Clarinetfest 2025

 

Clarinetfest, Fort Worth, Texas

Let's review.

I write this post after discovering that my favorite clarinet reeds

are no longer available for distribution in the USA.

I'm kinda devastated.

Anyway.

I arrived in Fort Worth on Thursday, got checked into the conference, 

got my attendee badge, and took a look at the day's schedule, 

which this year was available in an app that I had to download, called Guidebook.

Not too thrilled about this, but there was no other choice.

I much prefer the paper book programs, but I can understand

that the printing costs for such things are probably expensive versus

a digital option. So, adapt and overcome, as they say.

I ended up making written lists each morning, noting which event or

lecture I wanted to attend, and where it was. It was a bit quicker for

me between events, to get myself to where I wanted to be.

One of the first things I went to was a lecture about new unaccompanied literature

for clarinet. The speaker was a composer herself, and she performed a

piece she had written for solo clarinet, inspired by a trail hike she took

in Alaska. A moose is involved. 

I had a few minutes before the next event, so I took a spin through the

vendor hall. Buffet Crampon, a major sponsor of ICA Clarinetfest, and 

celebrating 200 ans, had an impressive display of new models of all

tiers of clarinets.

Luyben Music had a booth, so I was excited to look through one of the

best and extensive collection of clarinet music available.

I found a book of etudes and a few duet books that looked interesting.

Another day, I found a duet book from a French-based booth, where I

discovered that purchasing through their digital setup meant that

I paid for the book in Euros and, after telling my bank that my card 

is in fact not in Europe, was also charged a foreign transaction fee.

It wasn't too much of a hassle, just a bit surprising.

Anyway. Where was I?

Oh yeah.

A lecture on practice and the brain.

Some interest information about how our brains process repetition

and integrating new information.

Then a lecture about staying fit and flexible for good musicianship.

I've said it to my students before, clarinet is an aerobic activity.

And our bodies can sometimes suffer for it, so the speaker gave us 

movements to do before, during, and after practice sessions or performances.

Shannon Kiewitt's brochure includes QR codes, which take you to demonstrations of

the specific movements for targeting different parts of the body.

The first evening concert was a full collection of soloists and ensembles accompanied by

an orchestra, the Dallas Asian Winds, conducted by Jung Moo Lee.

A fabulous concert that ended with a thrilling duet featuring Corrado Giuffredi and

bass clarinetist Michael Lowenstern, who I remember seeing for the first time

at a Clarinetfest years ago. A stellar performance.

After the concert, it was off to see John Wasson's Strata Big Band, 

featuring soloists Mike McGinnis and Matthew Banks, seen here on

a blinged out alto clarinet.

I've never heard an alto clarinet sound so dynamic.

The big band is great, really swinging.

Back in the day, participants were given reusable bags to carry all of our

programs and papers. I still have one from 2012 in Lincoln, and it was

super useful this year.

Half of Friday was taken up by my mini-outing to the Stockyards,

and when I returned to the conference I made some time to try out

some mouthpieces at the vendor hall.

And took in a few different recitals in the convention rooms.

I was interested in playtesting the Chedeville mouthpieces,

and as soon as I sat down and pulled out my clarinet, I was set up with

a few different mouthpieces to try out.

Jody Espina himself, from Jody Jazz, was there to answer questions

and talk mouthpieces. 

After trying the Cinema and Opera facings of the Chedevilles,

Jody gave me a few jazz pieces to try. I had only brought my Buffet,

so it was hard to imagine how they'd do on the Red Clarinet, and with the

different reeds I use on that instrument, but I was able to get a feel for them.

For my playing style and for the kind of music I play most often,

the Cinema facing felt the most comfortable and gave me the flexibility

and tone that I want to have. I play mostly theatre and ensemble on my Buffet,

so the more classical facing didn't really suit my style, though it is a nice playing piece.

Also, because I had all my gear with me, after playing the mouthpieces and

taking a few notes, I walked around and tried a few of the new models.

The Selmer Paris Recital is a beefy clarinet.

Everything is in proportion, but it feels larger, and it is, by two millimeters,

which you can't tell by sight, but your hands can feel right away.

I liked it though, out of most of the newer models I playtested that day.

Look at all the Buffets

Also took a play through the Backun clarinet forest.

They are nice clarinets. Solid feel, mostly good keywork (especially after

a custom adjustment), and smooth tones.

I'm not a Rovner player, but like to try the new models when I can.

I'm a Vandoren ligature gal, as evidenced by the Vandoren models on

nearly all my clarinets and saxes, but I am also open to trying

other brands, when available.

I'm still not sold on the fabric or leather Rovners, but they have produced some

metal and combination metal and fiber ligs that play very nicely.

The new gold plated ribbed model and the Versa and Versa X were my preferred choices.

Took in a few masterclasses.

Here is one with Julie DeRoche

A recital I decided to attend last minute.

Featuring the music of William O. "Bill" Smith, who

was known for his composition of experimental and avant garde music

for clainets.

Here are two demi-clarinets, in a duet.

So cool! And something any clarinetist can try.

Simply put a second mouthpiece on the lower joint of 

your clarinet, and play both pieces at once.

The range is limited, as you'd expect, but it's a fascinating concept.

Anthony McGill was scheduled to perform the final evening concert.

His plane was delayed and ultimately, he was unable to make it.

So, his teacher, and the make of my Hawkins mouthpice, Richard Hawkins,

stepped in and covered his masterclass, and the second half of the final concert.

All at the last minute.

And, apparently, while I was far away in Texas,  a tornado twisted through Davenport.

Screaming Pines was spared though, and after the house camera came back online,

I was able to relax a bit and enjoy the rest of my trip.

A different group than expected, featuring a rock bass clarinet.

The Big Fat Meanies are super fun!

The sound is a bit of a cross between Evanescence and a ska band.

They also succeeded in getting some folks out to dance during their set.

The bass clarinet player, Richard Ferrarelli, is a pleasant addition to the group,

and he performed a few solos, running his sound through a processor, to

give a boost to the bass tone.

The orchestra even concert was impressive, featuring duets, solos,

and a gagaku ensemble, which features ancient Japanese instruments.

I apparently took no photos of this event, but I think I took some video, so

watch for it in an upcoming vlog.

An early morning recital by the U.S. Army Field Band Clarinet Ensemble.

and Jeff Anderle.

An entertaining selection of pieces to start the day.

Mushroom tacos and a cowboy chop salad. Yum!

A soprano, pianist, and a clarinetist. What a wonderful piece.

I enjoyed this one.

De Otro Mundo (From Another World) (2022)

by Ivette Herryman Rodriguez

Ethereal, yet grounded.

Last minute performance from Richard Hawkins,

performing the Poulenc Sonata and a Brahms Sonata.

And that concluded my fourth Clarinetfest.

Kansas City, MO

Lincoln, NE

Baton Rouge, LA

Fort Worth, TX

Maybe one day I'll attend one overseas.

Heard some amazing performances and picked up some new ideas,

some of which I haven't really had time to process yet.

Overall, a successful long weekend away, with a good balance

between personal interest, touristy stuff, and professional development.

Now go practice your instrument!