensemble and the PM Woodwind Project (a flute and clarinet duo committed to sharing education-based chamber and solo music performances). As a fierce new music advocate, Dr. Morrison has commissioned and premiered clarinet works by Scott McAllister, James David, Karen Amrhein, Tara Islas, Nicole Chamberlain, Matthew Harder, Gay Kahkonen, Kurt Knecht, David Martynuik, Elain Ross, and Alan Tormey. Having a strong interest in extended techniques for clarinet, Morrison’s research focuses on the music of clarinetist/composer Eric Mandat, publishing numerous articles on his life and works in the Clarinet Journal, NACWPI Journal, and Vandoren Newsletter. Ms. Morrison has been a clarinetist with the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, Butler Symphony Orchestra, and the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival. She is a Vandoren Artist-Clinician and a registered Music Together early childhood music teacher. 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, Dr. Frank Kowalsky, and Michael Rusinek. www.amandarmorrison.com.
ASSISTANT DIRECTORS
Amanda Morrison is on faculty at Slippery Rock University and operates a private teaching studio in Pittsburgh, PA. She has served on the staff of Fairmont State University, West Liberty University, Florida State University, Gulf Coast Community College, and the Red River Chamber Music Festival. As a performer, Amanda has given performances and lectures at the International Clarinet Association’s ClarinetFest, the NACWPI National Convention, the Music by Women Festival, the West Virginia Music Educators Association Conference, the American Musicological Society’s National Conference, and numerous colleges and universities throughout the United States. She is a founding member of the Milano Duo clarinet ensemble and the PM Woodwind Project (a flute and clarinet duo committed to sharing education-based chamber and solo music performances). As a fierce new music advocate, Dr. Morrison has commissioned and premiered clarinet works by Scott McAllister, James David, Karen Amrhein, Tara Islas, Nicole Chamberlain, Matthew Harder, Gay Kahkonen, Kurt Knecht, David Martynuik, Elain Ross, and Alan Tormey. Having a strong interest in extended techniques for clarinet, Morrison’s research focuses on the music of clarinetist/composer Eric Mandat, publishing numerous articles on his life and works in the Clarinet Journal, NACWPI Journal, and Vandoren Newsletter. Ms. Morrison has been a clarinetist with the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, Butler Symphony Orchestra, and the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival. She is a Vandoren Artist-Clinician and a registered Music Together early childhood music teacher. 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, Dr. Frank Kowalsky, and Michael Rusinek. 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, a native of East Tennessee, is Assistant Professor of Clarinet at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Engelstad holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland and degrees in clarinet performance from Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Engelstad has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in the United States, South Korea, China, Italy, Russia, and Belgium. She is a founding member of Duo LaRo with clarinerist Laura Mclaughlin. The duo is dedicated to new works for two clarinets, most recently premiering Chris Thomas's Farewell River Bend in Belgium in 2018. Having an interest in somatics and body awareness, her current research focuses on movement and the application of somatic methods to clarinet pedagogy. Engelstad is a MovNat Certified Trainer, Andover Educator (Body Mapping) Trainee, and student in massage therapy and Craniosacral Therapy.
Rosemary Engelstad, a native of East Tennessee, is Assistant Professor of Clarinet at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Engelstad holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland and degrees in clarinet performance from Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Engelstad has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in the United States, South Korea, China, Italy, Russia, and Belgium. She is a founding member of Duo LaRo with clarinerist Laura Mclaughlin. The duo is dedicated to new works for two clarinets, most recently premiering Chris Thomas's Farewell River Bend in Belgium in 2018. Having an interest in somatics and body awareness, her current research focuses on movement and the application of somatic methods to clarinet pedagogy. Engelstad is a MovNat Certified Trainer, Andover Educator (Body Mapping) Trainee, and student in massage therapy and Craniosacral Therapy.
Guest Artists........

Dr. Tiffany Valvo
A vibrant performer and teacher, Tiffany Valvo is currently the Assistant Professor of Clarinet at Virginia Commonwealth University. Tiffany has been a lecturer of music at both Nazareth College and Syracuse University, and has performed at the Sante Fe Chamber Music Festival, the Kennedy Center, with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, and as a soloist with the Richmond Symphony. Fueled by teaching and learning, Tiffany has presented on pedagogy at many international conferences with organizations including the International College Music Society, International Clarinet Association, and American Single Reed Summit. Tiffany holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree and Masters degree from the Eastman School of Music and a Bachelors Degree from Florida State University, with additional studies at the Trossingen Hochschule für Musik with Israeli clarinetist Chen Halevi.
A vibrant performer and teacher, Tiffany Valvo is currently the Assistant Professor of Clarinet at Virginia Commonwealth University. Tiffany has been a lecturer of music at both Nazareth College and Syracuse University, and has performed at the Sante Fe Chamber Music Festival, the Kennedy Center, with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, and as a soloist with the Richmond Symphony. Fueled by teaching and learning, Tiffany has presented on pedagogy at many international conferences with organizations including the International College Music Society, International Clarinet Association, and American Single Reed Summit. Tiffany holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree and Masters degree from the Eastman School of Music and a Bachelors Degree from Florida State University, with additional studies at the Trossingen Hochschule für Musik with Israeli clarinetist Chen Halevi.

Dr. Laura McLaughlin
Dr. McLaughlin is on faculty at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and Carroll University. She is a founding member of the dynamic female clarinet duo Duo LaRo with clarinetist Rosemary Engelstad, and Chicago-based new music ensemble Lakeshore Rush. McLaughlin has been a featured performer at the International Clarinet Association’s ClarinetFest, the American Single Reed Summit, the Society of Composers Region V Conference, New Music Chicago’s Impromptu Fest, and Access Contemporary Music’s Thirsty Ears Festival. She is a member of the Wisconsin Wind Orchestra, acting principal clarinet of the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra, and performs regularly with the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Dedicated to new music, McLaughlin has commissioned and premiered chamber works by Chris Thomas, Roger Zare, Dane Crozier, Laura Schwendinger, Joshua Hintze, Jonathan Hannau, Griffin Candey, Pierre Jalbert, and Beth Bradfish. McLaughlin’s research focuses on E-flat clarinet music, history, and pedagogy. Her article “Tips from the Pros” was published in the Clarinet Journal, and her 12 progressive etudes for E-flat clarinet designed to help clarinetists make an effective transition to the mastery of the E-flat clarinet will be available by August 2020. She is a D’Addario Supervisor Clinician and a registered yoga teacher (RYT 200). McLaughlin received a BM degree from Eastern Michigan University, a MM degree from Michigan State University, and a DMA degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her primary teachers include Dr. Linda Bartley, Dr. Elsa Ludewig-Verdehr, and Dr. Kimberly Cole-Luevano. laurakmclaughlin.com.
Dr. McLaughlin is on faculty at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and Carroll University. She is a founding member of the dynamic female clarinet duo Duo LaRo with clarinetist Rosemary Engelstad, and Chicago-based new music ensemble Lakeshore Rush. McLaughlin has been a featured performer at the International Clarinet Association’s ClarinetFest, the American Single Reed Summit, the Society of Composers Region V Conference, New Music Chicago’s Impromptu Fest, and Access Contemporary Music’s Thirsty Ears Festival. She is a member of the Wisconsin Wind Orchestra, acting principal clarinet of the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra, and performs regularly with the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Dedicated to new music, McLaughlin has commissioned and premiered chamber works by Chris Thomas, Roger Zare, Dane Crozier, Laura Schwendinger, Joshua Hintze, Jonathan Hannau, Griffin Candey, Pierre Jalbert, and Beth Bradfish. McLaughlin’s research focuses on E-flat clarinet music, history, and pedagogy. Her article “Tips from the Pros” was published in the Clarinet Journal, and her 12 progressive etudes for E-flat clarinet designed to help clarinetists make an effective transition to the mastery of the E-flat clarinet will be available by August 2020. She is a D’Addario Supervisor Clinician and a registered yoga teacher (RYT 200). McLaughlin received a BM degree from Eastern Michigan University, a MM degree from Michigan State University, and a DMA degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her primary teachers include Dr. Linda Bartley, Dr. Elsa Ludewig-Verdehr, and Dr. Kimberly Cole-Luevano. laurakmclaughlin.com.

Erik Franklin
Equal parts performer and teacher, clarinetist Erik Franklin balances his time sharing music on the stage and off. A former member of the U.S. Army Field Band, Erik has given hundreds of concerts in nearly all fifty states, performing concerts in venues from veterans’ homes to Carnegie Hall. Erik enjoys performing chamber music with Baltimore's Ann Street Trio and his award-winning ensemble, the Novacane Quartet. Erik believes wholeheartedly in the vitality of music education. He is Adjunct Professor of Clarinet at Towson University in Baltimore, previously serving as Interim Instructor of Woodwinds and Music History at the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. Every summer, Erik directs the Indiana Clarinet Experience, a week-long arts camp for young clarinetists in Indiana focused on musicianship, chamber music, and music appreciation. Erik holds a B.M. in Clarinet from Furman University. He is continuing to pursue a Doctorate from the world-renowned Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, studying with Professor Howard Klug. A South Carolina native, Erik lives in Baltimore, MD with his husband. They are happily involved in the vibrant Upper Fell’s Point community, where they enjoy hosting concerts in their home, drinking coffee, reading books, and nursing their ice cream addiction. www.erikfranklin.net
Equal parts performer and teacher, clarinetist Erik Franklin balances his time sharing music on the stage and off. A former member of the U.S. Army Field Band, Erik has given hundreds of concerts in nearly all fifty states, performing concerts in venues from veterans’ homes to Carnegie Hall. Erik enjoys performing chamber music with Baltimore's Ann Street Trio and his award-winning ensemble, the Novacane Quartet. Erik believes wholeheartedly in the vitality of music education. He is Adjunct Professor of Clarinet at Towson University in Baltimore, previously serving as Interim Instructor of Woodwinds and Music History at the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. Every summer, Erik directs the Indiana Clarinet Experience, a week-long arts camp for young clarinetists in Indiana focused on musicianship, chamber music, and music appreciation. Erik holds a B.M. in Clarinet from Furman University. He is continuing to pursue a Doctorate from the world-renowned Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, studying with Professor Howard Klug. A South Carolina native, Erik lives in Baltimore, MD with his husband. They are happily involved in the vibrant Upper Fell’s Point community, where they enjoy hosting concerts in their home, drinking coffee, reading books, and nursing their ice cream addiction. www.erikfranklin.net
CLARINETISTS OF STEEL
Rachael Kira Nolan Janice Malia
Stutzman Cohen Bokalders Petote Vanderslice Coppola Mueller
Stutzman Cohen Bokalders Petote Vanderslice Coppola Mueller
Session Information
(All Sessions Hosted via Zoom)
9:00-9:50AM Warm-Up Session with Dr. Tiffany Valvo - Join Dr. Valvo for an exciting and interactive warm-up to get your fundamentals in order for a wonderful day of clarinet playing!
10:00-10:50AM Body Mapping Session with Dr. Rosemary Engelstad - Dr. Engelstad will work with performers to enhance their musical performance by facilitating ease of movement.
11:00-11:50AM BLAST for bass clarinet with Erik Franklin - This session will cover tips to get a solid, fat sound on the bass clarinet (and all low clarinets) and help players improve tone, low register articulation, and confidence in the upper register. Preparation advice for the PMEA District I Honors Band 2020 solo will be given in addition to general techniques and exercises for all players.
1:00-1:50PM Featured Artist Masterclass with Dr. Anthony Costa - Carl Maria von Weber's "Concertino" is the focus of this interactive class featuring student performers. Join Penn State University's Dr. Costa for an informative session in preparation for the upcoming PMEA audition.
2:00-2:50PM Tips to "Tame" the Beast with Dr. Laura McLaughlin - The PMEA District I Honors Band Eb audition piece (Weber's "Concertino" beginning to Variation II, Fischer edition) will be the primary source material for this session. Whether you just picked up the Eb or you've played Eb for years, join Dr. McLaughlin to gain tons of ideas on how to elevate your playing!
3:00-4:00PM Clarinet Repair with Mike Hollis of Volkwein's Music - Join Mike Hollis of Volkwein's Music for this session on
clarinet repairs YOU can do and whole lot more about the construction and function of the instrument.
4:15-5:00PM Finale Concert - The day will culminate in this celebration of the clarinet! This virtual musical gathering of performances including faculty, guest artists, and our high school solo competition winner will feature everything from Weber to Lady Gaga and a new hip-hop clarinet collaboration. We can't wait to share this amazing clarinet music with all of you!

NEW THIS YEAR
HIGH SCHOOL SOLO COMPETITION
Sponsored by Volkwein's Music
What can I win? The winner receives a $100 store credit to Volkwein's music and has their video included on the Finale Concert
Who can apply? Rising 9-12th grade Bb soprano clarinet players
What is the competition? High school students prepare and submit a video recording (labeled with your name as the video title)
of their performance (with provided piano accompaniment link below) of the PMEA District I Honors
Band Bb Clarinet audition piece: Weber's "Concertino", Beginning through Variation I (Fischer edition)
How do I apply? Complete and submit the Google Form below and submit an unedited video recording to steelcityclarinetday@gmail.com via Google Drive
When is the deadline? August 21, 2020, 11:59PM
* Judges will have no prior knowledge of the applicants. In the unedited video recording, applicants must perform from the PMEA required edition of the solo piece and use the provided piano accompaniment recording for their submission. Applicants must be registered for Steel City Clarinet Day 2020. The competition winner will be notified by August 28, 2020.*
Questions - Contact amandamorrison.clarinet@gmail.com
Competition Resources
Competition Application Form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/17HAL-HtaeUIAKhcDPZjN9djQmV1mZW5NjZFcECEHucs/edit
Video Recording Submission - steelcityclarinetday@gmail.com
Piano Accompaniment Recording -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYRk0NscoEk
Competition Information - See Information File Below

sccd_high_school_solo_competition.pdf | |
File Size: | 481 kb |
File Type: |
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