hidden cues

This week on hidden cues, we're thrilled to be sharing the first part of our interview with Korinne Smith. Korinne is an accomplished classical musician who has combined her lifelong passion for music with a deep desire to educate and inspire others to reach their musical goals. Her journey began in childhood, singing in church before discovering the flute in elementary school—an instrument that became her lifelong companion. Inspired by an influential music teacher, Korinne pursued degrees in music education and flute performance, earning both her master’s and doctorate while serving as a band director in Rochester, New York. We hope you enjoy this episode - available now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify (linked in bio!).

Today's episode is the second half of our interview with Dr. Megan Arns, Director of Percussion Studies and Co-Interim Associate Director of the School of Music at the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. This episode is a great continuation of our conversation with Megan about her career, and her experience of motherhood as a professional musician. If you liked Part 1, definitely make sure to listen to Part 2. (And if you haven't heard Part 1 yet, go check it out!)

This week we're talking with percussionist Dr. Megan Arns. Dr. Arns is a percussionist, ethnomusicologist, and educator with a diverse set of skills and a driven passion for her craft. She is a member of the music faculty at the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO where she is currently serving as the Director of Percussion Studies and Co-Interim Associate Director of the School of Music. Megan received her D.M.A. in Percussion Performance & Literature and M.A. in Ethnomusicology at the Eastman School of Music. She was also awarded performance degrees from Florida State University (M.M.) and Truman State University (B.M.), where she was recognized as a Presser Scholar. Her primary teachers include Michael Burritt, John W. Parks IV, Michael Bump, Bill Cahn, and Nyoman Suadin. Megan is also a fellow podcaster, and co-hosts the @Percussion Podcast. We had a great conversation with Megan, and we hope you enjoy listening. Link in bio to stream.

Today on hidden cues, we're sharing the second part of our conversation with violinist and teacher Dr. Lauretta Werner Merriman. As a dedicated performer, Werner performs solos in regional concert series and at international conferences. As an educator and conductor, Werner frequently judges and adjudicates music competitions and orchestra assessments. As a researcher, Werner researches and explores the topic of mindfulness for musicians by reinterpreting mindfulness-based therapies and sport psychology models for musicians. We love speaking with musicians who have multifacted careers like Lauretta's, and we hope you enjoy listening! hidden cues is available for streaming on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of hidden cues, we're sharing the first part of our conversation with violinist and teacher Dr. Lauretta Werner Merriman. Dr. Merriman currently teaches violin in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Werner taught as Assistant Professor of Violin/Viola at Longwood University, Lecturer of Violin at West Virginia University, as a Suzuki violin instructor at both the Pittsburgh Music Academy and the Hope Academy of Music and the Arts in Pittsburgh, as a violin faculty member at Camp Encore/Coda, and as a quartet teaching fellow at Interlochen Summer Arts Camp. Lauretta shared many wonderful insights into her life and career in this episode, available now.

Today we're sharing part 2 of our interview with Shannon Kiewitt, and continuing to dig into how she balances her fanily life and performance career. Shannon's impressive career has included the United States Army Field Band in Fort Meade, Md., and the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band in Fort Monroe, Va. She also performed at the 1999 Belgian Clarinet Academy in Ostend, Belgium, attended the International Orchestra Institute Attergau in Upper Austria in 2000 and was a semi-finalist in the International Clarinet Association Young Artist Competition in 2003 - and these are only some of the highlights. We hope you enjoy the rest of this interview!

We're interviewing fellow clarinetist Shannon Kiewitt in our most recent episode of hidden cues! Gunnery Sergeant Shannon Kiewitt of Sevierville, Tenn., joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in January 2011. She was appointed to the bass clarinet section in March 2017. Gunnery Sgt. 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. We loved speaking with Shannon about managing her career alongside being a mom, and we hope you'll take the time to listen to this episode! Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Happy New Year! It's already that time of year again...in this episode, Amanda and Amy chat about their 2025 yearly recap. We'd love to hear from you in the comments: what was your favorite part of 2025, and what are you most excited for in 2026?

Today we're sharing Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Michele Fiala! Michele Fiala is the Professor of Oboe at Ohio University, where she received the 2016 Presidential Research Scholar Award. Fiala performs and records with the Athenia Chamber Ensemble, a faculty ensemble at Ohio University that seeks to develop new and interactive ways of connecting audiences to classical chamber music. Dr. Fiala’s first book, A Performer’s Guide to Nineteenth-Century Italian Oboe Music, is published by Trevco Music Publishing (FL). Her second book, Great Oboists on Music and Musicianship, is coauthored with Martin Schuring and will be released by Oxford University Press in November of 2020. Dr. Fiala has written articles for The Double Reed and I Fiati (Italy) and has edited music for Spartan Press (UK). She was a member of the Executive Committee of the International Double Reed Society, serving four years as Secretary and four years prior to that as the Chair of the Young Artist Oboe Competition. Dr. Fiala received her master’s and doctorate from Arizona State University where she studied with Martin Schuring. Hope you enjoy!

We've really been enjoying all of our conversations so far on Season 3. As we continue to branch out and interview guests who don't play clarinet, this week we're sharing the first part of our conversation with obosit Michele Fiala. Dr. Fiala is the Professor of Oboe at Ohio University. She has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in the United States, Italy, England, Germany, France, Spain, Canada, and Japan. Her orchestral work has included performances with the Cincinnati Symphony, Columbus Symphony, Memphis Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Tucson Symphony, Knoxville Symphony, West Virginia Symphony and ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. We hope you'll enjoy listening to this conversation with Michele as much as we enjoyed recording it!

In this episode, Betsy Bright shares her experiences and insight as a woman navigating the landscape of the brass world.

Betsy Bright is 2nd Trumpet with the Tucson Symphony, mom of two, and one of the most positive people you'll ever meet!

Erin gives us a power reminder that you never know who's watching, who you're inspiring, or how your actions might uplift someone else! Erin is the Principal Clarinet player for the Ballet West Orchestra. She began her tenure with the orchestra in 2014 and continues to be thrilled at every opportunity to play with the group. Before joining the Ballet West Orchestra, she played a season with the Utah Symphony and was the principal clarinetist with the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra from 2007-2014. 

In this episode, Erin reminds us all to keep our inner child close to the surface. She currently resides in Utah with her husband and son! She is the Principal Clarinet player for the Ballet West Orchestra. She began her tenure with the orchestra in 2014 and continues to be thrilled at every opportunity to play with the group. Before joining the Ballet West Orchestra, she played a season with the Utah Symphony and was the principal clarinetist with the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra from 2007-2014. 

In this episode, conductor Tamara Dworetz shares the wisdom she’s gathered from mentors, colleagues, and life experiences that have shaped her journey on and off the podium. She offers an honest and inspiring look at what it means to grow as both a musician and a person.

Season 3 is here! And for the first time, we’re branching out beyond clarinetists. Our first guest is conductor Tamara Dworetz, who shares her experiences and the power of musical connection, on and off the podium. American conductor Tamara Dworetz is driven by her belief in the power of classical music to inspire, spread joy and enrich the human experience. Dworetz's 2025-26 season includes debuts with the Las Vegas Philharmonic and Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SONA). Tamara is in her 3rd season as Artistic Director & Conductor of the Georgia Philharmonic, which performs five subscription concerts a year, in addition to special events like World Wrestling Entertainment & DragonCon.

During the second half of her interview, Amanda and Amy appreciated Adria's positive mindset and adaptability! Adria Sutherland joined the faculty at Eastern Kentucky University in 2018 as the Beeler Professor of Clarinet, and she is the Kentucky state chair of the International Clarinet Association. Dr. Sutherland received her Doctorate of Musical Arts degree at the University of Kentucky, her Master of Music degree at East Carolina University, and her Bachelor of Music degree at Morehead State University. She additionally holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Previous collegiate teaching positions include Berea College, Morehead State University, Transylvania University, Georgetown College, and Asbury College.

Adria Sutherland shares her insights on adapting and being flexible, and its positive impact on her parenting and teaching. Adria Sutherland joined the faculty at Eastern Kentucky University in 2018 as the Beeler Professor of Clarinet, and she is the Kentucky state chair of the International Clarinet Association. Dr. Sutherland received her Doctorate of Musical Arts degree at the University of Kentucky, her Master of Music degree at East Carolina University, and her Bachelor of Music degree at Morehead State University. She additionally holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Previous collegiate teaching positions include Berea College, Morehead State University, Transylvania University, Georgetown College, and Asbury College.

This week, Carrie offers her insights on the postpartum healing process and suggests ways it can be enhanced for better recovery.Carrie RavenStem is a distinguished clarinetist and educator based in the Louisville/Southern Indiana area. As both a freelance musician and teacher, she has performed with renowned orchestras and ensembles, including the Kentucky Opera, Louisville Ballet, NouLou Chamber Players, Sacred Winds, Louisville Chamber Winds, Louisville Orchestra, Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, Classical Symphony Orchestra, and Keep Louisville Symphonic. Her passion lies in championing living composers and fostering the appreciation of contemporary music

Carrie RavenStem shares how she carefully juggles her busy life as a musician, educator, and mom! She is a distinguished clarinetist and educator based in the Louisville/Southern Indiana area. As both a freelance musician and teacher, she has performed with renowned orchestras and ensembles, including the Kentucky Opera, Louisville Ballet, NouLou Chamber Players, Sacred Winds, Louisville Chamber Winds, Louisville Orchestra, Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, Classical Symphony Orchestra, and Keep Louisville Symphonic. Her passion lies in championing living composers and fostering the appreciation of contemporary music

Rachael Stutzman Cohen is an active performer and highly sought after clarinet instructor. She currently holds the position of Second Clarinet with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and has regularly performed with the Richmond and the Sarasota Orchestras. Mrs. Cohen has also performed with orchestras across the Southwestern PA region including Pittsburgh Opera, Harrisburg, Wheeling, Canton and Erie Philharmonic. Previously, Mrs. Cohen held the position of Bass Clarinet with the Kansas City Symphony. She has also performed with such prestigious orchestras as the Pittsburgh Symphony, Aspen Music Festival, and Britt Festival Orchestra and been led under the batons of Christoph von Dohnányi, Gerard Schwarz, Tito Muños, James Gaffigan and Grammy winner Teddy Abrams.Mrs. Cohen enjoys performing chamber music as a member of Kassia Ensemble, an all woman group comprised of 2 violins, viola, cello, double bass, harp and clarinet. Kassia performs a wide range of classical music, emphasizing gender equality in its programming. The Ensemble has performed all over the Southwestern PA region and toured in Florida and Oregon. They have commissioned and premiered many works including those by Judith Shatin, Osnat Netzer and Nancy Galbraith. Kassia Ensemble co-presented the Pittsburgh premiere of Missy Mazzoli’s opera Song From The Uproar with an all-woman ensemble. Mrs. Cohen can be heard on the album Silent Spring, featuring the music of Dr. Mark Fromm, performed and produced by Trillium Ensemble.Mrs. Cohen enjoys teaching all levels of music students. In addition to her appointment at the University of Pittsburgh, she has taught at Slippery Rock University and Fairmont State University (WV). She has given master classes at Truman State University (MO) and the University of South Florida and is a regular educational contributor to Pittsburgh’s, Steel City Clarinet Day. Mrs. Cohen maintains a private studio at Johnstonbaugh’s Music Center. She received her BFA and MAM from Carnegie Mellon University, where she studied with Thomas Thompson of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Mrs. Cohen has also studied with Victoria Luperi, Ron Samuels, Dick Page, Dennis Smylie, and Paul Demers.

Rachael Stutzman Cohen is an active performer and highly sought after clarinet instructor. She currently holds the position of Second Clarinet with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and has regularly performed with the Richmond and the Sarasota Orchestras. Mrs. Cohen has also performed with orchestras across the Southwestern PA region including Pittsburgh Opera, Harrisburg, Wheeling, Canton and Erie Philharmonic. Previously, Mrs. Cohen held the position of Bass Clarinet with the Kansas City Symphony. She has also performed with such prestigious orchestras as the Pittsburgh Symphony, Aspen Music Festival, and Britt Festival Orchestra and been led under the batons of Christoph von Dohnányi, Gerard Schwarz, Tito Muños, James Gaffigan and Grammy winner Teddy Abrams.Mrs. Cohen enjoys performing chamber music as a member of Kassia Ensemble, an all woman group comprised of 2 violins, viola, cello, double bass, harp and clarinet. Kassia performs a wide range of classical music, emphasizing gender equality in its programming. The Ensemble has performed all over the Southwestern PA region and toured in Florida and Oregon. They have commissioned and premiered many works including those by Judith Shatin, Osnat Netzer and Nancy Galbraith. Kassia Ensemble co-presented the Pittsburgh premiere of Missy Mazzoli’s opera Song From The Uproar with an all-woman ensemble. Mrs. Cohen can be heard on the album Silent Spring, featuring the music of Dr. Mark Fromm, performed and produced by Trillium Ensemble.Mrs. Cohen enjoys teaching all levels of music students. In addition to her appointment at the University of Pittsburgh, she has taught at Slippery Rock University and Fairmont State University (WV). She has given master classes at Truman State University (MO) and the University of South Florida and is a regular educational contributor to Pittsburgh’s, Steel City Clarinet Day. Mrs. Cohen maintains a private studio at Johnstonbaugh’s Music Center. She received her BFA and MAM from Carnegie Mellon University, where she studied with Thomas Thompson of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Mrs. Cohen has also studied with Victoria Luperi, Ron Samuels, Dick Page, Dennis Smylie, and Paul Demers.

This week, Theresa Martin shares the story of her journey to becoming ABD, offering insight into the challenges and triumphs along the way. She is an internationally recognized composer of energetic, melodious, and rhythmically driven music who often draws her inspiration from literature, images, nature, and personal experiences.  She enjoys writing music for chamber groups and large ensembles, and given her expertise in clarinet performance, is frequently commissioned to write for the instrument.  She has been commissioned by internationally prominent soloists including clarinetists Robert Spring, Joshua Gardner, Jana Starling, and Wesley Ferreira, tubaist Sam Pilafian, oboist Michele Fiala, bassoonist Albie Micklich, as well as organizations such as the Barnett Foundation of Chicago, the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, the Arizona Wind Symphony, the Kairos Trio, Eufonix Tuba-Euphonium Quartet, the 10th and Broadway Clarinet Quartet, the University of Wisconsin Fox Valley Concert Band, and the Arizona State University Wind Ensemble.  She has been awarded recognition by the American Composer’s Forum, ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer's Competition, and NACUSA Young Composer’s Competition, and she has received several ASCAPlus awards.  Her music has been performed in Canada, Great Britain, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Sweden, Spain, China, Taiwan, and Tanzania.  Her pieces are performed at international and national conferences such as the International Double Reed Society Conference, International Alliance for Women Congress, European Clarinet Association Festival, Xi’an International Clarinet Festival, multiple International Clarinet Association Clarinetfests, the Society of Composers, Inc. National Conferences, College Music Society Regional Conferences, Aspen Summer Music Festival, Sewanee Summer Music Festival, Georgia Music Educators Association Conference, American Composer’s Alliance Summer Music Festival, the TMEA Convention, and the CBDNA National Conference.  Studying both composition and clarinet performance, she received her DMA in composition at the University of Michigan and Masters’ degrees in composition and clarinet performance at Arizona State University.  Dr. Martin currently has a studio in Wisconsin, where she teaches private lessons in composition, clarinet, and piano. She also appears as guest lecturer at universities around the country and locally. Her music is self-publishied via Verdant Publishing. As a clarinetist and pianist, she performs regularly in local ensembles. In addition to her musical activities, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son and daughter.

Amanda and Amy got to chat with composer, clarinetist, and mom of 2, Theresa Martin! She is an internationally recognized composer of energetic, melodious, and rhythmically driven music who often draws her inspiration from literature, images, nature, and personal experiences.  She enjoys writing music for chamber groups and large ensembles, and given her expertise in clarinet performance, is frequently commissioned to write for the instrument.  She has been commissioned by internationally prominent soloists including clarinetists Robert Spring, Joshua Gardner, Jana Starling, and Wesley Ferreira, tubaist Sam Pilafian, oboist Michele Fiala, bassoonist Albie Micklich, as well as organizations such as the Barnett Foundation of Chicago, the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, the Arizona Wind Symphony, the Kairos Trio, Eufonix Tuba-Euphonium Quartet, the 10th and Broadway Clarinet Quartet, the University of Wisconsin Fox Valley Concert Band, and the Arizona State University Wind Ensemble.  She has been awarded recognition by the American Composer’s Forum, ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer's Competition, and NACUSA Young Composer’s Competition, and she has received several ASCAPlus awards.  Her music has been performed in Canada, Great Britain, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Sweden, Spain, China, Taiwan, and Tanzania.  Her pieces are performed at international and national conferences such as the International Double Reed Society Conference, International Alliance for Women Congress, European Clarinet Association Festival, Xi’an International Clarinet Festival, multiple International Clarinet Association Clarinetfests, the Society of Composers, Inc. National Conferences, College Music Society Regional Conferences, Aspen Summer Music Festival, Sewanee Summer Music Festival, Georgia Music Educators Association Conference, American Composer’s Alliance Summer Music Festival, the TMEA Convention, and the CBDNA National Conference.  Studying both composition and clarinet performance, she received her DMA in composition at the University of Michigan and Masters’ degrees in composition and clarinet performance at Arizona State University.  Dr. Martin currently has a studio in Wisconsin, where she teaches private lessons in composition, clarinet, and piano. She also appears as guest lecturer at universities around the country and locally. Her music is self-publishied via Verdant Publishing. As a clarinetist and pianist, she performs regularly in local ensembles. In addition to her musical activities, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son and daughter.

In the second half of their interview, Melissa and Donna reveal how the four of them cultivate a supportive, empowering environment that allows each member to thrive as musicians, creating a safe space where they can truly flourish together.

This week, Amanda and Amy sat down with Melissa Lander and Donna Noyes, the other dynamic half of Voix Des Femmes. Be sure to tune in to the full episode to discover who was the first person Melissa played for after her extended break from performing—trust us, you won't want to miss it!

In this episode, Jenn & Laura continue to discuss their experiences in the military. Laura also shares the stressful events that took place on her daughter's first day in childcare.

Jennifer Everhart and Laura Grantier offer their ingisht on life in the military as a musician-mom.

Erin Svoboda-Scott has held the position of Associate Principal and E-flat Clarinet since 2013. Originally from the East Coast, Erin began her musical studies with the piano at the age of five and clarinet at nine. She earned degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music, Temple University, and Manhattan School of Music where she studied with Thomas Martin of the Boston Symphony, Ricardo Morales of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Mark Nuccio of the New York Philharmonic and Houston Symphony respectively. She spent her summers at the Tanglewood Music Center, Marlboro Music Festival, Pacific Music Festival, and Aspen Music Festival. Erin freelanced in New York City after she graduated, playing with such ensembles as the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, and American Symphony Orchestra. She spent a year as the Assistant/2nd/E-flat clarinetist in the Colorado Symphony before moving to Utah. Also an active chamber musician and soloist, she recorded the trio Tibetan Dances on Spring Dreams with Cho-Liang Lin on violin and the composer, Bright Sheng, on piano. Erin also premiered Michael Gandolfi’s Concerto for Clarinet and Bassoon with her father, Richard Svoboda, on the bassoon. When not performing, Erin enjoys cooking, reading, hiking, biking, and skiing the greens. She and her husband have two corgis and a dachshund.

Erin Svoboda-Scott has held the position of Associate Principal and E-flat Clarinet since 2013. Originally from the East Coast, Erin began her musical studies with the piano at the age of five and clarinet at nine. She earned degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music, Temple University, and Manhattan School of Music where she studied with Thomas Martin of the Boston Symphony, Ricardo Morales of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Mark Nuccio of the New York Philharmonic and Houston Symphony respectively. She spent her summers at the Tanglewood Music Center, Marlboro Music Festival, Pacific Music Festival, and Aspen Music Festival. Erin freelanced in New York City after she graduated, playing with such ensembles as the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, and American Symphony Orchestra. She spent a year as the Assistant/2nd/E-flat clarinetist in the Colorado Symphony before moving to Utah. Also an active chamber musician and soloist, she recorded the trio Tibetan Dances on Spring Dreams with Cho-Liang Lin on violin and the composer, Bright Sheng, on piano. Erin also premiered Michael Gandolfi’s Concerto for Clarinet and Bassoon with her father, Richard Svoboda, on the bassoon. When not performing, Erin enjoys cooking, reading, hiking, biking, and skiing the greens. She and her husband have two corgis and a dachshund.

Julianne Kirk Doyle joined the faculty of the Crane School of Music in 2006 and serves as Professor of Clarinet and Admissions/Auditions Coordinator. Dr. Doyle co-coordinates the acclaimed Potsdam Single Reed Summit and Woodwind Summit. She also served as Director of the Crane Youth Music Camp from 2009-2023.   Dr. Doyle is the New York State Chair for the International Clarinet Association and served as Pedagogy Coordinator from 2022-2024.  ​ Dr. Doyle's Debut CD Dante Dances premiered in 2019 including works by Crane Composers Arthur Frackenpohl and Elliot DelBorgo as well as Dan Welcher and New Zealand composer Douglas Lilburn. She joined saxophonist Robert Young and pianist David Heinick on Young's 2018 album Hybrid, performing Heinick's four letter words which she and Young commissioned for premiere at the 2016 International Clarinet Association Conference in Baton Rouge, LA.  ​ An active soloist and chamber musician, she is a member of the Aria Reed Trio and serves as Principal Clarinet with the Orchestra of Northern New York and Northern Symphonic Winds. She has also performed with the Lake Placid Sinfonietta, Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Amici Orchestra, Light Opera Oklahoma, Tulsa Philharmonic, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Eastman Wind Ensemble including a tour to Japan, Taiwan and Macau, Eastman Philharmonia and Eastman Opera Orchestra.   Passionate about the music of our time, Julianne has taken part in numerous commissions and consortiums for works by Jenni Brandon, Paul Schoenfeld, Margaret Brower, Jim Stephenson, Erich Stem, Kevin Poelking, Nathalie Grooms, Samuel Hunter, Luke Ellard, Theresa Martin and Tyler Mazone as well as her colleagues at Crane: Ivette Herryman-Rodriguez, Timothy Sullivan, Jerod Sommerfeldt and David Heinick. She looks forward to being part of many more consortiums and commission projects to continue to grow the 21st Century Clarinet Repertoire.   ​ Dr. Doyle is constantly exploring solutions to the Stress Velopharyngeal Insufficiency (SVPI/Soft Palatal Air Leak) in wind playing. She has published articles and given conference presentations for pathways to alleviation and prevention. She has assisted numerous professionals and students in minimizing and correcting soft palate air leak. Through virtual platforms and in person, she is excited to now offer a lecture presentation on the topic to collegiate studios around the country.  ​ Dr. Doyle has performed and presented at numerous conferences including the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, International Clarinet Association ClarinetFest, International Double Reed Society Conference, New York State School Music Association Conference, New York State Band Directors Association, Mid-America Center for Contemporary Music, the Oklahoma Clarinet Symposium and has given master classes for Juilliard Summerwinds, Southeast Asian Youth Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, Aria Summer Music Academy, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, University of Michigan, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Louisiana State University, University of Arkansas-Ft. Smith, Bowling Green State University, Oakland University, and Nazareth College.  ​ Prior to joining the faculty at Crane, she held teaching positions at Ball State University, University of Rochester, Eastman School of Music, Eastman Community Music School, Hochstein School of Music and Nazareth College. ​ She holds the Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees in Performance and Literature and Arts Leadership Certificate from the Eastman School of Music and a Bachelors of Music from the University of Oklahoma. Her primary teachers include Jon Manasse, David Etheridge and Bradford Behn.  ​ Dr. Doyle is honored to be an artist with Backun Musical Services and DANSR/Vandoren.

Julianne Kirk Doyle joined the faculty of the Crane School of Music in 2006 and serves as Professor of Clarinet and Admissions/Auditions Coordinator. Dr. Doyle co-coordinates the acclaimed Potsdam Single Reed Summit and Woodwind Summit. She also served as Director of the Crane Youth Music Camp from 2009-2023.   Dr. Doyle is the New York State Chair for the International Clarinet Association and served as Pedagogy Coordinator from 2022-2024.  ​ Dr. Doyle's Debut CD Dante Dances premiered in 2019 including works by Crane Composers Arthur Frackenpohl and Elliot DelBorgo as well as Dan Welcher and New Zealand composer Douglas Lilburn. She joined saxophonist Robert Young and pianist David Heinick on Young's 2018 album Hybrid, performing Heinick's four letter words which she and Young commissioned for premiere at the 2016 International Clarinet Association Conference in Baton Rouge, LA.  ​ An active soloist and chamber musician, she is a member of the Aria Reed Trio and serves as Principal Clarinet with the Orchestra of Northern New York and Northern Symphonic Winds. She has also performed with the Lake Placid Sinfonietta, Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Amici Orchestra, Light Opera Oklahoma, Tulsa Philharmonic, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Eastman Wind Ensemble including a tour to Japan, Taiwan and Macau, Eastman Philharmonia and Eastman Opera Orchestra.   Passionate about the music of our time, Julianne has taken part in numerous commissions and consortiums for works by Jenni Brandon, Paul Schoenfeld, Margaret Brower, Jim Stephenson, Erich Stem, Kevin Poelking, Nathalie Grooms, Samuel Hunter, Luke Ellard, Theresa Martin and Tyler Mazone as well as her colleagues at Crane: Ivette Herryman-Rodriguez, Timothy Sullivan, Jerod Sommerfeldt and David Heinick. She looks forward to being part of many more consortiums and commission projects to continue to grow the 21st Century Clarinet Repertoire.   ​ Dr. Doyle is constantly exploring solutions to the Stress Velopharyngeal Insufficiency (SVPI/Soft Palatal Air Leak) in wind playing. She has published articles and given conference presentations for pathways to alleviation and prevention. She has assisted numerous professionals and students in minimizing and correcting soft palate air leak. Through virtual platforms and in person, she is excited to now offer a lecture presentation on the topic to collegiate studios around the country.  ​ Dr. Doyle has performed and presented at numerous conferences including the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, International Clarinet Association ClarinetFest, International Double Reed Society Conference, New York State School Music Association Conference, New York State Band Directors Association, Mid-America Center for Contemporary Music, the Oklahoma Clarinet Symposium and has given master classes for Juilliard Summerwinds, Southeast Asian Youth Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, Aria Summer Music Academy, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, University of Michigan, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Louisiana State University, University of Arkansas-Ft. Smith, Bowling Green State University, Oakland University, and Nazareth College.  ​ Prior to joining the faculty at Crane, she held teaching positions at Ball State University, University of Rochester, Eastman School of Music, Eastman Community Music School, Hochstein School of Music and Nazareth College. ​ She holds the Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees in Performance and Literature and Arts Leadership Certificate from the Eastman School of Music and a Bachelors of Music from the University of Oklahoma. Her primary teachers include Jon Manasse, David Etheridge and Bradford Behn.  ​ Dr. Doyle is honored to be an artist with Backun Musical Services and DANSR/Vandoren.

In our final episode with Lauren, she shares the challenges she experienced in academia while led to her departure from higher ed.

In this episode, we take a look at the internal challenges Lauren faced. Praised by the Washington Post for her radiant tone, clarinetist Lauren Jacobson is in demand as a soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, ensemble musician and consultant domestically and abroad. A versatile career has encompassed national and international engagements including four years with The President's Own United States Marine Band in Washington, D.C., the Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic, Colorado Symphony and the Verge Ensemble in Washington, D.C. Lauren has toured extensively as a chamber musician with Vortex (woodwind quintet) and IndigoTwo (clarinet-piano duo), and has performed and taught as a chamber musician and soloist in Asia, Latin America, Europe and Canada.

Praised by the Washington Post for her radiant tone, clarinetist Lauren Jacobson is in demand as a soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, ensemble musician and consultant domestically and abroad. A versatile career has encompassed national and international engagements including four years with The President's Own United States Marine Band in Washington, D.C., the Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic, Colorado Symphony and the Verge Ensemble in Washington, D.C. Lauren has toured extensively as a chamber musician with Vortex (woodwind quintet) and IndigoTwo (clarinet-piano duo), and has performed and taught as a chamber musician and soloist in Asia, Latin America, Europe and Canada. 

Hailed for her “robust playing and virtuosic performance” (San Diego Tribune) and “beautiful and clear tone” (The Clarinet Journal), Jackie Glazier is an active soloist, chamber musician, orchestral clarinetist, pedagogue, and advocate of new music. As associate professor of clarinet at the University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music, Glazier is a committed pedagogue and mentor to future generations of clarinetists. As a soloist and chamber musician, she has performed throughout North America, Europe and Asia at many prestigious venues, including the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. Glazier is a founding member of the clarinet and saxophone ensemble, Duo Entre-Nous, with Belgian-based saxophonist Don-Paul Kahl. The duo is active in commissioning, performing, and recording works for clarinet and saxophone, and has been responsible for the creation of over 20 new works for the genre since 2016. In April 2021, they released their debut album, Fresh Ink, on Equilibrium Records, which received acclaim in The Saxophonist. Much of her work is connected to contemporary performance and intercultural arts research. Her performances have featured many world premieres, experimentation with choreography, multimedia, technology and exploration of scientific fields and the human experience. As a soloist and chamber musician, Glazier has recorded for Parma, Centaur, Naxos, Toccata Classics, Mark Records, Equilibrium Records, New Sound Records, and Navona Records. In addition, Glazier is a frequent orchestral performer, having played with orchestras across the country as guest principal, second, Eb and bass clarinet. An active clinician and educator, Jackie has presented guest master classes at major universities throughout the United States. She has earned degrees from Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, University of Florida, and Florida State University. Jackie was named one of the University of Florida’s Outstanding Young Alumni in 2018. She is an artist with Buffet-Crampon and Vandoren, and performs exclusively on Buffet-Crampon clarinets and Vandoren reeds.

Hailed for her “robust playing and virtuosic performance” (San Diego Tribune) and “beautiful and clear tone” (The Clarinet Journal), Jackie Glazier is an active soloist, chamber musician, orchestral clarinetist, pedagogue, and advocate of new music. As associate professor of clarinet at the University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music, Glazier is a committed pedagogue and mentor to future generations of clarinetists. As a soloist and chamber musician, she has performed throughout North America, Europe and Asia at many prestigious venues, including the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. Glazier is a founding member of the clarinet and saxophone ensemble, Duo Entre-Nous, with Belgian-based saxophonist Don-Paul Kahl. The duo is active in commissioning, performing, and recording works for clarinet and saxophone, and has been responsible for the creation of over 20 new works for the genre since 2016. In April 2021, they released their debut album, Fresh Ink, on Equilibrium Records, which received acclaim in The Saxophonist. Much of her work is connected to contemporary performance and intercultural arts research. Her performances have featured many world premieres, experimentation with choreography, multimedia, technology and exploration of scientific fields and the human experience. As a soloist and chamber musician, Glazier has recorded for Parma, Centaur, Naxos, Toccata Classics, Mark Records, Equilibrium Records, New Sound Records, and Navona Records. In addition, Glazier is a frequent orchestral performer, having played with orchestras across the country as guest principal, second, Eb and bass clarinet. An active clinician and educator, Jackie has presented guest master classes at major universities throughout the United States. She has earned degrees from Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, University of Florida, and Florida State University. Jackie was named one of the University of Florida’s Outstanding Young Alumni in 2018. She is an artist with Buffet-Crampon and Vandoren, and performs exclusively on Buffet-Crampon clarinets and Vandoren reeds.

Charlene Zimmerman, is the former Principal Clarinet at Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra. She also served on the faculty of Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts. With the Lyric Opera Orchestra and the Grant Park Symphony, Charlene has been heard many times over WFMT Fine Arts Radio for opening night broadcasts and other concerts. During the Wagner Ring Cycles of 1996 in Chicago, conducted by Zubin Mehta, Charlene received critical acclaim from New York Times music critic Bernard Holland: "during Gotterdamerung on Saturday night, the crucial clarinet parts were very beautiful." She has performed with the Chicago Symphony, the Milwaukee Symphony, American Ballet Theater, Music of the Baroque, the Sanibel Festival, and the Grand Teton Music Festival. She has recorded hundreds of TV and radio commercials in Chicago, has recorded with the Chicago, Milwaukee, and the Grant Park Symphony Orchestras and can be heard with the Lyric Opera Orchestra on the Ardis Krainik Gala Concert, the Barber Antony and Cleopatra, and the Bolcom A View from the Bridge. Outside of music Charlene devotes her time to her husband, writer Jack Zimmerman, their two sons and wives, and their three grandchildren.

Charlene Zimmerman, is the former Principal Clarinet at Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra. She also served on the faculty of Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts. With the Lyric Opera Orchestra and the Grant Park Symphony, Charlene has been heard many times over WFMT Fine Arts Radio for opening night broadcasts and other concerts. During the Wagner Ring Cycles of 1996 in Chicago, conducted by Zubin Mehta, Charlene received critical acclaim from New York Times music critic Bernard Holland: "during Gotterdamerung on Saturday night, the crucial clarinet parts were very beautiful." She has performed with the Chicago Symphony, the Milwaukee Symphony, American Ballet Theater, Music of the Baroque, the Sanibel Festival, and the Grand Teton Music Festival. She has recorded hundreds of TV and radio commercials in Chicago, has recorded with the Chicago, Milwaukee, and the Grant Park Symphony Orchestras and can be heard with the Lyric Opera Orchestra on the Ardis Krainik Gala Concert, the Barber Antony and Cleopatra, and the Bolcom A View from the Bridge. Outside of music Charlene devotes her time to her husband, writer Jack Zimmerman, their two sons and wives, and their three grandchildren.

Dr. Julie Detweiler is a classical freelance clarinetist who has been described as delivering her musical style with "flair." She is the Eb clarinetist with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra and has performed with orchestras around the country throughout her career, including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orlando Philharmonic, the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and the New England Symphonic Ensemble, among others. In addition, she has participated in the Aspen Music School and Festival, the Rome Festival Orchestra and the Bard Conductor’s Institute, the latter as a member of the orchestra. An avid chamber musician, Dr. Detweiler is also a founding member of Trio Lucent, comprised of two clarinets and piano. As an educator, Dr. Detweiler is currently adjunct faculty at Florida State University and Northwest Florida State College and teaches at the Florida State University Summer Music Camp during the summer. She has maintained an active private teaching studio for over twenty years. She has also served as a New York Philharmonic Teaching Artist and has taught in the pre-college programs at both the Manhattan School of Music and The Juilliard School. Dr. Detweiler completed her Doctor of Music degree in clarinet performance at Florida State University and also holds degrees from Northwestern University and the State University of New York at Potsdam. Her major teachers include Russell Dagon, Dr. Frank Kowalsky, Mark Nuccio, Theodore Oien, and Dr. Alan Woy. She currently lives in the Tallahassee, Florida area with her husband and children. Dr. Detweiler is a Vandoren Artist-Clinician.

Dr. Julie Detweiler is a classical freelance clarinetist who has been described as delivering her musical style with "flair." She is the Eb clarinetist with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra and has performed with orchestras around the country throughout her career, including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orlando Philharmonic, the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and the New England Symphonic Ensemble, among others. In addition, she has participated in the Aspen Music School and Festival, the Rome Festival Orchestra and the Bard Conductor’s Institute, the latter as a member of the orchestra. An avid chamber musician, Dr. Detweiler is also a founding member of Trio Lucent, comprised of two clarinets and piano. As an educator, Dr. Detweiler is currently adjunct faculty at Florida State University and Northwest Florida State College and teaches at the Florida State University Summer Music Camp during the summer. She has maintained an active private teaching studio for over twenty years. She has also served as a New York Philharmonic Teaching Artist and has taught in the pre-college programs at both the Manhattan School of Music and The Juilliard School. Dr. Detweiler completed her Doctor of Music degree in clarinet performance at Florida State University and also holds degrees from Northwestern University and the State University of New York at Potsdam. Her major teachers include Russell Dagon, Dr. Frank Kowalsky, Mark Nuccio, Theodore Oien, and Dr. Alan Woy. She currently lives in the Tallahassee, Florida area with her husband and children. Dr. Detweiler is a Vandoren Artist-Clinician.

Episode 9: In this episode we speak with composer, clarinetist, and mom of 2, Kristen Denny Chambers. She shares how her past has shaped her role as a mother.  https://clarinetplayground.com  Dr. Kristen Denny-Chambers, (b. 1978) clarinetist, teacher, and composer, has performed as a freelance, chamber, and orchestral clarinetist in several venues including the Ameropa Chamber Music Festival in Prague, the Fort Smith Symphony, Wyoming Symphony, Longmont Symphony, Colorado Light Opera, and the Tulsa Symphony.

Episode 8: In this episode we speak with composer, clarinetist, and mom of 2, Kristen Denny Chambers. She shares how her past has shaped her role as a mother. https://clarinetplayground.com Dr. Kristen Denny-Chambers, (b. 1978) clarinetist, teacher, and composer, has performed as a freelance, chamber, and orchestral clarinetist in several venues including the Ameropa Chamber Music Festival in Prague, the Fort Smith Symphony, Wyoming Symphony, Longmont Symphony, Colorado Light Opera, and the Tulsa Symphony. Having no formal compositional training, Kristen wrote a clarinet exercise book called Prep Steps Before You Kroepsch in 2016 with the goal of bridging the gap between high school and college-level clarinet methods. A few years later, Kristen wrote Finger Fitness ÉtudesBook 1 which incorporates finger technique drills into 38 tuneful and light-hearted études with 10 additional études for low C clarinets. Composed in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the book showcases a new compositional voice that was simply waiting for the right moment for inspiration. Released in September of 2021, Finger Fitness Études Book 2 picks up where book 1 left off with 40 new études (plus 18 for low C) featuring larger intervals, more challenging rhythms, and elevated musical expectations. Released just a month later in September of 2021, Finger Fitness Foundationsis a precursor to Finger Fitness Études Book 1. It contains mostly half-page études based on the “68 Exercises in Mechanism” from the Celebrated Method for the Clarinet by H. Klosé – perfect for those just getting started with finger fundamentals.  Following a long, five-year break from social media, Kristen returned with the purpose of connecting with others musically. After having kids and multiple dental surgeries, she needed to get back into shape so she dove into some performance groups. Kristen noticed a need for another group so she started an Étude of the WeekFacebook group for clarinet enthusiasts to journey through études together and, much to her surprise, the community has become a significant part of her daily life with new friendships and connections budding daily. Kristen has also started a Facebook group for Clarinet Playground that has become a wonderfully supportive group and allows members to post and cheer each other on as they play through Clarinet Playground materials. Branching out further from her comfort zone, Kristen joined Instagram and has learned to create videos and other content related to Étude of the Week and Clarinet Playground as well as clarinet coaching materials. Kristen is now teaching full-time in her home studio, writing and experimenting with music as much as possible, leading and participating in several online clarinet communities, performing with local and virtual groups, taking care of her two small children, and brainstorming for her next book project. Dr. Denny-Chambers holds degrees from the University of Tulsa, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the University of Colorado-Boulder. Kristen’s primary teachers include Shannon Scott, Diane Barger, and Daniel Silver.

In this episode, we talk about all things Winter Break and reflect on the interviews we conducted in 2023.

Dr. Jackie McIlwain, Associate Professor of Clarinet, began teaching at The University of Southern Mississippi in 2013. She enjoys keeping a diverse and active performance schedule with solo recitals, chamber recitals, solo performances, and orchestral performances. Dr. McIlwain's research interest includes musicians' injuries and preventions. In 2017, Dr. McIlwain became a licensed Body Mapping Educator and has presented this topic across the globe. Body Mapping was designed for musicians and promotes moving with more freedom, efficiency, and less tension. It often provides relief for musicians who are injured or perform with pain, and helpful for musicians to prevent pain from occurring.⁠https://www.jackiemapsmusic.com/

Dr. Jackie McIlwain, Associate Professor of Clarinet, began teaching at The University of Southern Mississippi in 2013. She enjoys keeping a diverse and active performance schedule with solo recitals, chamber recitals, solo performances, and orchestral performances.Dr. McIlwain's research interest includes musicians' injuries and preventions. In 2017, Dr. McIlwain became a licensed Body Mapping Educator and has presented this topic across the globe. Body Mapping was designed for musicians and promotes moving with more freedom, efficiency, and less tension. It often provides relief for musicians who are injured or perform with pain, and helpful for musicians to prevent pain from occurring.https://www.jackiemapsmusic.com/

In this episode, Rosemary shares more of her journey as a mother-musician.

In this episode, we interview Rosemary Engelstad! Human. Musician. Clarinetist. Body Nerd. Music Educator. MovNat (Natural Movement) Certified Trainer L1. Massage Therapist. Trainee in Body Mapping Education. Student in Craniosacral Therapy. https://www.rosemaryengelstad.com/

In this episode, we introduce our other co-host, Amy Guffey. She and Amanda discuss her experiences as an expecting mother, new parent, and daily life with three young children. Amy Guffey serves as Teaching Assistant Professor of Clarinet at Kansas State University. She holds degrees from Shenandoah University, Ball State University, and Florida State University. Her principal teachers include Deborah Bish, Caroline Hartig, Frank Kowalsky, Kathleen Mulcahy, and Charlene Zimmerman. Guffey is principal clarinetist with the Chamber Orchestra of the Smoky Valley, is on faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and serves on the International Clarinet Association (ICA) Youth Involvement Committee. She is also a proud Backun Musical Services Artist. www.amyguffeymusic.com

In our first episode, we introduce co-host, Amanda Morrison. She shares a bit about herself, her family, and Crazy Thursdays! Dr. Morrison is a Vandoren Artist-Clinician and a registered Music Together early childhood music teacher. She 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. www.amandarmorrison.com.