On Friday, July 28, 2017 the Ohio State Clarinet Ensemble performed for a full, enthusiastic crowd at the 2017 International Clarinet Association ClarinetFest™ Convention in Orlando, Florida. The ensemble was invited to perform after submitting a proposal and recordings last fall. The ensemble was led by Professor Caroline Hartig, who currently serves as president of the International Clarinet Association. The performance included Jean Sibelius’ symphonic tone poem Finlandia, arranged by recent Ohio State graduate Evan Lynch (DMA 2017); Úlet, a medley of famous tunes from the clarinet repertoire, arranged by Aleš Pavlorek; and Shirim, a Klezmer rhapsody by Piet Swerts. Taking advantage of a great career-building opportunity, the students also immersed themselves in the annual convention by attending master classes, research lectures and concerts by internationally-acclaimed artists. Over 1,600 clarinetists were in attendance. Vanessa Klassen (MM, clarinet performance) performed in a master class for Jonathan Cohler.

The clarinet studio received funding from many sources and launched a Buckeye Funder Campaign in May. They extend their gratitude to all those who generously offered support as it afforded students an outstanding experience to participate in the world-wide clarinet community.